#9 Missouri State

Missouri enters 2012 coming off of a stunning victory against Youngstown State last year. Unfortunately, I believe that win has more to do with an unfocused Youngstown State team looking ahead to the playoffs (not realizing that they needed that last win). In any light, a win is a win and Missouri State definitely needed a positive note to end on after a dismal 2-9 performance last season.

Missouri State TE, Matt Thayer (Photo: Pat Dailey)

As usual, the Missouri State defense last year was atrocious. Missouri State gave up the most points (408) out of any team last year in the MVFC. Teams torched Missouri State both on the ground and through the air. Missouri State opponents averaged more than 200 yards per game on the ground and scored 27 times through the air. It is safe to say that the Bears lack a fire.

Last year QB Trevor Wooden was the Missouri State offense. He led the team in rushing, rush attempts, rush TDs, all the passing stats (obviously), and total offense. Bad news, Trevor Wooden was dismissed from the team in May for breaking team rules. Whoever will take the field in place of Wooden will have some big shoes to fill. Junior QB, Ashton Glaser (transfer from Missouri) will likely be named starter. Glaser has no game experience outside of Missouri spring games in 09' '10' and 11'. Pre-season MVFC All-American TE Matt Thayer will make an impact again this year at TE. Thayer scored three times and averaged nearly 13 yards a catch last year.

Junior RB Scott Vernon will bring in the most experience in 2012. Vernon was a transfer from Colorado State after his redshirt season. He was also injured last season against Arkansas and started only one game against North Dakota state. In that start he carried the ball 13 times for 66 yards, not bad but not overpowering. Time will tell if Scott Vernon takes the next step and gives Missouri State a steady, consistent running attack.

Defensively Missouri State has alot of work to do to get better from 2011. As stated before, the Bears gave up the most points out of any team in the MVFC last year. To get better the Bears must find some sort of fire to rejuvenate this defense. One player that could relight the fire is LB Andrew Beisel. Beisel was picked as an MVFC Pre-Season All-American and will continue to make an impact on defense. The question is will Beisel be successful in creating that "aura" around him that makes everyone on defense a better player. Those of you that played football know what I am referring to. Leadership skills ooze out of these types of players and fires up each and every player they come in contact with. Other players that should make an impact include DE Martin Montgomery (47 tackles, 4 sacks), DB Sybhrian Berry (44 tackles, 7 pass break-ups), and LB Nate Davis (44 tackles, 2 sacks, fumble recovery). These players are the pieces for progress for the Bear defense.

The only relief Missouri State will get in their schedule in 2012 is that they don't play Youngstown State. Even so, this schedule is tough. Two FBS games and a tough Murray State opponent sets Missouri State to likely go 0-3 entering conference play.

Once the Bears get to conference play it doesn't get much easier. Missouri State faces challenging road games at South Dakota State, Indiana State, Illinois State, and Northern Iowa. Possible wins for Missouri State could come against South Dakota, Western Illinois, and possibly Southern Illinois (all these games are at home).

Missouri State likely has a long season ahead of them. With the tough non-conference schedule and the unlucky draw of home games vs. road games. I'd say that Missouri State will likely finish anywhere between 1-10 to 3-8.