Spotlight shines on Maclin in football's season opener

By Nick Forrester

Published Aug. 28, 2008

The MU football team spent the past eight months listening to the hype about a possible national championship season. Players are eager to try and live up to the hype on Saturday when they face an Illinois team that went to the Rose Bowl last season.

Sophomore wide receiver Jeremy Maclin placed a special emphasis on this game because it's in the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis - his hometown.

"It means a great deal," Maclin said. "Starting the season off in your hometown is something that not a lot of guys get to do. It's just a good way to set the stage for the season."

Much of the attention is on Maclin, whose raw athleticism was a pleasant surprise for Tiger fans last year.

"The beauty of our offense is that we can put him on the field anywhere we want to," coach Gary Pinkel said. "That frees him up and allows him to do a little bit more."

This time last year, Maclin wasn't even in the starting lineup. One year later, he is a first team All-American and a Heisman Trophy contender.

Last year's game against Illinois was Maclin's breakout in what lead to a record-setting season. Maclin had 227 all-purpose yards and scored three touchdowns, two off receptions from quarterback Chase Daniel, and one off a 66-yard punt return.

"He's just such an explosive playmaker that it gives us a new dynamic on the offensive side of the ball," Daniel said. "Teams are going to have to double or triple team someone like him."

Maclin will be tested on Saturday when he lines up against first team All-Big Ten defensive back Vontae Davis, who had 76 tackles and four interceptions last season.

"If he is lined up against me, then it will make for better competition and if he's not, then he's not," Maclin said of Davis. "You just have to rise to the occasion and hopefully come out on top."

With more teams expecting Maclin to receive the ball, he is trying to become a better leader for the offense by encouraging the other receivers to work harder in practice.

"In order to achieve what you want to achieve, you have to take it one game at a time," Maclin said. "Right now, the only game on that schedule is Illinois."

Saturday's game is sold out and is expected to have a bowl game atmosphere. The team is practicing inside with loud speakers to simulate what the stadium will be like on Saturday.

"I don't think you can really teach the atmosphere," Daniel said. "We'll practice with the sound and make it extra loud to get communication problems solved."