In a surprising turn of events, Murray State University's football team enters the upcoming season with a fresh start. With a brand new lineup of players, coaching staff, and coordinators, the Racers present an element of surprise that could prove advantageous in their season opener against the Missouri Tigers.

Jody Wright, the newly appointed head coach for the Racers, brings a wealth of experience to the team. Although he has never served as a coordinator before, Wright has had successful stints in various coaching roles, including winning championships as the Director of Player Personnel at Alabama and coaching in the NFL for the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.

The Racers' offensive approach appears to be centered around a strong passing game, similar to the South Carolina Gamecocks from last season. They ranked 24th in passing yards per game and 34th in pass attempts per game in the FBS. Tight ends Trey Knox and Joshua Simon emerged as key contributors in the passing game, making them potential focal points for the offense.

Adding to the complexity for Missouri, Murray State's offensive coordinators include former Jacksonville State head coach Jimmy Ogle. Ogle, who has spent the last two years coaching high school football, adds another layer of unpredictability to the Racers' game plan.

Missouri's head coach, Eli Drinkwitz, views this season opener as one of the most challenging in his tenure. With around 60 new players and an entirely new coaching staff, the Racers present a unique puzzle for the Tigers. Without the luxury of reviewing previous tape, the Missouri team has been relying on Hudl tapes to gather any available information on Murray State's presumed starting quarterback, Jayden Johannsen.

Defensively, the Racers have brought in Ryan Smith as their coordinator, previously from Florida A&M, where he helped lead the Rattlers to a Celebration Bowl victory as their defensive coordinator. FAMU boasted an outstanding defense last season, ranking second in the FCS in yards per game and excelling in categories such as sacks, interceptions, and red zone defense.

As the Missouri Tigers prepare for their season opener, they will need to be prepared for anything and everything. The lack of familiarity with Murray State's new lineup and coaching staff makes it challenging to predict their strategy. However, Missouri's athleticism and determination should still provide an advantage, allowing them to make plays and impose their will on the field.

The Tigers have shown a recent trend of forcing turnovers against FCS opponents, and they will aim to continue that success against Murray State. Although the game may start with a few initial hiccups as both teams adjust, Missouri's talent and offensive firepower should ultimately lead them to a comfortable victory.

As the season opener approaches, all eyes will be on how Missouri adapts to the surprises and challenges that Murray State poses. With their sights set on a strong start to the season, the Tigers will be eager to showcase their talent and secure a convincing win.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Missouri Tigers and their quest for success in the upcoming season.