An Early Look: Missouri Tigers 2008 Football Schedule

This is probably without a doubt the most hyped football season ever for Missouri Tiger fans. Coming off a 12-2 season and concluding the season with the #4 ranking in the nation, things are looking up for the Tigers. The team is a legitimate national title contender, as it returns 10 defensive starters and key components of a very good offense from last season's great team.

Looking at the schedule, the Tigers will have some clear challenges. An early breakdown of the schedule for the Tigers:

Money in the bank: These should be wins, unquestionably.

• Southeast Missouri State

• Nevada

• Buffalo

• @ Nebraska – It is in Lincoln, but with a new coach and a horrible defense, I think the Tigers get it done up there this season.

• Oklahoma State

• Colorado

• @ Baylor

• Kansas State

The game that scares the crap out of me: While I feel the Tigers are over the hump, this is Missouri after all and a crazy game could trip them up.

• My guess is @ Iowa State in November. This is the game before the KU game at Arrowhead. We were upset up there two years ago and they nearly knocked off Oklahoma last season in Ames. It should be a win. But for whatever reason, the game in Ames scares the hell out of me.

The three biggies

• KU: Like it or not, throw out the records anytime these guys meet. With KU wanting revenge from their only loss last year, Mangino and his guys will be motivated. I am confident the Tigers will be eagerly waiting and ready to win their third straight against their Border War rivals.

• @ Texas: The Tigers need to get over the hump and beat one of the two Southern powers. They failed against Oklahoma twice last year. Winning in Austin would solidify the Tigers as national title contenders.

• Illinois: This neutral field game is important in order for a fast start. Winning four straight over the Illini would give the Tigers a recruiting advantage and would begin the season on the right note. You have to win the first, right?

Right now, I am predicting another 12-2 season – this time with a BCS bowl victory in the Fiesta Bowl.