SEC Power Rankings for 2019 preseason: Should Vols start in bottom tier?

Preseason SEC Power Rankings for 2019: Should Vols start in bottom tier?

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Jeremy Pruitt of the Tennessee Volunteers brings his team onto the field prior to a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

9 of 15

Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images /

The 2018 Missouri Tigers were 8-5 and three plays away from going 11-2. However, coming off a loss to the Oklahoma State Cowboys the last time we saw them and having to replace Drew Lock should, on paper, move this team down the list.

Barry Odom loses nearly half of his offensive production overall, including Lock. Add in the bowl ban in the offseason and a recruiting class that was second to worst in the league, and it’s hard to see this team being middle of the pack.

However, the two-thirds of the defense is back. The offense is more familiar with Derek Dooley’s pro-style system, which it had to adjust to at times last year. And the Tigers added Clemson Tigers transfer Kelly Bryant to offset their loss in offensive production in a major way. He can immediately step in and fill the void Lock left.

As a result, Mizzou has enough things going right to remain middle of the pack after going 8-5, and they could end up taking a step forward this year if everybody remains healthy. There’s also the likelihood that the bowl ban gets lifted, and even if it doesn’t, Odom will have a rallying cry for his players. So for now, they are in the middle of the pack of our SEC Power Rankings.

Home/Vols Football