GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Missouri quarterback Drew Lock has struggled in conference play this season, completing only 49.6 percent of his pass attempts with one touchdown and five interceptions. Lock will face an elite secondary in Florida, which ranks 12th in the country in pass defense, allowing just 170 passing yards per game. The Gators are ranked fourth in the conference in interceptions (7) and first in fumble recoveries (11). Lock will need to break his conference slump in a big way if Missouri hopes to knock off 13th-ranked Florida in Gainesville.
DRAFT SLANT
–QB Drew Lock’s numbers have dipped significantly this season in comparison to last year, when he led the FBS in touchdown passes with 44. Lock has just 16 touchdowns passes through eight games and has thrown six interceptions, begging the question of whether or not NFL scouts will analyze his performance in key games versus his overall body of work. Lock entered the season as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country with talks of first-round potential, but his stock has almost certainly taken a hit with his less-than-stellar production in his senior season.
ROSTER REPORT:
–TE Kendall Blanton missed last Saturday’s game against Kentucky with a knee sprain, and did not participate in practice Tuesday. Blanton is expected to participate in Wednesday’s practice in a limited capacity, but his status for Saturday’s matchup with Florida has yet to be determined.
–WR Emanuel Hall has missed half of Missouri’s games this year with a lingering groin injury, but has been participating in practice this week and could return to action Saturday against Florida. Despite his absence, Hall is still Missouri’s leading receiver this season with 18 catches for 430 yards and three touchdowns.
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