.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
Pinkel is confident in Lock's ability to lead Tigers
The absence of Maty Mauk impacts Missouri's offense considerably.
Mauk is an experienced player with good leadership qualities. He's also dynamic when running the football. This quality helps to make Missouri's offense less predictable. With the Tigers looking for its first conference win of the season, some would think the loss of Mauk will be tough to overcome.
If Wednesday's SEC teleconference is any indication, head coach Gary Pinkel doesn't subscribe to that thought process.
He was effusive in his praise of true freshman and new starting signal-caller Drew Lock.
"[Lock] is a very talented player," said Pinkel. "Very thankful that we've got him some of the work that he's gotten, some of the experience that's going to help him. I think he's real excited about it, and he'll do well."
The ringing endorsement by the head coach speaks to the confidence Pinkel has in the young player. There's also a bit of perspective in regards to Lock. This contest against South Carolina will mark the first-career start for the freshman on the collegiate level. The key will be for Lock to minimize any mistakes against an athletic defense.
Conventional wisdom suggests Pinkel getting Lock comfortable with some quick, manageable throws in the first quarter. This could in theory lead to longer passes stretching the field vertically.
"[Lock just] has to focus on quarterbacking and making good decisions and naturally, instinctively doing the things that you do," said Pinkel. "I think he'll do that. He'll make some mistakes, but he'll still get out and compete."
(h/t The Columbia Daily Tribune)
