Tigers' 'D' must improve to attain team's lofty goals

~ Mizzou's defense had trouble stopping the run last season.

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- As Missouri enters 2007 with high expectations, players and coaches know the defense will have to step up its performance from last season.

The Tigers started 2006 6-0 but limped to a 2-5 record the rest of the way. The offense, ranked in the top 10 nationally, was strong throughout the season, but the defense struggled after Big 12 play began, especially against the run.

Missouri lost seven players with starting experience from that defense. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is using the four weeks of practice before the Sept. 1 opener against Illinois in St. Louis to fill vacancies at both end positions, two linebacker spots and two safeties.

The good news: Most of those in line for those spots saw considerable playing time in 2006. Still, Eberflus and defensive players expect a better showing than the second half of last season.

"Anytime you allow more than 100 yards rushing you're not giving your team the best chance to win," said defensive tackle Lorenzo Williams, the unquestioned leader of a revamped defensive line.

Eberflus said he and the rest of the staff reviewed Missouri's schemes extensively over the offseason and believe those schemes are sound -- only the intensity needed to change.

"You have to make sure you believe in what you're doing and it's sound and it's simple," Eberflus said. "We think right now we're getting better. When we're more physical, we play better defense."

Stryker Sulak and Tommy Chavis ended spring practice as the starters at both end positions, while Van Alexander and Sean Weatherspoon are the starters at the outside linebacker positions. Pig Brown and William Moore, the starters at both safety spots, played considerably last year, too.

As far as Weatherspoon, a sophomore, is concerned, the leadership void with the loss of players like linebacker Dedrick Harrington will be tougher to fill than the talent.

"Somebody's got to do it now; I don't think I'm too young to lead," he said.

The offense is expected to be potent again, with most of the key starters back, including junior quarterback Chase Daniel, who set school records for touchdown passes and yards.

Defensive players say a strong offense alone isn't enough.

"If the offense is playing good and the defense is not playing good, we're not going to win games," Williams said. "If the defense is playing good and the offense isn't putting up points, we're not going to win games. I think everybody feels that way on both sides."