Paul Finebaum Names SEC Contender Ranked Too Low In USA TODAY's Preseason Coaches Poll

The Missouri Tigers were one of the surprises in the college football world last season. The Tigers had experienced four straight seasons without a winning record, including two consecutive losing seasons, before going 11-2 last season.

Missouri begins 2024 with much higher expectations, as it was ranked No. 11 in the preseason USA TODAY Coaches Poll on Monday. Although many believe that the Tigers' ranking was acceptable, ESPN's Paul Finebaum disagrees. Finebaum thinks the Tigers should have been ranked higher and placed ahead of a couple of Big Ten schools.

"I think Mizzou is not ranked high enough," Finebaum said. "I think there is a little bit of a 'late to the party' mentality with Mizzou. There are a couple of Big Ten schools that I might have them ahead (of)."

According to ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI), the Tigers are ranked as the No. 10 best team in the country. However, FPI gives the Tigers the No. 4 best chance to win the SEC and the No. 8 best chance to make the College Football Playoff in the country.

Still, the future looks much brighter than it did before last season.

Related: Paul Finebaum Predicts Which Teams Will Play In The SEC Championship Game