Here are five Mizzou players every South Carolina fan needs to know by Saturday:

  1. Maty Mauk (QB): The straw that stirs the drink for the Tigers, Mauk’s had an incredible start during his first season as the starter with a conference-leading 14 touchdown passes. Prolific on the run, keeping outside containment is paramount to South Carolina’s success on Saturday night.
  2. Shane Ray (DL): Mizzou’s sack leader is also the Tigers’ top pro prospect, a mobile 6-foot-3, 250-pound pass rusher with speed and strength. A two-year backup behind Kony Ealy and Michael Sam, he has developed into the the defense’s best player overall.
  3. Markus Golden (DL): Nursing a hamstring injury, Golden didn’t play in last week’s loss to Indiana and his presence was sorely missed. In three games, he’s third in the SEC in sacks (4.0).
  4. Russell Hansbrough (RB): This junior bundle of muscle has more than made up for the loss of Henry Josey with a similar skill set and ability to run behind his pads. Hansbrough’s currently eighth in the SEC in rushing with 377 yards (57 carries) and three touchdowns.
  5. Marcus Murphy (ATH): Currently tied with Jeremy Maclin for the program record in career return touchdowns (5), the Gamecocks must have Murphy circled on their scouting reports this week. He returns kicks, punts, starts in the backfield and plays in the slot for the Tigers.