Instant gratification has eluded new Mizzou football coaches over the years.
Woody Widenhofer staggered to a 1-10 inaugural season back in 1985. Bob Stull suffered a 2-9 debut in 1989. Larry Smith opened with a 3-8-1 mark in 1994. Gary Pinkel started his regime with a 4-7 campaign in 2001.
Barry Odom’s attempt to break that depressing trend died Saturday. That embarrassing 51-45 homecoming loss to Middle Tennessee State left the Tigers 2-5.
He faces the same huge challenge the other new regimes faced. He must build player confidence to construct a winning program. But then again, winning is the surest way to build such belief.