The MizzouToday Show: What to know for Mizzou vs. Central Arkansas
In the latest edition of The MizzouToday Show, Kyle McAreavy and Kenny Van Doren preview Missouri football’s season opener against Central Arkansas at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
The guys detail the quarterback plan with Beau Pribula set to play the first half and Sam Horn to man the second.
“It’s a little surprising to me just because I read this competition as a little more even than that 2023 competition and I don’t think this is necessarily an even setup in a game like this,” McAreavy said. “When you’re going against a team like Central Arkansas, the assumption should be that you’re going to be up, ya know, 28 points at halftime. So by the time Sam comes in, in the second half, it’s a huge lead.”
“I agree with (Eliah) Drinkwitz saying there’s no real easy way to do this,” Van Doren said. “He had to make the decision, he went with the same plan and system from 2023. … I think that when you get into that second half, you’re not going to take the foot off the gas. But at some point, you’re going to have to.”
Depth Chart
They also go down the depth chart and talk about what to look out for in Week 1.
Offense
“The one that surprised me was Jude James kind of jumping his way up into the third spot (at tight end),” McAreavy said. “He had a really nice camp. I know he got some praise from coaches and looked pretty good during the scrimmage that media got to watch. That’s good to see.”
“With that tight end spot … I was a little bit surprised not to see Gavin Hoffman crack that list,” Van Doren said.
Defense
“Marquis Gracial listed as an -or- with Sterling Webb, I know he’s been a big riser throughout camp,” McAreavy said. “One of the guys who has impressed the most, especially with the staff and with his teammates. So, for him to work his way all the way into a starting role after he was, I think fourth, ya fourth, on the depth chart last year is great.”
“That safety room looks deep,” Van Doren said. “… There’s just a lot of depth there at the safety position and there’s probably more guys on the way that can fill those roles the next couple of years.”
Kyle and Kenny then dive into the special teams depth chart before they finish with score predictions for Thursday’s game.
