Entering the 2024 season, all eyes rested on new defensive coordinator Corey Batoon and the Mizzou Tiger defense. They were by far the biggest question to be answered for a team that had (and still has) playoff aspirations. The unit lost five players to the NFL draft, including a first round defensive lineman and a second round cornerback, as well as defensive coordinator Blake Baker, who took more money to move home to Louisiana.
Fans and football experts alike rightfully questioned the talent and cohesion of the defense that lost so much leadership from a solid unit in 2023.