Aug. 16, 2000

MEXICO, Mo.- The Missouri Tigers spent Wednesday morning's practice in full pads at Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Mo. The Tigers took an extra 20 minutes in the morning so that they could have the afternoon practice off. Practice will resume on Thursday morning.

Larry Smith put his team through a physical practice, concentrating mainly on third down situations. When pre-season All-American Justin Smith wasn't plugging holes, Mizzou running backs Zain Gilmore and Zack Abron were powering through. Gilmore, Abron and Dan Davis had great workouts in the morning, despite occasionally being stuffed by the Tigers outstanding defensive line and linebackers.

Missouri also went live for the first time with special teams work. Both punter Jared Gilpin and kicker Brad Hammerich were very sharp. Gilpin consistantly had freshman punt returner Marcus James running backwards while Hammerich connected on 100 percent of his field goal tries.

INJURY UPDATE: Several Tigers sat out the morning practice with nagging injuries, and all are expected to be back on the playing field on Thursday. Travis Garvin suffered a hip contusion on Tuesday afternoon and sat out Wednesday. Also sitting were Kendall Good, Keith Wright and Henry Sweat with hamstring injuries. Quarterback Jim Dougherty (arm) and wide receiver Darren Baldwin (ankle) dressed but did not practice.

DAVISON TO HAVE BACK SURGERY: Junior long-snapper Ben Davidson will most likely miss the 2000 season. Davidson, who is suffering from two bulging discs, will have surgery next week.