As we put a wrap on the roller coaster ride of a rebuilding season in 2009, I've decided to ask for the community's help in fashioning the 2009 Mizzou All-Season Team. Just like I did in 2007 before the Cotton Bowl, putting together the All-Season Team will help recognize the top performances of the season at each position this past year.
Today, we pick out top performance from the inside linebacker spot. Nominees after the jump.
NOMINEES (in chronological order):
- Will Ebner vs. Furman: Ebner was all over the field in Mizzou's date with a 1-AA (.... er, FCS) foe. It was the first time during the season that Ebner led MU in tackles.
THE LINE: 9 tackles (5 unassisted)
- Will Ebner vs. Nevada: Ebner led the Tigers in tackles in Reno, but as the unassisted/assisted numbers show, he had quite a bit of help.
THE LINE: 9 tackles (1 unassisted), 1.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks
- Luke Lambert vs. Oklahoma State: Mizzou held the Pokes 64 yards below their season average in rushing, an accomplishment that is at least partially attributable to Lambert. Four of his six tackles came on OSU rushes, with none of the four gaining more than two yards.
THE LINE: 6 tackles (5 unassisted)
- Will Ebner vs. Texas: Ebner go boom:
Mizzou had a subpar night overall against Texas, but the front seven, and Ebner in particular, really did have one of their better performances of the season. Ebner did so despite being less than two weeks removed from meniscus surgery.
THE LINE: 7 tackles (3 unassisted), 1.0 tackle for loss
- Will Ebner vs. Kansas: It was statistically Ebner's best day of the season, but it wasn't much of a day to remember for the linebacking corps or the defense as a whole. The dump passes to the flats killed Mizzou for most of the day, although they certainly resulted in some nice numbers for Ebner.
THE LINE: 10 tackles (5 unassisted)