Ad Disclosure
Missouri returns to Faurot Field on Saturday after surviving a tough road game at Arkansas State.
Joining them will be the Connecticut Huskies, a team that, like the Tigers, is undefeated so far this season but has plenty of question marks. Both teams made some coaching changes in the offseason, and both have a big chance to answer their critics when play kicks off Saturday morning.
Here are five players to watch when Missouri takes on Connecticut:
1. Missouri RB Ish Witter – With starting RB Russell Hansbrough ruled out for this game, the sophomore Witter must carry the bulk of Missouri’s carries. He’s the most “healthy” of Missouri’s running backs that were set to feature in the team’s rotation this year, although issues to Hansbrough and Morgan Steward may result in playing time for JUCO transfer Chase Abbington, especially if the Tigers build a large lead against the Huskies. Still, Missouri will want more from Witter (77 rushing yards this season).
2. Missouri LB Kentrell Brothers – The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Week has been Missouri’s best defender in 2015, tallying 32 tackles and two interceptions so far. Brothers will again be key for the Tigers, who must try to force some three-and-outs against a Huskies offense that, while not a high-scoring threat, is fairly successful at extending drives and maintaining possession.
3. UConn LB Graham Stewart – With 2014 leading tackler Marquise Vann listed as day-to-day, Stewart becomes the focal point of the Huskies defense. Stewart had an impressive 10 1/2 tackles for loss last season, and could provide trouble for the left side of Missouri’s offensive line.
4. Missouri OL Taylor Chappell – Speaking of that offensive line, the Tigers made some changes this week. Chappell, who started the last 10 games in 2014 and can play multiple positions on the line, took Alec Abeln’s spot atop the depth chart at left guard this week. Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said both will play against Connecticut, but Chappell’s ascent could result in more shuffling on Missouri’s offensive line.
5. UConn S Andrew Adams – Perhaps the Huskies biggest playmaker, Adams already has two interceptions this season after grabbing four in 2014. Missouri quarterbacks have had some accuracy issues so far, and Adams isn’t one to let a bad pass go unpunished.
Mike Shaw is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, Missouri, Texas A&M and Arkansas. Follow Mike on Twitter @michaelvshaw
