Missouri Starting RB Russell Hansbrough out Week 3 against UConn

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When Missouri takes the field against Connecticut this weekend they will be without one of the SEC’s best running backs, Russell Hansbrough. On Monday Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel announced he was sitting his senior 1,000 yard rusher due to an ankle injury.

Per Pinkel, Hansbrough was injured in Week 1 against Southeast Missouri State but started last week against Arkansas State. The Tigers struggled to a 27-20 win over the Red Wolves on the road with their top running back limited to 15 yards on five carries in the non-conference matchup.

In Hansbrough’s absence, Ish Witter rushed for 50 yards on 12 carries. Starting quarterback Maty Mauk carried the offensive load passing for 148 yards with three touchdowns against two picks and rushed 10 times for 75 yards.

No. 22 Missouri kicks off against UConn at noon ET on Saturday. In Week 4 the Tigers travel to Lexington to take on the Kentucky Wildcats.

Photo credit: al.com; No. 32 Russell Hansbrough finds running room against Texas A&M.