GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Missouri’s defense will have its hands full in trying to contain Kentucky running back Benny Snell Jr., who leads the SEC in rushing. Snell has 868 yards on 160 carries and nine touchdowns, and is the primary reason the Wildcats rank second in the conference in rushing behind Mississippi State. Missouri ranks seventh in the conference in rush defense, allowing 131.6 yards per game, and has yet to face a back as formidable as Snell.
DRAFT SLANT
–QB Drew Lock completed 23 of 29 pass attempts for 350 yards and four touchdowns, and showed signs of maturity in his decision-making. Facing a fourth-and-1 situation against Memphis, Lock rolled out of the pocket to give his receivers time to get open underneath and found Johnathon Johnson, who made an acrobatic catch to convert on fourth down. On another occasion, all of Lock’s receivers were blanketed and instead of trying to force a throw, he threw the ball away. Both plays should stand out on film to NFL scouts.
ROSTER REPORT:
–WR Emanuel Hall has missed the last three games and is still dealing with a lingering groin injury. While he did participate in Tuesday’s practice in a limited capacity, his status for Saturday’s game against Kentucky is still unclear.
–WR Nate Brown has also missed the last three games with a groin injury, and also participated in limited practice reps Tuesday. No timetable has been given for Brown’s return.
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