Oklahoma DT Granger to miss BCS title game

Dec 17, 2008 - 9:43 PM NORMAN, Oklahoma (Ticker) -- Oklahoma will be without another player for the BCS championship game against Florida.

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops announced Wednesday that backup defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger underwent back surgery on Monday and will miss the championship game on January 8.

The news comes a day after the school announced that starting running back DeMarco Murray also would miss the title game with a hamstring injury that will require surgery.

"Our doctors and training staff have worked extensively with DeMarcus and it was finally determined that surgery was necessary," Stoops said. "We're disappointed for DeMarcus and are certainly anxious to do everything we can to assist his recovery."

Granger, a junior, has dealt with chronic lower back problems throughout his career, but the situation deteriorated as the season progressed. He did not play in the Sooners' victory over Missouri in the Big 12 championship game due to the injury.

It will be the second straight bowl game Granger will miss as he was suspended from last season's Fiesta Bowl.