Here are the highlights from Missouri coach Gary Pinkel’s weekly press conference on Monday as the Tigers get set to face the No. 11 Gators in Columbia this Saturday.

Not surprisingly, Pinkel fielded several questions about QB Maty Mauk, who will remain suspended through this week’s game against Florida as he wasn’t listed on the team’s depth chart. True freshman QB Drew Lock will be under center again after completing 21 of 28 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns in Missouri’s 24-10 win over South Carolina.

As for Lock, Pinkel isn’t looking for him to be a vocal leader. He just wants him to lead by example.

However, Pinkel did reveal some good news as RB Russell Hansbrough might return to full speed for the big game. Hansbrough finished with 11 carries for 43 yards to go with three catches for nine yards against the Gamecocks on Saturday.

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Pinkel seemed pleased with the improvement the team showed in the running game against South Carolina. Mizzou rushed for a season-high 163 yards. Ish Witter led the way with 17 carries for 98 yards and a touchdown.

However, Pinkel knows the Gators will pose the toughest challenge yet for the Tigers’ ground game. Florida boasts the second-best rush defense in the SEC, holding opponents to 97.8 yards per game.

Pinkel had more praise for the Gators.