Pinkel's handling of young QBs bodes well for Missouri on Saturday

Published Oct. 1, 2015 6:00 p.m. ET

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True freshman Drew Lock will make his first start on Saturday versus SEC East Division foe South Carolina.

Playing at Faurot Field should help the young signal-caller acclimate to an advanced role. Without Maty Mauk available, Lock should get all of the snaps in this contest. The handling of an inexperienced player is something every coach has to manage. In the quarterback's case, getting Lock off to a fast start with easy throws is likely the course of action.

In theory, he'll be able to get into a rhythm, as well as gain confidence against an athletic Gamecocks' defense.

Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel has been exceptional in this capacity. With first-time quarterbacks starting, Pinkel is an undefeated 6-0. This includes victories over Illinois (Blaine Gabbert), Arizona State (Corbin Berkstresser) and Florida (Maty Mauk).

Missouri hopes this trend continues on Saturday.