Missouri football, Week 8 depth chart notes: Mauk prepares for second start, Gaines still questionable

This week's game notes are out (PDF). Here are some notes on the depth chart.

• I'm pretty sure there hasn't been a single change between last week's depth chart and this week's, actually. I didn't even find any tweaks in the second string.
• Three positions are still listed with "OR" starters: tight end (Eric Waters and Sean Culkin), defensive end (Michael Sam and Shane Ray) and nose guard (Harold Brantley and Lucas Vincent). And yes, the current front-runner for SEC Defensive Player of the Year is an "OR" starter with a sophomore.
• E.J. Gaines is still listed as questionable. South Carolina's passing game is far more credible than Florida's, no matter who is the quarterback (the injured Connor Shaw or backup Dylan Thompson), so his presence would be useful, to say the least.
• Gaines' "questionable" status is perhaps notable because Russell Hansbrough and Marcus Murphy are not listed as questionable. Hansbrough struggled with turf toe (not exactly a quick-to-leave injury), and Murphy suffered a slight concussion on Saturday. I guess this means they are expected to play for now. It wouldn't be too surprising to see Ian Simon fielding (well, "fielding") punts again on Saturday, though.

Other tidbits from the game notes:

• This is the first time Missouri has faced three straight ranked opponents since 2009. And Mizzou has won back-to-back games versus ranked opponents for the first time since 1976.
• Gary Pinkel is now just four wins shy of tying Don Faurot for all-time wins at Missouri. He has, uh, caught up rather quickly.
• A win Saturday would give Pinkel his first 8-0 start at Missouri; it would give Missouri its first 8-0 start overall since 1960.
• It's Homecoming No. 102 at Mizzou, if you're keeping score at home. Homecoming No. 1 drew 9,000 fans to Rollins Field. There will be about 58,000 more in attendance on Saturday.
• After Saturday's rather incredible performance, Henry Josey now ranks 10th in the SEC in rushing yards per game, an impressive feat considering the load his backups carry.
• Career starts for Missouri's projected offensive line on Saturday: 89.
• Mizzou is tied for the national lead with 13 interceptions in 2013. As you've probably heard by now, the Tigers managed only seven last year.
• Despite last year's 31-10 carnage in South Carolina, Mizzou still holds a 2-1 series lead thanks to wins in the 1979 Hall of Fame Bowl and, in Pinkel-Spurrier I, in the 2005 Independence Bowl.

Missouri and South Carolina kick off at 6:00 p.m. CT on ESPN2.