Story by Alex Silverman

Photos by Kelsey Alumbaugh

Place kicker Blake Owens warms up with a few kicks at the beginning of practice Thursday, April 12, 2012.

The Missouri football team held its final practice of the spring season Thursday at Faurot Field.  The team practiced without pads, wearing just helmets and running light drills.  Up next for the Tigers is the Black and Gold Game on Saturday at 1 p.m.  Pinkel said that current No. 1 quarterback Corbin Berkstresser will play three quarters.

Kicking things off

Placekicking has been a struggle for the Tigers this spring with inconsistency being an overarching theme.  In the team’s two full scrimmages, No. 1 kicker Trey Barrow converted just 3-of-10 field goal attempts.  Barrow’s misses include one from 29 yards out and two from 31 yards out.

Coach Gary Pinkel told the media Thursday that Andrew Baggett, who was previously listed as the No. 2 placekicker, had been moved up to the top of the depth chart.  In two scrimmages, Baggett made 5-of-9 field goal attempts.  Pinkel expressed disappointment in his placekickers this spring and stressed the importance of the position.

Barrow shared his thoughts on being replaced at No. 1 and how the kicking game can improve.

Players get a peek at uniforms

In the team’s final meeting prior to practice Thursday, the players got their first looks at the new jerseys, which are set to be unveiled to the media and public at halftime of the Black and Gold Game.  While the Tigers were tight-lipped about design specifics, they weren’t hiding their excitement. Here’s some reaction:

• Gary Pinkel:

• Kendial Lawrence:

Pinkel on spring standouts

After practice, Pinkel shared his thoughts on a few players who had particularly successful spring seasons:

• Gahn McGaffie:

• Kendial Lawrence:

• Michael Sam:

• Corbin Berkstresser: