El Paso, Texas ? Missouri was almost back to full strength for its final practice of the season on Wednesday, shaking off an illness that hit more than 20 players, assistant coaches and children who made the Sun Bowl trip.

“There wasn’t anybody off today,” coach Gary Pinkel said. “Some guys struggled, but for the most part we had everybody out there.

“We ended up with about 20-22 sick players and a bunch of coaches and a zillion little kids, but we’re fine.”

The bug appeared to be subsiding just in time for Friday’s game against No. 24 Oregon State.

Despite the illnesses, Pinkel said practice had gone well.

“A lot of guys were sharp yesterday, the ones that were healthy,” he said.