The CheckerBoard

I agree - to an extent.

The A&M/Florida game I believe had more to do with Florida's halftime adjustments than it did aTm's conditioning. Because the Aggies' opener got rescheduled, Florida had little clue what to expect. They changed the way they rushed the passer at the half and limited Johnny Touchdown's ability to run the ball effectively. That was a game changer. First truly good halftime adjustment I've seen under Muschamp, but he deserves credit for it.

Mizzou, I believe, did wear down as the game went on. They weren't mentally or physically prepared to finish that game. It will get worse for them as the season wears on. I don't think we match up particularly well against them, but I like us to win that one because it comes late in the schedule and I expect them to be limping in. They don't have a roster chock full of guys who understand what it takes to succeed here, as evidenced by their DE's statements about no one in this league being able to beat them if they just execute. It ain't that easy. You've got to be able to out-physical people in this league, and they aren't ready to do that.

Both teams showed the ability to be competitive, but I think they are 3-4 years away from being anything but that. They won't win consistently until their rosters reflect the rigors of the SEC and their coaches and players begin to understand the difference between having 2-4 big, tough games a year and having a big, tough game every week.

Both looked to me like respectable additions to the conference, however, with significant upside. Should be fun to watch!

Why doesn't Missouri have a 247? If candy has one then I'm sure mizzou can support it