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 search out Carl Gettis' top performance throughout a season in which it was his sporadic absences at times that probably hurt Mizzou the most. Once again, feel free to nominate other performances in the comments section. Defensive secondary performances can be highly subjective and numbers can be misleading, so help me out here. Nominees after the jump.
NOMINEES (in chronological order):
- Carl Gettis vs. Illinois: I'm not sure if it was a function of Illinois' offensive scheme, but Gettis actually finished the Illinois game second in tackles, finishing only one behind Sean Weatherspoon. Gettis set hopes high for the season in the debut, practically locking down his side of the field against Illinois and even announcing his presence on the first drive, flying in with terrific closing speed for a breakup on a pass intended Chris Duvalt to end the Illini's first drive. Also, it's important to note that the tackles weren't last ditch efforts way downfield. Two tackles were in run support, and only one tackle came on a play that resulted in a first down. On top of that, he made up for the one poor play he made that game -- letting Jeff Cumberland step past him after catching an out route -- by turning around and forcing a fumble.
THE LINE: Eight tackles (five unassisted), one pass break up, one fumble forced
- Carl Gettis vs. Kansas: So, which stats do YOU care about? Do you hold Gettis partially responsible for the 498 yards surrendered through the air to Todd Reesing? Or do you look at the numbers below and think the good outweighs the bad, even if the bad wasn't wholly his fault?
THE LINE: Nine tackles (six unassisted), one pass break up, one fumble forced, two fumble recoveries (20-yard return)