Only one half of Missouri’s usual center-to-quarterback exchange has recovered from his sprained MCL and will start Saturday’s homecoming game against Kentucky: redshirt sophomore center Mitch Morse.
The other half, junior quarterback James Franklin, is off the depth chart and is listed as “doubtful” on the injury report.
Franklin has thrown passes and taken snaps but has not run since injuring his right knee more than two weeks ago in a home loss to Vanderbilt.
Coach Gary Pinkel said during his Monday press conference that the coaching staff does not anticipate Franklin playing this weekend, but the final decision, which rests with the team’s medical staff, will be made Thursday.
This means redshirt freshman Corbin Berkstresser will, in all likelihood, get the starting nod for the third time this season when the 1-7 Wildcats step onto Faurot Field.
Berkstresser has had his fair share of struggles this season, completing 54 of 113 passes for 627 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. All three touchdowns came during games he didn’t start.
“It’s all about experience,” Pinkel said. “He’s done some good things. What we’re looking for is consistency.”
Those around Berkstresser, namely his wide receivers and offensive line, have contributed to his struggles and further complicated an already difficult situation, Pinkel said.
Junior receiver Marcus Lucas said he concurred with his coach’s assessment.
“If us older guys can make those extra plays that we’re not really supposed to catch or whatever and make those extra blocks, then it’ll really build confidence in him,” Lucas said.
Offensive coordinator David Yost said he spent the team’s bye week analyzing the bright spots in Berkstresser’s play and thinking of ways to capitalize on them. He alluded to the backup’s ability to stand firm in the pocket under pressure.
“He’s a tough guy in the way he wants to stand in there and wants to throw,” Yost said. “What he is (is) a tough kid. He doesn’t back away from it.”
Lucas said the team has noticed growth from its young signal caller, noting his increased composure and focus. He thinks it’s time for the receivers to take a few steps forward of their own.
“We have to focus on one play at a time, once catch at a time,” Lucas said. “We’re all playmakers, and we all have the ability to change games. We’re comfortable with Corbin, and we feel like we can make a connection.”
_Seth Boster contributed to this report._