The Standard

Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Matt Moore

They affect game planning, scouting and play calls.

Their potential influence can eventually make thousands of dollars change hands and force coaches to suddenly become tight-lipped.

Although they're only a few dozen words (at most) on a single sheet of paper, injury reports are held in high regard at the college level.

Missouri State head coach Terry Allen said the issue of injury reports are viewed differently from coach to coach.

"I don't think I'm real protective about that kind of stuff," Allen said. "Other coaches can get fanatical about it. It just depends on each coach's philosophy."

Bears senior center and co-captain David Tillman said the coaches include a detailed injury report as part of the scouting report for the opponent that weekend.

"The coaches will let us know each week who's playing, who's playing hurt and who's not playing at all," Tillman said. "It's a nice thing to have because you always want to be prepared to go up against the player you'll actually be facing."

Often, a player will not be included in the weekly injury report even though he may, in fact, be injured.

The ability to spot that injured player during a game depends on the severity of the injury and the player's will to overcome it.

"It just depends," Tillman said. "Sometimes they'll be out there running around with basically one arm. Other times, you can't tell at all because they're tough and can play through it."

Coaches show no mercy in going after a player that's less than 100 percent. It's already happened once this season for the Bears.

As Missouri State trailed late 38-35 at home to Central Arkansas earlier this season, Allen said he suspected the UCA cornerback on the right side was less than 100 percent.

The Bears called a slant route aimed at the cornerback but UCA linebacker Stephen De-Grate jumped the route and nearly made a decisive interception.

Instead, the ball landed in the hands of wide receiver Tam-arkus McElvane for a first down and the Bears scored the game-winning touchdown with 20 sec

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