Mizzou backup QB Berkstresser got trial by fire

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri freshman quarterback Corbin Berkstresser had five minutes to process how he was going to realize a lifelong dream.

Idolizing Corby Jones, the Tigers’ signal caller in the late 1990s, Berkstresser grew up running options and throwing to his cousins in his suburban Kansas City backyard. Last Saturday, in only his third collegiate game, Berkstresser learned he would be following in Jones’ footsteps by leading Missouri out onto the field as a starter.

Berkstresser finished with 198 yards on 21-of-41 passing with an interception, adding 25 yards and a touchdown on the ground in Missouris’ 24-20 victory. James Franklin is expected to return from a sore shoulder this week at No. 7 South Carolina.