-- No. 17 Arkansas defeated Memphis 2-1 in overtime Friday night at Razorback Fiel

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri coach Barry Odom considers his role to be that of a teacher. He is still learning things in his inaugural season at the helm of his alma mater.Saturdays game against Kentucky will be his latest test.The Tigers (2-5, 0-3 Southeastern Conference) have dramatically improved their offense from a year ago, when they finished second to last in the nation in offensive efficiency. Missouri leads the SEC in yards per game with 505, but that has not always led to wins. Last week, Missouri lost its homecoming game 51-45 to Middle Tennessee, surrendering 584 yards, including 300 on the ground. The Tigers also piled up penalties that allowed MTSU to extend multiple drives.Odom is reevaluating his level of involvement with all sides of the ball, including his area of expertise -- defense.Ive got an opportunity to go help that side out and Im going to do it, Odom said. Ive been trying to balance both sides along with some of the other things and I need to spend my focus there.Odom was Missouris defensive coordinator last season, and discussed the fine line between aiding and interfering.If theres a call I really dont like, or I dont think its the right tine or fit for it, Ill say something, Odom said. But also, as a head coach, I recall being a coordinator not that long ago and I want those guys to feel comfortable doing their work too, not overlooking all the time, `Whats the head coach thinking?Kentucky (4-3, 3-2) will look to capitalize on Missouris recent struggles. The Wildcats seek their third consecutive SEC victory after defeating Vanderbilt 20-13 on Oct. 8 and Mississippi State 40-38 last Saturday. It would be the first three-game conference win streak for the Wildcats since 1999.They put a lot of stress on you, Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said of Missouris offense. They go extremely fast and theyve got some very dynamic players, so its going to be a real challenge.Here are some things to watch Saturday:INJURY BUGMissouri has been hit with a string of injuries, four of which occurred in the loss to Middle Tennessee. Linebacker Michael Scherer tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee, effectively ending his college career with five games to play. Additionally, Terry Beckner Jr. tore his ACL in his left knee after the same injury to his right knee cut his 2015 season short. Scherer led Missouri with 53 tackles in seven starts. Beckner had 24 tackles, including two for loss, three quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery.Everybody in America is banged up at this point, Odom said. Its week seven or eight or nine for some. Thats the game. Youve got to have your next guys ready to go play.MAKING STRIDESWith a win Saturday, Kentucky would secure its fourth conference win, something it hasnt accomplished since 2006 under Rich Brooks. Additionally, the Wildcats have won their last three home games, something they last accomplished in 1996.I was proud of our team this past week in finding a way to win and showing some toughness and some resiliency against Mississippi State, but theres a lot of things that we can do better, Stoops said.FOUNTAIN OF YOUTHMissouri has just 16 seniors on its roster, including Scherer, while Kentucky has 11, the fewest in the nation. Missouri senior cornerback John Gibson was also injured against Middle Tennessee, and is still not a guarantee for Saturday.It does present a real challenge, Stoops said of his lack of seniors. Youre starting to see our team grow up a little bit. We wouldnt have been able to win some close games and some tough games without their leadership. Ernie Banks Cubs Jersey .com) - The red-hot Los Angeles Kings will try to extend their winning streak to a season-high seven games when they visit the Edmonton Oilers for Sundays clash at Rexall Place. Kendall Graveman Jersey . The Browns coaching search remains incomplete. http://www.thecubsteamshop.com/Cubs-Kendall-Graveman-Kids-Jersey/ . Halifax beat the Saint John Sea Dogs 7-5 on the strength of two goals apiece from Nikolaj Ehlers, Matt Murphy and Brent Andrews. Jonathan Drouin also scored and had three assists while Zachary Fucale made 17 saves for the Mooseheads (16-8-0), who led 6-1 after two periods. Daniel Descalso Jersey .com) - The Pittsburgh Penguins placed forward James Neal on injured reserve Tuesday. Joe Maddon Cubs Jersey .Y. -- Knicks coach Mike Woodson said Wednesday that J.COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Former Montreal forward Blake Geoffrion has been hired as a scout by the Columbus Blue Jackets a day after he announced his retirement from the NHL at age 25. Geoffrion, the grandson of former Canadiens star Bernie Geoffrion and great-grandson of Howie Morenz, left the game due to lingering effects of a skull fracture and concussion sustaained during an American Hockey League game in November.dddddddddddd He was selected by Nashville in the second round of the 2006 draft and had eight goals and five assists in 55 career NHL games with the Predators and Montreal. The Blue Jackets also announced that former NHL defenceman Bob Halkidis has been added to the teams scouting staff. ' ' '