Missouri State found out what life is like in the tough Big 12 conference with a 52-10 loss to Oklahoma State. The Cowboys aren’t even a top tier team in the conference; they’re picked to finish fifth in the South division.

The Bears don’t have another team on its schedule that will be as strong as OSU, but that doesn’t mean they’ll have any easier of a time. MSU might be without top wide receiver Tamarkus McElvane for at least a game. The junior transfer from Oakland, Ca injured his foot on the first play of the game against the Cowboys. He returned from that injury only to suffer a shoulder injury later in the game. McElvane didn’t practice Tuesday but is expected to participate today. All indications point towards him playing Saturday when the Bears open their home schedule against Southwest Baptist

Running back Michael Cooper practiced in full pads for the first time since suffering a neck injury Aug 17. There’s only about a 30 percent chance he’ll play in Saturday’s game.