As Mizzou gets ready to take on No. 3 Texas on Saturday, MU coach Gary Pinkel spoke during Monday’s Big 12 media teleconference. Selected tidbits:

*While not elaborating on the depth of quarterback Blaine Gabbert’s ongoing ankle injury, Pinkel continued to express his admiration of Gabbert’s toughness and ability and willingness to keep playing in pain: “Chase Daniel never had to do this; Brad Smith never had to do this,” said Pinkel, adding that Gabbert’s continuing play is predicated on clearance by the medical staff and Gabbert’s own desire.

*Although pleased generally with defensive improvement this season, Pinkel noted that it’s crucial that MU start producing more turnovers. The Tigers forced none by Oklahoma State while committing four. “There’s no statistic that will determine winning or losing more than turnovers; it’s just the law of numbers,” he said.

*On the state of the Big 12 North race, with Kansas State atop the standings at 2-1 in league play, two-time defending champ MU at the bottom at 0-2 and the four others in between: “It’s just kind of hard to figure, what’s going on,” said Pinkel, adding that if MU can “get some wins going” it still should have a chance.

*Up next for the Tigers, of course, is Texas, not an obvious spot to begin getting some wins going. Mizzou only has beaten the Longhorns once in 15 meetings since 1916, and Texas blasted MU in Austin last year. “Outstanding team,” said Pinkel, who laughed when asked about its defense. “They’re pretty good.”