(Neon Tommy will be previewing the 2011 College Football Season throughout the summer. You can find links to each of our Top 25 previews here. Today, we preview the team ranked 20th, the Missouri Tigers.)

Head Coach:

Gary Pinkel (77-49 at Missouri, 150-86-3 overall)

Missouri's 2010 season:

10-3 (6-2). Lost to Iowa 27-24 in the Insight Bowl.

Offensive Analysis:

-- Nine returning starters

-- Impact Players - TE Michael Egnew, WR T.J. Moe, WR Jerrell Jackson

Unlike years past, the Missouri offense, led by offensive coordinator David Yost, was inconsistent throughout their 2010 campaign. The Tigers finished sixth in the Big 12 in total offense and recorded just 17 passing touchdowns--21 less than first place Oklahoma.

Starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert declared early for the NFL Draft while center Tim Barnes graduated. Every other offensive starter returns for the Tigers.

Sophomore James Franklin, who played the Wildcat quarterback during his freshman year, won the starting quarterback role during spring practice, beating out senior quarterback Jimmy Costello and redshirt freshman Tyler Gabbert.

The Tigers return one of the best receiving corps in the country, with every wide receiver who recorded a catch last season back for 2011. Hybrid tight end Michael Egnew and slot receiver T.J. Moe lead the way, as the two combined for 182 catches, 1807 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2010.

Defensive Analysis:

-- Six returning starters

-- Impact Players - DE Jacquies Smith, DE Brad Madison, MLB Will Ebner

The defense made large strides in 2010, and at times bailed out a stagnant offense. The Tigers collected 38 sacks during the 2010 season, good enough to lead the Big 12 and finish eighth nationally.

The 2010 Missouri defense held six teams to under 20 points, but allowed an average of 27.3 points in their three loses. The defense will be without DE Aldon Smith, who left early for the NFL, and three of last year's four starting cornerbacks.

The secondary could be a major issue for the Tigers, especially in a pass-happy Big-12. Missouri's schedule includes trips to Oklahoma and a non-conference game at Arizona State. They'll also welcome All-American receiver Justin Blackmon and the Oklahoma State Cowboys to Columbia in late October.

Strength:

The defensive line will look to mask a weak secondary in 2011, even with the loss of DE Aldon Smith to the NFL. Brad Madison and Jacquies Smith accounted for 13 of Missouri's 38 sacks. Junior Jimmy Burge and senior Dominique Hamilton will be reinforcements in the middle of one of the best defensive lines in the Big 12.

The Tigers will add five-star junior college DT transfer Sheldon Richardson, along with four-star DE Shane Ray, to bolster the depth of their front four.

Area of Concern:

Starting quarterback James Franklin has thrown just 14 passes in his college career. And in the Big 12, with teams scoring upwards of 35 points per game, the Tigers will have to find new ways to score with their dual-threat quarterback.

Look for David Yost to transform the offense into the 2005 Brad Smith-led offense. Smith threw for 2,304 yards while running for 1,301 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2005.

Franklin will have a bevy of capable receivers and a quality run game to rely upon if the pressure becomes too much.

Final Thoughts:

If Franklin can lead a talented Tigers offense through a rather top-heavy Big 12, the 2011 season could be one of the most successful yet for Pinkel and company. But the secondary is young and inexperienced, and could be the Achilles heel of a stout Missouri team.

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