Injuries sideline star receiver Vernell Brown III, but a depleted Missouri defense offers a lifeline for Aaron Philo's Florida Gators.
The Florida Gators only had a pair of players on the injury report, but one of them has just been downgraded to doubtful.
Both are wide receivers, but it seems like Bailey Stockton will be the only one on the field come Saturday, Oct. 3.
Fellow wideout Vernell Brown III was listed as doubtful on the final availability report, so it seems like quarterback Aaron Philo will be without the sophomore in yet another top-25 showdown.
Florida expects Stockton to play
Obviously, this offense runs through star running back Jadan Baugh, so losing one wide receiver doesn't feel like the end of the world.
The Gators would never pick and choose between Brown and Stockton, but judging off what's happened in the first four games this year, Stockton is clearly a step below Brown.
That said, Stockton is one of four players with 100+ yards on the team, so he still has a crucial role carved out on this offense, one that will only be heightened now that Brown will likely be on the bench.
Gators will likely be without Brown
If Brown doesn't suit up, that means Philo will be without his top option. Brown leads the team in receptions (17) and receiving yards (271), and his 15.9 yards per reception rival some of the best receivers in the country.
Not having Brown on the field isn't a death sentence for this offense, but it'll all depend on how the Tigers defend Baugh. If Philo is stuck throwing the ball a ton, head coach Jon Sumrall will have to get creative, but expect a big game from Dallas Wilson regardless.
Missouri's defense took a huge hit
The availability report on Friday, Oct. 2, revealed that Mizzou will be without EDGE's Darris Smith and Langden Kitchen.
Both are out due to lower-body injuries, so Missouri's defense suddenly looks quite vulnerable heading into this matchup.
If that's not enough, the Tigers are also down safety JaDon Blair, offensive lineman Josh Atkins, tight end Gavin Hoffman, and running backs Ahmad Hardy and Malae Fonoti.
Smith has been a rock-solid piece of this defense, and his two tackles for loss in the last three games will dearly be missed.
As for Kitchen, he had eight pressures to go along with three tackles for loss in four games, so suddenly the Tigers are having to revamp this defensive unit less than 24 hours before kickoff.
