GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: In its last two matchups with Tennessee, Missouri has relied heavily on the run game, and will likely do so again Saturday in Knoxville. In a 2016 at Tennessee, Missouri rushed for a season-high 420 yards against the Volunteers, led by a career-high night from Damarea Crockett, who finished with 225 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown. Last season, the Tigers defeated the Volunteers 50-17 in Columbia, against posting a season-high rushing performance of 433 yards, 155 of which came from Larry Rountree III. With both running backs healthy and rolling, Rountree and Crockett will look to repeat their past performances against the Volunteers Saturday at Tennessee.
DRAFT SLANT
–DT Terry Beckner Jr. has had a relatively modest senior campaign statistically but has been the recipient of double teams in almost every game this season, with teams keying in on his prototypical NFL size and strength. Beckner had three tackles against Vanderbilt and recorded just his second sack of the season, but still leads Missouri in tackles for losses with 8 1/2. Beckner has been on the NFL radar since committing to Missouri in 2015 as the No. 1 defensive tackle recruit and the No. 2 overall recruit in the nation and declined to enter the 2018 NFL draft to return for his senior year. Despite multiple ACL tears throughout his career, Beckner should appear on every 2019 NFL draft board thanks to his explosiveness and knack for plugging up run gaps and dominating the line of scrimmage.
ROSTER REPORT:
–TE Albert Okwuegbunam has officially been ruled out for Saturday’s game against Tennessee. The sophomore leads Missouri in receptions (43) and receiving touchdowns (6) but injured his shoulder in the Tigers’ 38-17 win at Florida Nov. 3. Missouri coach Barry Odom did not elaborate on the nature or extent of Okwuegbunam’s injury, but said it would not require surgery, indicating he may be available before the end of the season depending on his progress.
–CB Adam Sparks has missed the last two games while nursing a shin injury he sustained in the week leading up the Florida game. Sparks was sporting a walking boot on the sideline against Vanderbilt last Saturday, and no official timetable has been given for his return.
–WR Nate Brown missed the fourth game of his senior season last Saturday against Vanderbilt and has been ruled out for Saturday’s game at Tennessee. Brown has been nursing a lingering groin injury the majority of the season, limiting him to just 12 catches for 129 yards on the year.
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