After a surprisingly successful non-conference schedule and a five-game losing streak at the beginning of SEC play, Missouri fans seem to have fully embraced the transition year in Columbia.
It was always going to be this way, barring any freakish recovery from Jontay Porter. Of Missouri’s top nine rotation players, six are underclassmen. With Mark Smith out, three of the top six are freshmen.
As the losses in conference play have mounted, fans have slowly tempered their expectations. Pickett, Pinson and Watson have had their respective troubles, but each also seems to be realizing some of the potential they bring to the table.