I was surprised to hear Mizzou had those kind of stats for defense. I'm not sure about how much is due to Walters, and I was a bit negative, because I was reacting to games in which tackling and pass defense lapsed. So, now I feel better generally about MU defense and maybe Walters too. With consistent offensive production, better special teams and turnovers, MU should easily compete in the SEC East.

Among other reasons to lose Walters, if defensive coaches including these new hires don't feel coordination and leadership, Walters could be replaced internally.

With such a lackluster and inconsistent offense, it's a good time to push out the dead wood. I liked all three of these coaches when their players were on the field and executing - BUT with the huge lapses, I cannot accept that this was all due to injuries. In retrospect I think MU coaches and players knew Odom was toast after Wyoming, and that other coaches were toast after the last losing streak.

Giving the reaction of only one player really isn't that helpful, Dave. Yet, I get that there weren't a lot of MU players left of note with any real leadership mindset or enthusiasm, after a full year of hype before seeing the same mediocre coaching from Odom.

I agree with Wolfman. Haley stopped much of the run, finally got some pass rush going. Gibbs, still new, at least developed some turnovers and interceptions. Walters? Walters never really developed much in his players or his defensive tactics, allowing Barry to give lots of games away. Yes, wolfman, partying and feeling your coaches were at a crap shoot.

I believe this was a great time to finish with Odom and try a new HC. Inconsistency, missed tackles, penalties for stupid attitude should have been dealt with all along. I was absolutely sick of hearing about how "we" would learn from that every failed game. And Odom dumped too many easy games.

I believe incentives are more important than base salaries from several standpoints. But incentive compensation is also part of market dynamics. I'm glad MU has started a new coach, Odom was over his head at his hire and behind the learning curve every year at Mizzou. I'm glad Sterk pulled the plug on a poor HC and started a new regime with a promising coach.

I can't say that I have any opinion on Drinkwitz's press persona in the clip. How he handles coaching assignments, hires or fires, recruiting, is my question.

If Drinkwitz cleans up problems with execution/tackling, penalties/attitude, stops playing giveaway in opening games and road games he'll eclipse Odom.

I don't know much about Drinkwitz, but he sounds like a good hire. If he cleans up team attitude, penalties, tackling/execution and gets recruits - then he has to do better than Odom.

Elijah Young does the sensible thing. Young of course needs to know if the new HC is compatible with running back Coach Ford.

I think McElwain is a decent candidate, one of several that could easily surpass Odom's lack of development and record.

I agree, Wolfman. I'm back in the USA, so SDS will let me comment again :) Odom falls short on head coaching skills and game management skills for openers. Nice guy, but . . . not cognizant of his shortcomings or those of his coaches and players, nor able to adjust. Loss to Vanderbilt isn't as bad as his loss to Wyoming to me. His near defensive suicide at Missouri State, was a glimpse of his career to come at MU.

Lock will be at the 90th percentile or above for NFL prospects on character. Young people are sometimes volatile and often unpredictable with major new stressors or situations. But the young learn quickly and usually do not regress to most of those problem behaviors. The NFL knows all the risks, and contracts or cuts accordingly. But I agree wolfman, the NFL does some enabling, maybe more than the colleges.

If he has coachable talent from his QB skills and good hands he might make a good tight end, especially with MU's focus on blocking and pass protection from tight ends.

Big thank you, Adam and other SDS writers, you guys bring a lot of info and ideas about the Tigers to all the Mizzou zealots. Not wanting to rock the boat too much, but can you update as possible on coaching progress at MU football? Questions like who handles the QB development? Dooley's mentor for progress and OC improvements? Does DC Walters and Brick Haley have goals for pass rush improvements and defensive end development that can be written? Can you guys ask for Coaching interviews?

Hey! wolfman, very fine breakdown on the kicking game issues! I really appreciate your take. BTW Do you ever check Dave Matter's St. Louis Post website articles, weekly chat on Thursdays 11 AM or occasional podcasts with BenFred? (all searchable from Post's sport page online?) He offers pretty good dialog with fans.

Point taken, wolfman. No question this is on the job training for Mizzou HC, OC and DC -- LOL. Tackling was abysmal at first and still needs further teaching, along with Gibb's forcing of turnovers - which could be the single biggest factor on this defense that could improve the team's future. - - -- wolfman, do you think I'm off about wanting a better place kicker?? STL is a soccer center, at least in the USA. Can't we cultivate or recruit somebody better on point after and maybe field goal? Or is blocking a bigger problem during kicks?

Gibbs brings a lot of experience, he's improved defenses at all of his stops. He can get Mizzou forcing more turnovers and cut points allowed by at least three per game on average in 2019. Welcome to MU, David Gibbs !!!

This is a promotion for Brian, hope he gets more money. If Walters and Barry are happy with Hargreaves they shouldn't need another LB coach. My thing is bringing back the devastating defensive ends. If Sterk and Odom can bring a defensive end specialist coach from the pros or Top 25 on a short contract he could beef up Brick Haley's impact and recruiting - kind of like getting Monachino and McGee for a time. - - Now, if they could just find an elite placekicker from the soccer world.

Zoucat, I'm not against either Odom, but I have questions. Brian left OU, he works for his brother now, might want to move up, might want to diversify an Odom power base in FBS. I also think it's redundant to have two linebacker coaches when areas like defensive end or placekicker could use a boost.

Crockett was explosive when well, but not as dependable or durable as Rountree, who is also capable of explosive production. Between the two most coaches would choose Rountree. Badie is good, and he's followed by Bakare and more youth coming on board. I think MU could have a top 5 running game and top 10 passing. And if Walters can hold opponents to less than 24 points on average in 2019, I believe we are Top 10 in polls and a real force in the East.

If AO connects well with Bryant, McGee and Dooley he could break more records and enter Kellen Winslow status.

I read very little about Odom's effectiveness with MU, but he's Barry's brother. Having two linebacking coaches to me is a bit redundant especially when there are some other areas that could use a dedicated coach, but I also don't know Hargreaves status, or which of the two coaches is the best recruiter. Aside, Mizzou needs find a scholarship placekicker.

Somebody remarked Dooley must have thought he was calling that play for Kelly Bryant, but that was a very bad call for anybody whenit's 4th and 1 for the last chance to win the game. No blocking and no release valve to receive.

I don't fault the official for being used as a screen. I'm not upset by the time out call for the 1 point after, either. I am not sure who to blame for the very bad last offensive play by Mizzou with 4th and 1. Dooley called that or Lock let it go bad. MU is getting a rep with this giving the game away late in the 4th.

Nothing but OSU black jerseys on the right side. No blocking if this was a called play.

For a gain of one yard, in a possibly game-winning down, you would want a safe 1+ yard call. Running would be preferable, but then where were the blockers if there was no pass option? Running wide, Lock could have had more blocking from receivers, backs, linemen, etc. And on a team like this, why would there ever be a play called in which there was no pressure valve, no receiver or back available to take a pass or lateral?

A lot of good, bold predictions. With possible moist weather, OSU's weakened run, MU's strengthened secondary, I will stick with my MU 38 - OSU 24 prediction :) If I had to break down the scoring, I'd say 5 TDs plus 1 FG: 1 Lock run, 1 Rountree run, 1 Crockett or Badie run, 1 WR, 1 TE or Defensive TD. There is no doubt this game could bring big surprises, but I hope they go Mizzou's way. Happy New Year Mizzou !!!

QBs are motivated by a chance to play, especially if they are the "best" in a given situation, healthy and energized. Having depth at QB is a strength that should not be wasted. Although MUs running game may preclude need for a dominant pass attack, some passing keeps the run strong and defeats ranked teams. If Dooley brings that kind offense while playing one year QBs, developing younger QBs and delivering big stats, he should get 2 mil or take the better job.