| 07 September 2010
We examine three players who's stock is rising and three players who's stock is falling as the Tigers prepare for this week's home opener against McNeese State.
Three Up:
Carl Gettis - SR. - CB
Guys like Gabe DeArmond and Dave Matter spent all summer hyping him. Last Saturday he proved them right. Yes, the interception was impressive, but Gettis was solid in coverage all day. He was a big factor in the fact that Illinois only had 81 yards passing. Throw in some big hits and his downed punt and Gettis' stock continues to rise.
TJ Moe - SO. - WR
This is another obvious choice. Moe's 13 catches not only lead the Tigers, but also the nation. This week he'll face an FCS opponent who yielded 426 passing yards in week one to something called Lamar. Moe and the rest of the receivers could be in for a big night on Saturday.
Second string defensive ends
Michael Sam and Brad Madison proved loudly and clearly that there is more to the Mizzou D-ends than just Aldon Smith. In fact, they were so good that Dave Steckel put out a four defensive end front just to get them both in the game. Sam only tallied one QB hurry but showed tremendous burst off the line of scrimmage and seemed to be in the backfield all day long. Brad Madison also had an impressive day recording a big sack that kept Mizzou's momentum in the second half. These two are pushing for a starting spot and should see significant playing time this Saturday.
Three Down:
Kendial Lawrence - SO. - RB
It's not that Kendial was bad, it's just that he was clearly out-shined by De'Vion Moore. Lawrence only managed just 20 yards on seven carries. He also suffered a minor shoulder injury. He's still listed as a co-starter with Moore, but with his injury and the fact that Mizzou should be up big against McNeese, I don't see Lawrence doing much damage Saturday. Freshmen backs Henry Josey and Marcus Murphy should see significant time rather than Lawrence.
Jacquies Smith - JR. - DE
Again, it's not that Jacquies was bad but against Illinois there were three defensive ends on the field for Missouri who were better than he was. Smith keeps his starting spot this week but he's definitely feeling the heat from Sam, Madison and Malbrough. Look for those three to see more playing time than Jacquies this Saturday as the coaches evaluate whether they are worthy of starting over Smith.
Grant Ressel - JR. - K
When you start the season as a preseason All-American who's only career miss came in a monsoon, you have nowhere to go but down. Ressel struggled throughout fall camp so seeing him miss a 37 yarder is a bit concerning. I'm not saying it's time to panic, but it's something to look for this weekend.
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