Missouri entered last season with high hopes. Some even expected the Tigers to reach the College World Series.

The Tigers certainly didn't meet expectations, but last season wasn't a complete failure.

They began last season in dismal fashion, but turned everything up a notch in conference play and finished near the Big 12 standings. They also compiled a 35-27 record and reached yet another NCAA regional.

Now the Tigers hope to once and for all take the next step.

Accomplishing that feat in 2010 will be difficult with several key losses.

It's time to dissect Missouri.

Missouri's five fall keys

1. Replace ace pitcher Kyle Gibson -- Yeah, this fall key will be easy to fix. OK, I'm guessing everyone has figured out I'm kidding. The Tigers have had the luxury of Max Scherzer, Aaron Crow and Gibson in recent seasons. But with Gibson's departure, we're all wondering who will step up and replace Gibson. With the returning arms, Gibson may not be replaceable. The talented right-handed pitcher started 15 games last season, recorded five complete games and had a 3.21 ERA in 106 2/3 innings. He also struck out 131 and walked 19. Gibson was one of the nation's best pitchers last season. The Tigers, on the surface, don't have anyone that can come close to that in the spring.

2. Nick Tepesch needs to step up -- If there's a pitcher on this team that observers believe has the ability to replace Gibson, it's Tepesch. But boy, does he have a long way to go. Tepesch gave the Tigers plenty reasons to be confident about him as a freshman. But he took a huge step back as a sophomore last season. Tepesch made 14 starts and appeared in 18 games. He also had a dismal 6.27 ERA in 84 2/3 innings. He also struck out 84 and walked 28. The Tigers desperately need Tepesch to rise to the occasion if they plan on meeting all of their goals in the spring. We'll see if he responds to the call.

3. Figure out the pitching staff -- Even outside of the need for Tepesch to rise to the occasion, the Tigers have plenty other question marks on the mound. For instance, Tyler clark made 28 appearances and compiled a 2.86 ERA in 28 1/3 innings last season. Do the Tigers roll the dice and move him to a starting pitcher, or keep him in the bullpen? Clark's success certainly is crucial to Missouri's success. Other pitchers that also must be big-time contributors include Jeff Emens, Brad Buehler and Kelly Fick. Missouri finished last season with a 5.08 ERA. That number needs to improve in '10.

4. Improve at the plate -- With the departures of Kyle Mach and Greg Folgia in the offseason, the Tigers literally will enter the spring with one hitter that finished last season with a batting average better than .300. That guy is Aaron Senne. Senne finished last season hitting .305 with 16 doubles, six homers and 43 RBIs. He also induced 46 walks and struck out just 47 times. Other returnees that must rise to the occasion include Ryan Ampleman, Andrew Thigpen and Michael Liberto. Missouri ended last season with a .272 batting average. There's absolutely no question that mark must improve in the spring.

5. Forget about last season -- Sure, we're strong believers the Tigers showed us something by finding a way to turn last season around. However, coach Tim Jamieson and his program have to feel like they fell way below expectations last season. Perhaps last season has left a sour taste, but it's time for the Tigers to move on. Missouri knows it underachieved last season, so look for this team to be motivated this fall and especially entering the spring. It'll be interestng to see what type of attitude this team assumes.