Andy Staples: Watch out for Missouri’s running back space in 2024

Missouri was the surprise of the SEC last year and dazzled the country with an electric attack characterized by a stout running game and an explosive passing attack.

Heading into 2024, the star quarterback and wide receiver are in place, but the star running back is gone, with the Tigers filling the void with a pair of transfer portal guys that On3’s Andy Staples is very keen on.

“Don’t underestimate a pair of transfers at Missouri,” he said of their group during Monday’s game. On3 YouTube livestream. “Naturally, a lot of the off-season attention has been on TreVeon Henderson And Quinshon Judkins has Ohio State. But don’t rule out the possibility that this Missouri running back room will put up big numbers.

Of course, Missouri loses last year’s starter, Cody Schrader, himself a former portal gem found by the Tigers’ staff.

“So they lose Cody Schrader. Remember, Cody Schrader was the SEC’s leading rusher last year. He’s one of the great finds in transfer portal history. This is a guy who wanted to play for Missouri, left after playing at Division II Truman State, got a scholarship very quickly and became the SEC’s most productive back in his second year at Missouri.

According to Staples, Mizzou went back to the well and found two more top-tier backs for the 2024 season.

“Now Missouri has a couple guys coming out of the portal that are a little more accomplished and it’s kind of a thunder and lightning situation,” he said, naming those new RBs.

“So your thunder in this case is Marcus Carrollwho was a workaholic last year at State of Georgia. Your lightning is Nate Noelwho was at Appalachian State last year. He missed a few games with injury, but both of those guys were very productive.

“Carol ran for 1,350 yards on 274 carries. Noel, 834 yards on 173 carries. I don’t know if Caroll is going to have to run that much this year, so you’ll probably get a fresher version of him when he gets the ball.”

With the new additions to the running backs room, Andy Staples believes Missouri once again has the personnel to play exactly the way Eli Drinkwitz wants on offense.

“I really like the way Missouri’s offense is set up. Eli Drinkwitz, a Gus Malzahn disciple, that offense is at its best when it’s able to run between the tackles and use that to set up the throwing game.”

With playmakers on the outside and a solid duo in the backfield, Staples says this is an offense that will complement each other.

“I think you’ll be pretty impressed to see Missouri run the ball this year. Those two, they may not be household names, but they’ve been extremely productive in the back five and I think they’re going to be very productive at Missouri in this offense. It’s going to make life easier for Brady Cook and for Luther’s Burdenwho are probably the stars of this attack.”