“I believe we’re going to do some damage this year just from the fact that we have a group of guys that are really close, compete with each other, know the system a lot better and are more comfortable in the offense,” Gentry said. “I believe us as a whole unit are going to perform pretty well this year.”

The receivers will get far more chances with the Cowboys set to diversify the offense more now that Chambers, who threw just 25 passes after taking over late last season, is comfortable with all of it heading into his first season as the full-time starter. And with a backfield that’s not nearly as proven with Evans now gone, those chances may come immediately.

That includes helping Chambers out when they may not necessarily be wide open.

“We need to have some of those guys make plays when the ball is up in the air and it’s contested,” Bohl said. “I always say there’s two hungry dogs and one piece of meat, and one dog is getting the meat. We need to get the meat.”

Grant said the group has been winning more times than not when given that kind of opportunity in practice, but practice is one thing. Games are another.

Those will start Aug. 31 when Missouri visits War Memorial Stadium, which will be the group’s first chance to put its work on display.