Five things to watch: Mizzou Black and Gold spring game

Mizzou head football coach Barry Odom (left) during the Tigers' first spring football practice March 3 at the Dan Devine Pavilion. (Don Shrubshell photo/Columbia Tribune)In his fourth spring game as Missouri’s head coach, Barry Odom is changing the format. The starters on both offense and defense will make up one team and will be matched against the backup units on the other team. A few players will switch jerseys and see time on both sides, but for the most part the first-team offense should be able to move the ball and score points against the reserves. MU’s No. 1 offensive line should have its way against the backup defensive front to protect quarterback Kelly Bryant and open plenty of holes for running back Larry Rountree III. The Tigers will also debut new black helmets featuring the retro Tiger paw logo encased around the classic block M. Only a few players will sit out with injuries: tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam and Daniel Parker Jr., both recovering from shoulder injuries, plus cornerback Chris Shearin (hamstring) and safety Jalani Williams (foot surgery).

…