MU takes breather before final two games

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Like most college football teams at this point in the season, Missouri is banged up, bruised and battered.

That's normal, coach Gary Pinkel insists. But the Tigers also have sustained some serious injuries to key players, making the week off before playing Kansas State on Nov. 24 in Manhattan, Kan., all the more valuable.

"An extra week really gives a team, especially this late in the season, a chance to freshen up," Pinkel said. "Players get worn down, mentally and physically. I'm glad we have this time to get fresh."

The Tigers (4-5, 3-4 Big 12) were originally scheduled to play the Wildcats on Nov. 17 in their season finale. But after the cancellations and rescheduling that followed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Missouri now has two games remaining on its schedule: the game at Kansas State and season-ending game at Michigan State on Dec. 1.

The Wildcats' Sept. 15 opponent, Louisiana Tech, had an open date on Nov. 17, so Missouri agreed to reschedule its game with Kansas State to allow those two teams to play. At the time, Pinkel knew it was a positive move for the Tigers.

"We've known the whole season that (Kansas State) is a great football team and another week to prepare can only serve to help us," Pinkel said. "That's one of the reasons we made the change."

The Tigers with more serious injuries include center A.J. Ricker (ankle), running back Zack Abron (ankle), linebacker James Kinney (ankle), linebacker Jamonte Robinson (groin), free safety Clarence Jones (shoulder) and kicker Brad Hammerich (groin). All of those players, save Kinney, are starters.

With wins in its final two games, Missouri would qualify for bowl consideration for the first time since 1998.

"If you get to the end of the year, if you're in the hunt, got a chance bowl-wise, you want all the time to prepare that you can get," Pinkel said. "You also want all the chances you can get to be healthy."

The Tigers entered their bye week on a high note after a 41-24 win over Baylor last Saturday in Columbia. That win broke a two-game Missouri losing streak, which threatened to end all hopes for a bowl bid.