Missouri's Coffman still hurting

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Chase Coffman's toe injury still lingers, but Missouri coaches say a hobbled Coffman is still a plus as the Tigers prepare for Oklahoma and the Big 12 championship game.

Coffman suffered turf toe during a 31-28 win over Baylor on Nov. 1. He still managed six catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns in last weekend's 40-37 upset loss to Kansas, even after immediately aggravating the injury on the game's first play.

The 19th-ranked Tigers (9-3, 5-3 Big 12) will need Coffman as they face No. 4 Oklahoma (11-1, 7-1) on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Coffman put the health of the toe at "about 80 percent."

"We all know what a healthy, 100 percent, Chase Coffman is," Pinkel said. "By the way, an 80-percent Chase isn't bad. Maybe he'll do better after the experience of playing and doing better with it. There are some things you have to work through."

Coffman is enjoying a strong senior season despite the injury, with 79 receptions for 872 yards and nine touchdowns. His 236 career receptions are both and school record and an NCAA record for tight ends. He has 29 career scores.

"He's such a great player that anytime he is on the field to help our offense, its a huge plus for us," said offensive coordinator Dave Christensen, who will remain at Missouri through the end of the season despite being named Wyoming's new coach. "We miss when he isn't in there, and his playmaking ability is a huge factor for us."

It was just a year ago that Coffman was also dealing with an injury. His injured foot kept him out of the 2007 Big 12 championship game, also against Oklahoma. The Sooners won to end Missouri's bid to play in the BCS title game.

Quarterback Chase Daniel knows Coffman will do his best to contribute despite the injury.

"He'll do whatever it takes to get on the field and stay on the field," Daniel said.

Missouri comes into the game as a big underdog as it seeks its first conference championship since 1969. For his part, Coffman is ready for the challenge, injury or not.

"Toughness counts for a lot, but you have to go out there and not think about it, just try and make plays at the same time," he said.