HOOVER, Ala. -- Missouri coach Gary Pinkel says his team won't be intimidated playing in the Southeastern Conference.

Pinkel says there's a perception that "we play a bunch of high school teams." He says the Tigers know they have to earn respect in the SEC, but they have already played in a tough Big 12 Conference.

Pinkel says Missouri fans have gone beyond excitement over playing in the SEC and "have become fanatical about it."

Missouri will open the season with standout quarterback James Franklin and the nation's top prospect in wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham.

Franklin had shoulder surgery in March. Pinkel says his trainer said a couple of weeks ago that the dual-threat quarterback is expected to be 100 percent.
 
djournal.com