Oct 19, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Michael Sam (52) is congratulated by defensive lineman Lucas Vincent (96) after sacking Florida Gators quarterback Tyler Murphy (3) (not pictured) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 36-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY SportsIts homecoming weekend in Columbia, and the Tigers will take the field Saturday to face South Carolina in what should be an entertaining matchup. Missouri is ranked in the top five in the country and has rode their healthy and strong offense to an undefeated record so far. The Gamecocks have underperformed this season, suffering two losses in the SEC to Tennessee and Georgia. This game is a huge opportunity for Missouri to solidify their ranking in the SEC and silence any naysayers who don’t think they should be in the top five.
The South Carolina game will be Missouri’s third in a row against ranked opponents, and their second game in a row at home. This will be a hard game for Missouri because they are a little banged up on both sides of the ball, and must adjust to playing as the hunted, not the hunters.
Quarterback Maty Mauk, coming off an impressive performance against Florida, faces a lot of pressure this weekend. Many wonder if he can replicate the success he had last weekend when facing this South Carolina defense, led by Jadeveon Clowney.
One thing to note is that USC might have their starting quarterback, Connor Shaw, available to play against Mizzou. He was injured last weekend, and was held out of practice, but might tough it out and suit up on Saturday. Keep your eye on this story as game time approaches. Here is some more information about the game tomorrow.
Game Vitals
Time: 6 P.M. Central Time
Location: Faurot Field- Columbia, Missouri
TV: ESPN2, Commentators- Joe Tessitore, Matt Millen, Maria Taylor
Radio: Tiger Radio Network
Live Stream: Watch ESPN App
Teams: Missouri Tigers, South Carolina Gamecocks
Missouri Tigers
7-0 (3-0 SEC)
Fifth in BCS, AP Polls
Statistical Leaders (injured players removed)
Rushing: Josey- 494 yards, eight TDs
Passing: Mauk- 366 yards, one TD
Receiving: Washington- 539 yards, seven TDs
South Carolina Gamecocks
5-2 (3-2 SEC)
20th in AP Poll, 21st in BCS
Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Davis- 879 yards, 10 TDs
Passing: Shaw- 1307 yards, 11 TDs
Receiving: Byrd- 384 yards, three TDs