Missouri is making its bid to join the big boys in college football, coming off an 11-2 campaign and ranking eighth nationally in the final Associated Press poll.
The Tigers head into the fast-approaching season steamrolling with much momentum — and more importantly a significant number of returning key players — to fuel hopes for a spot in the playoff field that has been expanded from four to 12 teams. Now the oddsmakers who set the point spreads at one area sportsbook have put Mizzou into a category generally reserved for power programs — installing them as a huge favorite in their season opener against a much less formidable foe.