Editor’s Note: This is the last of 11 articles previewing Kansas’ competition in the Big 12 Conference.

Two years ago, life was good for Missouri’s Brad Smith.

In 2002, the senior quarterback became only the second quarterback in Division 1-A history to throw for more than 2,000 yards and run for more than 1,000 yards in the same season.

Smith then finished the 2003 season and rushed for more than 1,000 yards, led his team to a bowl game for the first time in five years and was being talked about as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate for the 2004 season.

Then, in the 2004 season, nothing would go right for Smith or his team. Missouri was picked by several media outlets to win the Big 12 North and play in a major bowl game. Instead, the Tigers faltered to a 5-6 record and missed out on a bowl game.

This season, with a new offense installed, Missouri football coach Gary Pinkel said he expected Smith to have a big season and lead the Tigers back to a bowl game.

“Brad, as he has matured, he wants to work on his throwing, work on his footwork, work on all kinds of things to make himself a better player, as he has done this year,” Pinkel said. “We want him to be a complete player, and he has worked very hard, and I expect him to have a very good year.”

Smith will have talent around him, as senior wide receiver Sean Coffey returns for another season. Coffey caught 39 passes for 648 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

Sophomore running backs Marcus Woods and Tony Temple will join Smith in the backfield.

Clark Green, then junior running back, almost collides with teammate Travis Dambach, then sophomore offensive lineman. while being taken down by Missouri's James Kinney during the game in Columbia, Mo., last season. Kansas will host the Tigers this season on October 29th at Memorial Stadium.

Even though Pinkel has yet to name a starter, he said he expected both players to have big 2005 seasons.

“They have both been very competitive and positive. They will both be impact players for us this year,” Pinkel said.

Senior safety Jason Simpson will be the leader on defense. Simpson was a second-team, All-Big 12 selection last season and was voted team safety of the year. He started all 11 games and had 98 tackles last season.

The biggest hole to fill for the Tigers will be the void left by linebacker James Kinney. Kinney led the team in tackling last season, but exhausted his eligibility.

Junior linebacker Dedrick Harrington is the leading candidate to take Kinney’s spot.

The offseason did not generate many bright spots for the Tigers either.

In July, during a voluntary workout, freshman linebacker Aaron O’Neal collapsed and died from what was later diagnosed as viral meningitis.

Pinkel said it has been a very hard and traumatic time for his football team, and he is proud of the way they are handling it.

“Every player adjusts differently, and every young man has to deal with it in different ways and the stages of what they are going through,” he said. “The big thing is we have to support one another, and through time we will work through this.”

Pinkel said he knew the team had to focus on the upcoming season and dedicated it to O’Neal. Pinkel said the seniors were supportive and provided leadership for the younger players.

Missouri will have an opportunity to return to the field Saturday, playing Arkansas State in Kansas City, Mo. Other key games on the Tigers’ schedule will include an Oct. 15 date with Iowa State and an Oct. 22 home game against Nebraska. Missouri will close out its season Nov. 19 at Kansas State.