MU makes house call to ailing Colorado

BOULDER, Colo. -- Players gamely battled back from a 12-point deficit late in the third quarter, and coaches wracked their brains for schemes and plays that would work against a stubborn opponent.

But nobody worked harder in Saturday night's game at Oklahoma State than the Colorado medical staff.

"Our trainer was overwhelmed," coach Gary Barnett said. "It looked like a MASH unit at halftime. We had 15 kids leave the game with injuries. We had four guys go out with back spasms, all in the first half. I don't think I've ever experienced it quite like that in one game.

"Unfortunately, we're going to miss some of those guys this week."

While there has been some healing, the No. 25 Buffaloes (6-2 overall, 4-1 Big 12) will be somewhat undermanned today when they entertain Missouri.

Since August, 10 players have been lost for the season, including senior linebacker Jashon Sykes and senior receiver John Minardi.

The doubtful list for today's game likely will include quarterback Craig Ochs, who recovered from a concussion only to sprain his ankle against Oklahoma State; linebackers Kory Mossoni (herniated disk) and Aaron Killion (hamstring); tailback Cortlen Johnson (knee) and fullback Brandon Drumm (shoulder).

Four players in the secondary -- free safety Robbie Robinson and cornerbacks Phil Jackson, Terrence Wood and Clyde Surrell -- have broken hands, but all expect to play against Missouri.

Barnett wants as many hands on deck as he can get this week against what he views as a dangerous opponent.

"This may be the most physical team we've played so far," he said of the Tigers (3-4, 2-3). "They have arguably the best receiver in the Big 12 in Justin Gage. When (Kirk) Farmer is healthy, he's a heck of a quarterback. Their tailback (Zack Abron) is averaging 80 yards a game and is really hard to tackle."

Added Barnett, "Every one of their games has been close, and that's because of their defense. Texas and Nebraska both beat Missouri, but neither team moved the ball on them. That's what's a little bit scary to me."

Farmer, who is questionable with a bruised lower back, has thrown for nine touchdowns this season and has run for another.

If Ochs can't play for Colorado, Bobby Pesavento, who engineered last week's 22-19 win at OSU, will start.

Colorado's running game has fallen off the last three games, but the Buffs still rank 20th in the nation at 205.2 yards per game.

The Tigers are coming off a 35-16 loss to Texas. Colorado lost to the Longhorns 41-7 two weeks ago.