An offseason of change for Missouri led to a spring of renewal under first-year coach Barry Odom.

There’s plenty of room for improvement, especially on offense, after the Tigers finished 5-7 last year while failing to clinch a bowl berth for just the second time in the past 11 seasons.

For Missouri to return to the top of the SEC East, a question-filled offense must do more to complement a promising defense. If that happens, Odom’s acclimation should go better than anticipated in what will be a season of discovery for him and his program.

Here’s a closer look at the Tigers’ strengths and weaknesses after spring practice.

STRENGTHS

  • Drew Lock’s fresh start: Odom has insisted there’s an open competition at quarterback with Marvin Zanders and Jack Lowary also as possibilities. But it would surprise if Lock didn’t start when Missouri opens at West Virginia on Sept. 3. Last season was a baptism-by-fire experience for the 6-foot-4, 205-pound freshman, who had 1,332 yards passing with four touchdowns and eight interceptions in receiving significant work after Maty Mauk’s off-the-field issues. The perspective should serve Lock well. He could be asked to carry the Tigers’ new-look offense often this season.
  • Offensive overhaul: Missouri’s offense was downright atrocious at times in 2015. New coordinator Josh Heupel’s presence is intriguing, even if little is known about the Tigers’ unit after a cloak-and-dagger spring. Still, expect a fast-paced offense that tries to add more aggression and urgency compared to the slog witnessed last year. It will be interesting to see how the line holds up in the fall. But overall, there’s hope with all the change that has taken place. Expect some growing pains, but there’s reason to believe Missouri’s offense will be more potent this year.
  • Defensive line: No surprise here. The Tigers’ line, which has made a habit of pumping out NFL talent in recent years, should be a bright spot again. Charles Harris and Walter Brady will be threats at end. Tackle Terry Beckner Jr., who’s recovering from ACL/MCL surgery performed on his right knee in December, should be ready for fall camp. A.J. Logan, Rickey Hatley and Josh Augusta also should make themselves known in the rotation at the position. Tackle Harold Brantley, who was involved in a scary car crash last June, remains a question mark after he had surgery to repair a fractured left leg following the incident. He participated in practices early in the spring, but he still must gain weight to be effective. Overall, Missouri’s outlook in this area is encouraging even with the loss of former defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski in the offseason.

WEAKNESSES 

  • Offensive line: Believe it or not, the Tigers return just two linemen who have started a Division I game: center Alec Abeln and guard Nate Crawford. Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee faces a tall task in piecing together a group that can protect Lock and open holes for a work-in-progress running game. The situation is so fluid that incoming freshmen Trystan Castillo and Tre’vour Simms might compete for playing time when fall camp begins. The success of Heupel’s scheme will hinge on the line’s ability to surpass expectations.
  • Running backs: The Tigers’ rushing attack was the SEC’s worst last year, and until allowed to believe otherwise, viewers should approach Missouri’s ground game with skepticism. Ish Witter should be the top running back, and it remains to be seen if he’ll show more physicality than he displayed last year when he closed with a scant 518 yards on 126 carries. Witter received positive reviews in the spring for his improved performance, but he has work to do in the fall to prove he’s a changed player. If the rushing attack continues to sputter, more weight will be placed on Lock’s shoulders.
  • Unproven wide receivers: There’s room for someone to make a name for himself as a dynamic pass-catching option. But Missouri enters the fall with a bunch of unknowns. Nate Brown, Keyon Dilosa, J’Mon Moore and Justin Smith are candidates to create an impact on the outside. Chris Black, a transfer from Alabama, should be a staple in the slot. In 2015, the Tigers were last in the SEC in passing with 1,986 yards. The more they do to repair their reputation through the air, the better their chances will be to compete in the SEC East.