Missouri Tigers 2009 Season Preview: Week One vs. Illinois

As the Missouri Tigers begin an era without Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin, Chase Coffman, and other former stars, they will also look to prove to the nation that the Missouri program is here to stay. For the third year in a row, Mizzou will open its season with the Arch Rivalry game against Illinois at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. Illinois is coming off a 5-7 season, while winding up just 3-5 in conference play. The Fighting Illini surely feel that this is the year to finally beat the Tigers at the Dome. After all, Mizzou is rebuilding, while the orange and blue are led by senior quarterback Juice Williams. Williams had a strong junior year, leading the Big Ten with 3,173 passing yards. He also led the team with 719 rushing yards and five touchdowns. The Missouri defense will have no trouble remembering Williams, as he lit them up for 451 passing yards and five touchdown passes a year ago. Tiger faithful can expect Williams’ primary target to be Arrelious Benn, a junior w...