The Missouri Tigers had an impressive 2023 season, defying preseason predictions to finish 11-2 and secure the No. 2 spot in the SEC East. They capped off the season with a victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, building significant momentum.
Many are optimistic about Missouri’s prospects for the next season. ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) ranks the Tigers at No. 10 nationally heading into 2024, placing them sixth in the SEC. The FPI projects Missouri will win nine games and gives them a 37.3% chance of making their first College Football Playoff appearance.
However, not everyone sees Missouri as a national title contender. On a recent episode of The Paul Finebaum Show, Finebaum acknowledged Missouri’s playoff potential but expressed doubts about their championship chances.
“I think they have a chance at the playoff, but I wouldn’t go as far as a national championship,” Finebaum said. “I think they are a top 10 team and very well could be third or fourth in the SEC, in terms of pecking order, but I’m not ready to make that quantum leap yet.
Missouri fans have reasons to be hopeful. The Tigers secured the No. 14 transfer portal class and retain 68% of their production from last season, ranking 31st nationally. Most of this retained production is on offense, with 79% returning, placing them 16th in the country.
Additionally, Missouri has the easiest conference schedule in the SEC, according to The Sporting News. Their toughest games are at Alabama, at Texas A&M, and at home against Oklahoma, which should bode well for another strong season in Columbia, MO.
