GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: The Missouri defense, a week after seeing Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa (the nation’s top-rated passer) now will try to slow down the nation’s leading rusher — Memphis’ Darrell Henderson, who is averaging 161.9 yards per game on the ground. He is averaging 8.47 yards per rush. But this should be strength on strength. Memphis, led up front by senior DT Terry Beckner Jr. (five consecutive games with a tackle for loss), is 25th nationally against the run, allowing 120.2 yards per game.
DRAFT SLANT
–OT Paul Adams has started 31 consecutive games at right tackle for Missouri and is a two-time team captain. Adams is among the SEC’s most veteran offensive linemen, with solid run blocking ability and excellent pass protection skills and should be one of several Tigers to hear their name called in the 2019 NFL draft. Per Ric Serritella of NFLdraftscout.com, “his limited mobility most likely pushes him into Day 3 range.”
ROSTER REPORT:
–WR Richaud Floyd, who suffered a broken leg during preseason training camp, is expected to make his 2018 debut.
–WR Emmanuel Hall has dealt with a lingering groin injury for over a month, has missed two full games and will not play this week because he will be attending his father’s funeral. His absence has significantly limited Missouri’s home-run play ability in the passing game.
–WR Nate Brown has missed two games because of a groin injury. He was limited in practice early this week, but his status for this weekend was not known as of Tuesday.
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