Re-Emergence of the Alabama Standard
The 37-year-old Drinkwitz’s specialty is the offensive side of the ball. His last stop, Appalachian State, remained an offensive threat averaging 432 yards per game during the previous two seasons with its fast-paced, high powered offense. However, Missouri is not the same threat as App State.
Offensive coordinator Curtis Luper’s primary responsibility is finding a quarterback for their new system. Senior quarterback Kelly Bryant graduated, and there is a quarterback battle in fall camp between former TCU quarterback Shawn Robinson, redshirt freshman Connor Bazelak, and incoming freshman Brady Cook. Finding the right starter is key to their offense succeeding.
The running game is led by senior Larry Rountree III (829 yards, 9 TDs) and junior Tyler Badie (457, 3 TDs). The offensive line did not fare well last year and lost three starters during the offseason. Facing a tough defensive front is not what the makeshift offensive line needs for their first contest.
The Tigers also lost their top three leading receivers. Virginia Tech and Ball State transfer Damon Hazelton is the best of the rest.