Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said tight end Chase Coffman was on track to play this Saturday against Iowa State.

Coffman injured his toe in the win over Baylor two weeks ago and then sat out last week’s victory over Kansas State.

“It was a game-day decision,” Pinkel said. “It was very close .. decided when we went in after warm-up that it was wise not to play. Very good shot at being ready to go (this week). Made a lot of improvement considering the injury. Very likely that he’ll play.”

Other notes from Pinkel’s talk with Big 12 media this morning:

On Iowa State: “Just looking at film, I think they’re playing very competitively. Obviously, doing a great job in building that program. Last week was a heartbreaker for them. Got good athletes. Focus on trying to play our best game.”

On the chance of clinching North this week and what it means: “That’s a better question to ask if it ever happens. To think about championships and those things right now, not wise. Just focus on this game. See what happens as these next games go.”

On his team’s improvements since two losses: “Better defense. Still disappointed with our turnovers. We’re about middle of road in turnover margin. Had four balls with hands on for interceptions (last week) but got two. That’s disappointing but at least putting ourselves in position.  We’re staying focused on the task at hand. Better at that. With all hoopla and things going on (earlier in season), didn’t handle that as well as we should have.”