HOOVER, Ala. — Excuse Maty Mauk if he seems a bit perturbed.

Faced with a question concerning his lackluster play in four losses over 18 career starts, Mizzou’s veteran quarterback snapped back Wednesday during his appearance at SEC Media Days as a leader on offense who has played in consecutive SEC Championship games.

“For my 27 QBR (in losses) or whatever it is, I’m 14-4 as a starter and I’m going to take wins over that,” Mauk said. “I’m not a guy going out there for stats. I’m here to win football games.”

RELATED: What Gary Pinkel said at SEC Media Days

In reality, Mauk’s numbers were a mixed bag last season. He led the East in interceptions, ranked second to last among league starters in completion percentage and had a dreadful stretch on third down during Mizzou’s first three SEC contests.

But the Tigers won the East, again, and Mauk retained his job during spring practice with a noticeable advantage both athletically and from a skills perspective, over Mizzou’s other quarterbacks.

“I got to be more consistent,” Mauk said. “Last year I had my ups and downs. We won, but sometimes it was sloppy and I don’t want it to be sloppy.”

Offensive coordinator Josh Henson stressed the importance of improved pocket presence for Mauk entering his junior campaign and relying on a certain level of trust with his receivers.

Coach Gary Pinkel says he isn’t concerned with Mauk under center. He’s asking for more consistency as a unit from an offense that ranked 13th in the SEC last season.

“Honestly, when he’s in crunch time, he’s at his best,” Pinkel said. “He’s delivered since he’s been a player for us. We just need more consistency at the position, more consistency on offense. I think it starts with him.”

Most preseason projections have the Tigers as the East’s third-best team this fall behind Georgia and Tennessee.

Mizzou’s used to the lack of praise.

“We’re back to back SEC East champs and we’re coming for a third,” Mauk said. “I’m not worried about what everyone else thinks. It’s not even a respect thing anymore. We’re going to be disrespected. We’re going to be at the bottom of everybody’s polls.

“It’s just something we can’t control so we’re not going to worry about.”