PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Larry Rountree III had a career day against Memphis, rushing nine times for 118 yards and three touchdowns. Rountree will need to have another big day against Kentucky’s stout run defense to help the Tigers move the ball with consistency and avoid becoming one-dimensional offensively.
–CB Adam Sparks is Missouri’s third leading tackler with 33 total tackles, and had his first interception of the season against Memphis, showcasing his versatility as a defensive back. Sparks will need to help jam the run and prevent perimeter breakaways against Kentucky.
–TE Albert Okwuegbunam had six catches for 159 yards and three touchdowns, both career-highs, and continues to be Drew Lock’s go-to target in the passing game with the absence of several key receivers due to injury. Look for Okwuegbunam to lead Missouri’s air attack Saturday against Kentucky.
–LB Cale Garrett had 11 tackles against Memphis, and is Missouri’s leading tackler this season by a wide margin, tallying 61 total tackles through seven games. Garrett will need to be as aggressive and disruptive as ever to help slow Kentucky’s dynamic rushing attack.
SERIES HISTORY: Kentucky leads Missouri 5-3 all-time, and has won the last three matchups, including last year’s 40-34 victory in Lexington.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Mark has done about as good a job as anybody could do in the time that he has been given on building the program. He’s got his stamp all over it, and you can see the way he’s recruited. I think year one they won two games, year two they won five, year three they won five, and he’s kind of taken off from there. He was given time to do it, he’s done it the way he wanted, and he’s got a team that’s playing as good of football as anybody in the country.” — Coach Barry Odom on Kentucky coach Mark Stoops’ success