Here’s everything you need to know about Missouri’s season-opener against South Dakota State this afternoon at The Zou.

When: Today
Where: Columbia, Missouri
Game Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPNU
Current Line: Missouri (-26)

Game Buzz: The Tigers lost as many key contributors as any team in the SEC. Not many expect Missouri to defend their surprise SEC East title from a year ago, but Gary Pinkel is one of the best at developing talent. Can Pinkel use this game to evaluate and teach several players taking on expanded roles?

Saturday Down South previews

No. 24 MISSOURI TIGERS

Players To Watch:

  • QB Maty Mauk
  • RB/WR Marcus Murphy
  • RB Russell Hansbrough
  • OL Evan Boehm
  • DE Markus Golden
  • DE Shane Ray
  • DB Braylon Webb

Keys for Missouri:

  • Refine the offensive identity. What’s the most effective way to use Marcus Murphy? Can the tight ends be a factor in the passing game? Will one of the receivers become a true first option, or should the team spread out the targets? Those are questions that become easier to answer against live competition.
  • Dominate the line of scrimmage. The Tigers have a clear advantage at offensive and defensive line. The game shouldn’t be a contest, and the lines need to do their jobs to make sure there are no nervous moments.
  • Stay disciplined in the back seven. Yes, it’s trite. But the linebackers and corners don’t have much experience. They have a ton of athleticism. Facing one of the top three or four running backs the team will see this season, but with a much greater advantage at the line of scrimmage, this is a good opportunity for the back seven to play Duck Hunt, but they must play within the scheme.

Glaring weakness to watch: Cornerback Depth — Aarion Penton appears poised to make a strong progression as a sophomore. But are fellow sophomore John Gibson, the nickelback Duron Singleton and the other cornerbacks who see the field ready to contain, say, Georgia’s deep receiving corps? It may be tough to tell against South Dakota State, but the Jackrabbits do have a decent quarterback and a few good receivers.

Most interesting part of the game: What will the Marcus Murphy experience be like in 2014? It appears he may return fewer kicks and catch more passes, but the exact formula seems fluid. It’s our first chance to see what tinkering with Murphy’s role could add to the offense.

Team buzz: Tigers fans are eager to see if Missouri can prove the media wrong and recapture the SEC East, but the Big 12-style schedule features four winnable non-conference games first. Can the team avoid a loss while developing its depth and coaching up some of the young players?

 

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE JACKRABBITS

Players To Watch:

  • RB Zach Zenner
  • QB Austin Sumner
  • WR Jason Schneider

Keys for South Dakota State:

  • The Jackrabbits are a Top 10 type team in the FCS this season. Zenner has a chance to be the best running back in FCS history. South Dakota State has an opportunity to not only make the playoffs, but get a favorable seed. But to do that, they have to make sure none of the key entities get hurt against Missouri.
  • Don’t turn the ball over. Missouri enters with a well-known 44-game turnover streak. The Jackrabbits shouldn’t be in this game in the fourth quarter. But If South Dakota State gives away possessions, the game could get ugly fast.
  • Mix in passes. It’s a well-deserved showcase for Zenner, as most of the country doesn’t know who he is. But it’ll be tough for him to get many good carries or display his skills if South Dakota State doesn’t keep the Missouri defense somewhat honest.