SDS is producing an in-depth series looking at teams and their biggest subplots heading into 2015. First up: the Missouri Tigers.

1. THREE-PEAT POSSIBLE

Missouri is bidding to become just the second team in SEC history to win a division for three consecutive years, joining Florida (1992-96). The Tigers aren’t favored — that label belongs once again to the Georgia Bulldogs — but the media did pick Mizzou to finish third in the East. That’s a higher projection than when coach Gary Pinkel’s team made it to Atlanta in 2013 and 2014.

If the team is to defy odds for a third consecutive season, it may need to reinvent itself again. Missouri shifted from relying on a powerful balanced offense (’13) to leaning on a strong running game and intimidating pass rush (’14) the last two seasons. The defensive line must be rebuilt almost completely. Aside from Russell Hansbrough, the main skill-position cogs on offense are gone as well.

There are two main boosters of Missouri’s three-peat chances. First, the team faces an inordinately manageable schedule by SEC standards. Its two crossover divisional games are against opponents predicted to finish in the bottom half of the SEC West. Its non-conference schedule includes three automatic wins and a fourth winnable game against BYU. Three of its toughest four SEC East games take place at Faurot Field. Second, Georgia — a favorite each of the last two seasons as well — remains mired in a yearly pattern of losing games it shouldn’t.

2. REMADE DEFENSIVE LINE

When Craig Kuligowski opted not to accept a co-coordinator job at Illinois and remain in Columbia as a position coach, it appeared that the Tigers had a real opportunity to at least replicate their defensive line play of last season.

That belief only deepened when the team signed five-star tackle Terry Beckner Jr. in February and as Harold Brantley played like an All-SEC talent during spring practice.

Then the team dismissed projected starting end Marcus Loud. Then Brantley got into a serious car accident that will cause him to miss the 2015 season at minimum. Then tackle Josh Augusta arrived at preseason camp very overweight. Add that to the losses of NFL draft picks Shane Ray and Markus Golden as well as veteran defensive tackles Lucas Vincent and Matt Hoch and the line needs to be remade almost from nothing.

Defensive end Charles Harris has emerged as the new leader. He’ll need help from a fairly nameless cast of others — players originally ticketed for reserve roles.

3. DEVELOPMENT OF THE INEXPERIENCED RECEIVERS

How talented was the team’s 2013 receiving corps? Bud Sasser, stashed on the bench and rarely able to contribute, then finished third in the SEC with 1,003 receiving yards in 2014. Jimmie Hunt, another solid pass-catcher, emerged last year after being relegated to afterthought status the season before.

But both of those players are gone, along with a third senior starter in Darius White. The replacements accomplished next to nothing when any of those three missed time last season, leaving Maty Mauk, playing with a bum shoulder, to absorb the blame.

Between spring and fall camps, injuries have sidelined Nate Brown, J’Mon Moore and Wesley Leftwich, among others. Still, the team’s passing game has surpassed all expectations during preseason scrimmages. DeSean Blair is playing like someone who will be a valuable asset this season. The team also will rely on pass-catching contributions from tight ends Sean Culkin and Jason Reese (currently nursing a sprained knee).

Whether the pass-catchers can provide Mauk and the offense with enough support is one of the most influential factors for this team in 2015.

4. CAN MATY MAUK CARRY THE TEAM?

Speaking of Mauk, expectations soared for him last preseason. As a redshirt freshman, he led a surprise Missouri team to a 3-1 record in SEC games while starting in place of an injured James Franklin. Those expectations only increased when he accounted for 13 touchdowns during a 3-0 start.

But a nagging shoulder injury, too many reckless throws and an unwillingness to stay in the pocket led to some wild inconsistencies. He failed to reach 175 passing yards in five consecutive SEC games last year and wasn’t as productive as a runner as some projected. As the season matured, Missouri got more conservative, relying on an effective running game and stout defense. The team sheltered Mauk at times.

This year that may not be possible. Not if Missouri wants to again compete in the SEC East. Mauk needs to learn when to throw the ball away and be less jittery in the pocket. Occasionally, he needs to turn upfield and gain positive yards. His father, Mike Mauk, is fighting colorectal cancer. The quarterback has said he plans to dedicate this season to his dad. His teammates, too, need him to play better, and perhaps even carry the team in some games.

SDS TAKEAWAY

In addition to losing 10 NFL draft picks in the last two years, the losses of Brantley and Loud are significant. That’s a lot of personnel to replace for a team with one Top 25 recruiting finish in five years (No. 25 in 2015).

The team is adjusting to new defensive coordinator Barry Odom. Mizzou also is contending with Tennessee’s return to prominence and Georgia’s formidable roster.

Still, with one major exception (Indiana) Pinkel and his staff have done an excellent job of beating flawed opponents the last two seasons. The schedule offers plenty of those in 2015. The Tigers always seem to get surprise contributions from somewhere. And enough NFL talent remains with players like Hansbrough, Kentrell Brothers, Kenya Dennis, Evan Boehm and Connor McGovern.

Missouri fans shouldn’t be disappointed if this team fades in the East Division this year. But neither should the rest of the SEC be shocked if the Tigers do not.