Missouri Florida: Game Information and Thoughts

November 3, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Trey Burton (8) runs with the ball as Missouri Tigers safety Kenronte Walker (30) defends during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Tigers are set to take on the Florida Gators this afternoon in Columbia Missouri. This game is Mizzou’s first home game since September 28th when Arkansas State came to town. This game starts a three game homestand for the Tigers, with South Carolina and Tennessee set to come into town the next two weekends.

A win would be huge for the Tigers, who face a tough Florida defense and talented offense. Staying undefeated after today will be tough because quarterback James Franklin is out with a shoulder injury. Its Maty Mauk time in Columbia, and we will see how the freshman plays today under all the pressure. Here is some more information about the game this afternoon.

Vitals
Time: 11:21 CT Time
Location: Faurot Field, Columbia, Missouri
TV: SEC TV, Commentators: Dave Neal, Andre Ware, Cara Capuano
Live Stream: ESPN 3 (Use Watch ESPN App)
Radio: Tiger Radio Network
Teams: Florida Gators and Missouri Tigers

Missouri Tigers
Head Coach- Gary Pinkel
6-0 on the season
Wins against Georgia Vanderbilt, Toledo, Murray State, Indiana and Arkansas State

Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Hansbrough- 391 yards, three TDs
Passing: Franklin- 1577 yards, 14 TDs (injured)
Mauk- 41 yards
Receiving: Washington- 455 yards, seven TDs

Florida Gators
Head Coach- Will Muschamp
4-2 on the season
Wins against Toledo, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky
Losses against LSU and Miami

Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Brown- 340 yards, three TDs
Passing: Murphy- 645 yards, five TDs
Receiving: Patton- 380 yards, four TDs

Three Quick Thoughts
– Missouri’s skill position talents have to play really well today. Running the ball effectively with all three running backs will be key to easy Mauk into the game. Receivers not dropping any balls and making plays will also help. I have no doubt Mauk can lead this team to victory today, its just that he needs all the help he can get from his teammates.
– The strength of this Florida team is the defense, and the strength of our team is our offense. But our defense has been quietly very good, getting pressure on the quarterback and defended well. A big part of that defense has been all the turnovers. Mizzou ranks 4th in the country in turnover margin, and the Tigers need to keep that up today.
– Florida really hasn’t beaten anybody that good so far this season. No disrespect to Florida’s opponents that they beat, but none of them are better than Missouri. And even in Florida’s losses, none of those teams had a better offense than Missouri has. Going on previous games played alone, I think the Tigers are going to win this game. I might be talking Mizzou up a little bit too much, given that we haven’t seen Mauk play yet, but I have a good feeling about this game.