There are several story lines to follow for Mizzou fans this Saturday, as the Tiger football team wraps up their spring practice schedule with the annual Black and Gold scrimmage, set for 1 p.m. at Faurot Field. Joining me on this Google Hangout is Spencer Kane from CBS Sports Radio in Columbia. We breakdown the game and give you five story lines to look for:
1. New offensive coordinator Josh Henson. The co-offensive line coach, hired in 2009 by Gary Pinkel, takes over the offense for David Yost who resigned after the 2012 season. Look for different formations and perhaps a little less of five wideouts.
2. James Franklin-Maty Mauk QB battle. Both of us have been impressed with the job RS-FR Mauk has done this spring and he’ll get looks with the number one unit. He appears to have passed Corbin Berkstresser, who was listed as number two on the depth chart.
3. Running back Henry Josey. He was leading the Big 12 in rushing when he was injured in 2011. After a severe knee injury in a game against Texas, look for Josey to see action in Saturday’s game.
4. On the defensive side of the ball, what appears to be the number one unit is stacked with talent, but the question is whether or not the Tigers have depth to compete over the long haul in the SEC. Watch for DE Brayden Burnett #55, and Marcus Golden #33, who moved from linebacker to end. Kane says he looks the part of an SEC defensive end. He also like sophomore David Johnson #3, a cornerback, who has played well this spring.
5. Can the Tigers find a center who can snap the ball? Kane tells us that Evan Boehm, who as a freshman, started every game at guard last season, will get a chance to play some center. Also sophomore Brad McNulty will get some looks as well.
Saturday’s annual scrimmage begins at 1 p.m. at Faurot Field. Each year, Mizzou asks people to pay either $3 or donate three canned food items, which go to benefit the Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri. Many activities are planned before and after the game.
–Memorial Stadium East Side Expansion Groundbreaking Celebration – 10:30 a.m.
University officials and construction project leaders will be on hand for the ceremonial turn of the shovel (great photo opportunity!). Access to this event will be from the field, so please enter at field level underneath the south stands (please stop at the table and get your credential first).
–Big Brothers/Big Sisters Youth Football Clinic – 10:30 a.m. on Faurot Field
Roughly 50-75 area youth will take part in a fun football primer hosted by several members of the Mizzou football team. They’ll show them a little about the game and mostly have fun horsing around on the field.
–Former Mizzou Football Player Reunion – 12:00 p.m. at Devine Indoor Pavilion
Former Tigers of all eras will be on hand to reminisce about their glory days. We expect to have close to 250 former players in attendance. It’s a good chance to catch up with former greats.
–Baseball game – 2:00 p.m. at Taylor Stadium/Simmons Field
Mizzou will take on the Florida Gators for their first-ever series as SEC foes.
