Berkstresser plays

The last time quarterback Corbin Berkstresser was called on to save Missouri during the middle of a game, he later admitted that he wasn’t as prepared as he could be.

When faced with a similar situation against Syracuse on Saturday, Berkstresser, changed the narrative slightly, but ultimately not enough to prevent another loss, this time 31-27.

Berkstresser came in for starting quarterback James Franklin early in the fourth quarter Saturday. Berkstresser came out firing, as he threw off his back foot and connected with Marcus Lucas for a 38-yard gain on his third snap of the game, then found T.J. Moe for a 27-yard gain a few plays later.

“He made some throws and put us in position to score,” coach Gary Pinkel said of Berkstresser, who completed four of eight passes for 85 yards and an interception.

• Senior Jimmy Burge got the start at defensive tackle in place of suspended junior Sheldon Richardson, who was serving a one-game suspension for a violation of team rules.

• With his 70-yard touchdown catch Saturday, Missouri freshman Dorial Green-Beckham became only the second player in school history to finish with two or more touchdown catches over 70 yards in a single season. Danario Alexander is the only other one to accomplish the feat, finishing with four 70-plus yard scores in 2009.

• The loss is Mizzou’s first to a nonconference foe at home since New Mexico in 2005.