SDS predicts the game one starters for all 14 SEC teams. Next up, the Mizzou Tigers.

The Missouri Tigers open the season at home against South Dakota State, and here is our projected starting lineup:

Offense Defense
QB Maty Mauk DE Markus Golden
RB Russell Hansbrough DT Lucas Vincent
WR Bud Sasser DT Matt Hoch
WR Darius White DE Shane Ray
WR Jimmie Hunt OLB Darvin Ruise
TE Sean Culkin MLB Kentrell Brothers
LT Mitch Morse OLB Michael Scherer
LG Anthony Gatti CB Aarion Penton
C Evan Boehm CB John Gibson
RG Mitch Hall SS Braylon Webb
RT Connor McGovern FS Ian Simon

Takeaways:

  • Missouri’s spread offense usually features four wide receivers, but I included tight end Sean Culkin in the starting lineup. The receiving rotation will be interesting to watch this season. Both Bud Sasser and Jimmie Hunt have some nice experience, and Darius White was a former five-star receiver who signed with Texas out of high school. Marcus Murphy has also been working at wide receiver during fall camp, and he could be a No. 4 option for the offense. He’ll see time at both running back and receiver.
  • Center Evan Boehm is the anchor of the O-line, and he could be one of the top five centers in the country.
  • The defensive line will be nasty again with Markus Golden and Shane Ray at the book-ends and Lucas Vincent and Matt Hoch at tackle. Interestingly, tackle Josh Augusta and end Charles Harris will be major impact players this season, too. Just wait until you see Harris play.
  • Kentrell Brothers should be a big-time linebacker, and Aarion Penton is a great option at cornerback. Braylon Webb anchors the secondary at safety as the group’s only returning starter.

Predicted starters for every SEC team’s first game: