KNOXVILLE - The Missouri offense begins with quarterback Drew Lock.
But it doesn't end there.
Tennessee's challenge this week will be slowing the Tigers offense, which while being spearheaded by Lock also has been effective in the run game. The Tigers rank third in the Southeastern Conference in total offense, averaging 473.4 yards per game, although that's dipped by almost 90 yards in league play.
Missouri's 26.5 points per game against SEC competition rank fourth in the league, trailing only Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.
The offense is directed by former Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley, in his first season as the Tigers' offensive coordinator.
"They're very balanced offensively," current Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt said Monday. "I think Derek's done a fantastic job with what they're doing offensively. They've been able to run the ball. They've been committed to it. Done a really nice job protecting the quarterback, and they have lots of experience up front. They have big men, have a good scheme, so we're going to have to play well to have a chance."
The Tigers' rushing attack is fourth in the league in SEC games at 181 yards per game. Larry Rountree leads the team with 758 yards and nine touchdowns, while Damarea Crockett is right behind him with 699 yards and seven scores. Lock has thrown for 2,647 yards and 21 scores.
The balance has been evident in the past two games, wins at then 11th-ranked Florida and last week at home against Vanderbilt. The Tigers (6-4, 2-4) rushed for 474 yards in the past two games while throwing for 503.
In the 33-28 win over the Commodores - making Missouri bowl-eligible - the Tigers had 253 yards passing and 253 rushing.
"They have a really good quarterback, a top-rated quarterback, but they also have a really good run game," Vols defensive back Micah Abernathy said. "Lock is a really good quarterback, but they have really good backs, two or three they use a game, and they're all seasoned. They've been in the SEC a while. They have a pretty good offensive line and a quarterback that makes all the checks and the threat he imposes on the defense."
After struggling early in the season, the Vols defense perhaps has started to turn a corner. In its current two-game win streak, Tennessee has allowed just 169 rushing yards and 506 total yards while racking up eight sacks in wins over Charlotte and Kentucky.
Holding Charlotte to 92 yards was impressive but could have been overlooked since that team is a "Group of Five" program. But then the Wildcats came into last Saturday's game averaging 178.9 yards rushing in conference play and the Vols held them to 77, with no carries over 20 yards.
Saturday will present a new challenge, but this is a defense that enjoys such things.
"We're just trying to get better each week and not try to hang our hats on last week," Tennessee defensive tackle Shy Tuttle said. "We have to try and get ready for our next opponent, Missouri. They have a great passer, a well-seasoned quarterback that knows how to read defenses, so our hands will be full, but we're looking forward to the challenge."
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenley3.