It seems to be an epic game every year, so why should this one be any different?

Sure, Missouri and South Carolina enter Saturday’s contest as two of the more underwhelming teams in the SEC. But something exciting seems to happen every time Gary Pinkel and Steve Spurrier’s teams face off. The last two games have been decided by a total of four points.

Here are five players to watch for when the Tigers host the Gamecocks:

1. QB Drew Lock – Well, duh. The true freshman’s first career start for the Tigers couldn’t come at a more critical juncture in Missouri’s season. With starting QB Maty Mauk suspended for this game, Tigers fans are expecting the offense to make a big improvement under Lock. While it would be unfair to expect a dramatic transformation, the Tigers do throw the ball a lot more when Lock has come into games.

2. LB Clarence Green – Even if injured LB Kentrell Brothers is able to play on Saturday, many expect Missouri’s leading tackler to be limited because of an ankle injury. In steps Green, a redshirt senior who split time as Missouri’s strongside linebacker last season but may be required to step in for Brothers on the weakside. Green will be critical in stopping Gamecocks WR Pharoh Cooper and QB Lorenzo Nunez from gaining big yards on the edge.

3. RT Taylor Chappell – While being a versatile lineman can be a good thing, the redshirt senior has had a difficult time cementing his place in the starting rotation. With starting RT Nate Crawford out with an ankle injury, Chappell will need to step up to protect Lock from South Carolina’s pass rushers.

4. WR/PR Cam Hilton – A converted safety, the true freshman has been recruited to help with the offensive side of the ball for the rest of this season. We’ll see if the Tigers mix things up on punt returns by giving Hilton a shot or if his speed can provide a difference in the passing game.

5. RB Tyler Hunt – The former walk-on continues to make his case for more playing time, especially when considering how poorly the rest of Missouri’s running backs have played. We already know Lock likes to target Hunt (see touchdown vs Southeast Missouri). Now, we’ll see if the Tigers make Hunt the default third down back in a game that could be decided by which team is able to convert the most third downs.