PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Damarea Crockett eclipsed 2,000 career yards in last Saturday’s last-second loss to Kentucky, contributing 46 rushing yards on 11 carries, including 2-yard touchdown, as well as three receptions for 20 yards. Crockett has 463 rushing yards on 101 carries this season, as well as five touchdowns, and continues to serve as the predominant pass-catching back for the Tigers.
–CB DeMarkus Acy recorded his first interception of the season against Kentucky, picking off Wildcat quarterback Terry Wilson with 4:10 remaining in the game, seemingly swinging momentum to the Tigers. Acy is a versatile defensive back, so look for him to make an impact in containing Florida’s run and pass attacks Saturday in Gainesville.
–RB Larry Rountree III is Missouri’s leading rusher with eight touchdowns and 594 yards on 108 carries. Rountree and Crockett are among the more dynamic running back duos in the SEC, with 1,057 yards and 13 touchdowns between the two. Each has led Missouri in rushing in four games apiece, and such even distribution of touches should continue against Florida.
–DT Terry Beckner Jr. had one of his better games of the season against Kentucky, recording three tackles — two of them for losses — and a sack against the Wildcats. Beckner will need another strong showing against Florida if the Tigers hope to earn their first conference victory in such a hostile environment.
SERIES HISTORY: Missouri leads Florida 4-3 all-time, including last year’s 45-16 win in Columbia.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “You better be watching absolutely every move. And again, if it’s a win, you want to do the same thing. If it’s a tough loss, you better be dialed into absolutely everything, and if there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. If there’s any red flags, you want to address it and see what’s going on.” — Coach Barry Odom on monitoring body language and morale following a tough loss.