Fumbling and injuries are two things that make it easy for a running back to lose his starting spot on the depth chart. Nobody knows this better than Missouri tailback Tony Temple who has had trouble holding the football dating back to his days at Rockhurst High School. His separated shoulder – suffered against Oklahoma – compounded the situation and now Earl Goldsmith is the starter.

Temple has fumbled twice in the last three games, both resulting in scores for the opposition. His 662 yards rushing leads the team.

With college basketball season set to begin Friday, the last thing Missouri needed was to deal with another loss. So far, the Tigers have two losses already and the opening tip has not been tossed yet.

Freshman guard Keon Lawrence joined swingman Glen Dandridge on the injured list. Dandridge broke his foot earlier in the month. Lawrence recently suffered a stress fracture in his left foot that will sideline him for six-to-eight weeks.

Lawrence was expected to log major minutes in his college debut season. He will not need to undergo surgery but will be placed in an orthopedic boot.

Mizzou opens the season Friday with an exhibition game against Missouri-Rolla.