Hoch Hits Stride in Return to Lineup at Mizzou

Starting right offensive tackle Dan Hoch had a skip - rather than a limp - in his step as he strode through the lobby of the Missouri practice facility.

Hoch - after missing the final scrimmage with a sprained knee - is expected to play for Missouri in the Tigers’ season opening football game Saturday against Illinois in St. Louis.

“He practiced a little bit Saturday, and last night he did also,” Pinkel said. “He’s probable. I think he’ll play.”

Think?

"Walking through the lobby and being able to go out there and get in a stance and explode through people and get in pass protection position . . . those are the things we've got to analyze."

Hoch's return will allow Kurtis Gregory to move back to his starting right guard position and give Missouri arguably its strongest front offensive line.

Pinkel listed Will Ebner, a backup middle linebacker who suffered a sprained neck in the last scrimmage, as doubtful to probable. That would move Jeff Gettys up in support of starter Luke Lambert.

Jarrell Harrison, who suffered a dislocated elbow in the final scrimmage, is anticipated to be out “probably for three weeks or so.”

Munir Prince has been moved into a reserve role, along with Del Howard, at strong safety. Prince had been at cornerback.

As anticipated, Pinkel said he would make no further comment on the Friday dismissal from the team of Blaine Dalton, true freshman quarterback.
“I don’t ever discuss disciplinary issues,” Pinkel said.

Jimmy Costello - who may have done so without the dismissal of Dalton - maintained his hold as the top backup to starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

Terrell Resonno won a starting defensive tackle slot in a close battle with Dominique Hamilton.

Grant Ressel won the job of field goal and extra point kicker over Tanner Mills, although Mills will handle kickoffs.

True freshman running back Kendial Lawrence is now officially No. 3 at tailback behind Derrick Washington and De’Vion Moore. He supplants Gilbert Moye.