The Missouri Tigers concluded spring training Saturday with the Black & Gold Game at Faurot Field.
Mizzou Central's Joey Van Zumeren participated in games and the last two weeks of practice. In the video above, he gives his two main thoughts about the team heading into the offseason.
In the fall, the Tigers look to build on their success in 2023, when they finished 10-2, their best record since 2014, and won the Cotton Bowl by defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes. Missouri will lose a number of leaders this year to the NFL Draft, including the SEC's top rusher Cody Schroder and defensive end Darius Robinson.
In spring practice, there seems to be little worry about the team becoming complacent and only trying to improve. Last week, the Tigers received their rings for winning the Cotton Bowl in December. Coach Eli Drinkwitz channeled Tom Brady and told the team that the Cotton Bowl ring was not his favorite ring. Next.
The team motto for 2023 was “Something To Prove.” It started as a motivation to prove the doubters wrong, as Missouri was expected to finish near the bottom of the SEC. But my belief in myself turned into a desire to prove myself right.
In 2024, the Tigers are no longer the underdogs, so all of their motivation must be internal. The hurt on their shoulders should come from their desire to prove any doubts that the 2023 season was just a fluke.
The Tigers' season begins Saturday, Aug. 31, when they host Murray State.
