The Missouri Tigers are entering the 2024 college football season with high expectations.
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz proved himself in a make-or-break 2023 season. Mizzou went 11-2 and defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl Classic to end the season. The emergence of quarterback Brady Cook and wide receiver Luther Burden, paved the way for the Tigers.
The media has also noticed the hype. Mizzou is ranked 11th in the preseason AP Poll, its highest preseason ranking since checking in at sixth in 2008.
However, the Tigers’ road to the College Football Playoff got tougher this week, as defensive end Darris Smith suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice.
Drinkwitz confirmed the news Wednesday. “We are devastated by the injury to Darris. He was having an outstanding camp and was poised to have a great year. We will support Darris in his recovery and look forward to him returning stronger than before,” the fifth-year head coach said via ESPN.
Smith transferred to Mizzou from Georgia during the offseason. He was expected to help replace the production of 2023 All-SEC defensive end Darius Robinson, who was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in April’s NFL Draft.
In 16 games for the Bulldogs over two seasons, Smith recorded seven tackles as his playing time was at a premium on the loaded Georgia defense.
Michigan State transfer Zion Young is now expected to win the starting job.
[ESPN]
