Oklahoma loses defensive tackle

NORMAN, Okla., Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Back surgery will cause defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger to miss top-ranked Oklahoma's Jan. 8 BCS title game against Florida, the school said Wednesday.

The 6-foot-2 junior reserve from Dallas, who has a history of back problems, also missed the Sooners' 62-21 Big 12 championship victory Dec. 6 against Missouri.

Oklahoma head athletics trainer Scott Anderson said the Monday operation likely will mean Granger will miss spring practice while recovering.

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

Granger played in 11 games this season, making 20 tackles and two fumble recoveries.

Both he and running back DeMarco Murray (torn left hamstring) will miss the BCS title contest against the second-ranked Gators.