Missouri didn’t do much in the Big 12 title game, but they did manage to knock one of Oklahoma’s big offensive threats out for the BCS Championship game.

DeMarco Murray, who ran for 1,002 on the season and helped kick the Sooner offense into an insanely high gear, will not play against Florida due to a ruptured tendon in his hamstring. Murray suffered the injury in a helmet-to-knee hit during the Mizzou game. He’s not the only key Sooner who’s a little banged up, though.

Heisman winner Sam Bradford had surgery last week to repair torn ligaments in his left hand. Bradford actually played the second half of the season with the injury, so it’s not like it was bothering him a whole lot. Bradford just had a large cast removed from his hand and should be fine, though dealing with any surgery is a setback in preparation.

The KANSAS CITY STAR has the long-term prognosis for Murray:

It was originally believed Murray had bruised his left knee on the kickoff that opened the game at Arrowhead Stadium. But an MRI revealed more damage.

Oklahoma medical personnel said it would be five months before Murray is cleared to resume workouts.

Murray missed part of the 2007 season with a dislocated kneecap.

While the Sooners do have another 1,000-yard rusher in Chris Brown and a third back, Mossis Madu, who ran for 118 yards and three touchdowns against Missouri, Murray’s presence will be missed. The DALLAS MORNING NEWS’ Chuck Carlton discusses the implications:

2. Chris Brown and Mossis Madu must perform. Each went over 100 yards in the Big 12 title game but those efforts came against out-manned Missouri. Florida’s lightning-quick defense will present a totally different challenge.

3. The pressure will shift to Heisman winner Sam Bradford if the running game doesn’t deliver. Bradford was good all season but that record run of 60-point games didn’t begin until Murray helped jumpstart the running game. Oklahoma was much easier to defend when it was pass first.

Carlton’s right, but Brown and Madu are good enough to keep the Sooners rolling along. The title game should still be a fun, high-scoring affair. Which is probably why it’s going to end up 10-7.