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Real, actual football news is happening right now and it isn't even bad

Here are today's Mizzou links.

Mizzou Tigers pennant What's On

Helmets, pinnies, gloves. You know, football stuff.

Mizzou Tigers pennantFall camp started! Football is so very close now!

Please just get through this thing without making too much news. It's all I ask. Today was a good start in that regard! Only a few things of note:

Nate Crawford hangs 'em up:

Post-Dispatch - Mizzou loses most experience offensive lineman

Missouri guard Nate Crawford, the team’s most experienced offensive lineman, will not play this season and has "medically retired" from the sport, MU coach Barry Odom said after Thursday’s practice, the first of the preseason for Mizzou. The junior underwent back surgery in the spring, his second back procedure in less than a year.

"Here in the last few days he sat down again with the medical staff and decided it was best at this time—he had made some progress—but to get back long-term, it was best that he’s medically retired," Odom said.

It's always a bummer when these things happen. Good luck to Nate in all of his future endeavors off the field.

The newly vacant roster spot might not be staying that way for very long:

The last transfer from Memphis did pretty well for himself. Maybe there's a trend developing?

He's no hero. He's just a man doing his job:

Kansas City Star - Oklahoma transfer Alex Ross isn't looking to save Mizzou's run game

Ross, a graduate of Jenkins (Okla.) High, is perhaps the prize stallion in a remade backfield, but he's not approaching the season like he's being asked to rescue Mizzou.

"I didn't do much running-wise last year either." said Ross,  who finished with 32 carries for 172 yards and a touchdown with the Sooners as a junior. "We're all just working hard. Ain't nobody a savior."

But... what if you were. Have you even given it a try? C'mon. You might like it!

Addressing the elephant in the room. Or rather, the lack of two elephants in the DL room:

Post-Dispatch - Mizzou notes: Tigers move on from D-Line dismissals

Rickey Hatley was shocked. As Missouri players reported for preseason camp Wednesday, they learned two core players were no longer with the team. First-year coach Barry Odom dismissed defensive end Walter Brady for breaking team rules and defensive tackle Harold Brantley for academic reasons.

"Man, that hurt," said Hatley, MU’s senior defensive tackle, after Thursday’s practice. "Especially Harold. He came in with me. It was like losing another classmate. We worked all this summer. We know he had that big injury. He was working hard. He (gave us) vocal leadership. Losing him, we’ve got to pick it up another notch."

It seems like the players - though sad about losing their teammates - aren't angry with Odom, which is good.

Mizzou Tigers pennant Looking ahead

Some guy put together a pretty solid preview for those interested in Mizzou football's 2016 outlook.

Bill C. - How Mizzou can bounce back on the field from an extremely ... memorable 2015

Hooray, optimism!

Mizzou Tigers pennant Keeping the #brand fresh

MUTigers.com - Mizzou Football Releases Show-Me Brand Elements

Mizzou Athletics and Mizzou Football have unveiled an updated branding element – Show-Me - for the 2016-17 athletic season, supplementing the traditional Tiger Head logo and traditional Mizzou script. The Show-Me brand concept ties Mizzou's current football tradition to the past while emphasizing the pride points of what it means to be from the great state of Missouri.

Sure.