PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Drew Lock, a senior, has 10,324 passing yards and is the ninth SEC quarterback to throw for 10,000 yards in a career. He is also sixth in SEC history with 83 career TD passes.
–LB Terez Hall has been one of Missouri’s top defenders this season, with 34 tackles, including four for loss and two sacks. He wasn’t much able to add to those tackles against Alabama, as he was ejected in the first half for a targeting penalty against RB Damien Harris. Hall finished with two tackles against the Tide. He’ll be needed for a full game this week to slow down Memphis RB Darrell Henderson.
–RB Damarea Crockett needs 96 yards to reach 2,000 for his career. The junior rushed 20 times for 154 yards two weeks ago against South Carolina, but is part of a three-headed backfield attack with sophomore Larry Rountree III and true freshman Tyler Badie.
–PK Tucker McCann has made 14 of 19 field goal attempts this season while showing off his strong leg. Included in his makes is a 57-yarder against South Carolina, which is the longest field goal of the season in college football heading into this week’s game.
SERIES HISTORY: Missouri leads Memphis 2-1, but it’s been almost 20 years since these program played. Mizzou won the most recent meeting, 27-17 at Liberty Bowl Stadium in 1999.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “He said, ‘Coach, I’m so ready to come back and help this team.’ I think that will probably be the way we’re going. Health-wise, he’s in a lot better spot than he was last Tuesday. I think we’re getting really close. He’s dealing with a lot of personal things with the passing of his father. He’s getting close but also has a lot on his plate.” — Missouri coach Barry Odom, in the Columbia Tribune, when asked this week if WR Emanuel Hall might consider redshirting while he deals with a groin injury. Hall would qualify as he has played in only four games.