It's no secret that Missouri's defense was just plain awful in 2016. Even with defensive whiz Barry Odom taking over head-coaching duties, the Tigers fell from second in the SEC to dead last in total defense. Against SEC opponents, Missouri gave up an appalling 512.4 YPG and 35 PPG.
In short, if Missouri can't get its defensive act together, the Tigers won't get out of the SEC's cellar, no matter how good that offense is.
But that was Year 1 under Odom. It was an adjustment period for the coach and his players. Mistakes were made on the field and in the meeting rooms, but as the Tigers close spring on Saturday, they'll likely do so with a lot more confidence in a defense that appears to be trending in the right direction.