College Football
Preview
Missouri vs Ohio State
When: 8:00 PM ET, Friday, December 29, 2023
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Even though Ohio State is ranked higher and has more wins than No. 9 Missouri, the seventh-ranked Buckeyes also have uncertainty entering Friday's Cotton Bowl matchup in Arlington, Texas.

The Buckeyes (11-1) were still reeling from a third straight loss to bitter rival Michigan, 30-24, on Nov. 25, when two days later starting quarterback Kyle McCord announced he would enter the transfer portal. He committed to Syracuse on Dec. 17.

Missouri hopes to take advantage of Ohio State redshirt freshman quarterback Devin Brown's inexperience. While McCord completed 229 of 348 passes (65.8 percent) for 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions, Brown was hampered by an ankle injury and threw just 22 passes, completing 12 for 197 yards, two TDs and one pick.

"He hasn't played a lot of games, so he hasn't seen a lot of different looks, a lot of different disguise coverages," Missouri defensive lineman Jayden Jernigan said of Brown. "So, it may be more difficult for him just because he hasn't had the experience."

Ohio State coach Ryan Day has confidence in Brown.

"The first thing you notice is his command of the huddle, his command of the offense," Day said. "He's done a nice job of that. He has a charisma about him that I think the guys appreciate."

McCord joined 13 other Buckeyes in the portal, including backup running back Chip Trayanum and receiver Julian Fleming.

Adding to the upheaval, receiver Marvin Harrison Jr, who finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy balloting earlier this month and is projected to be a high first-round pick, is undecided if he will play. The same goes for starting running back TreVeyon Henderson, defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau and tight end Cade Stover.

However, all of them were in Texas for the pre-bowl practices.

Day said that he's focused on the game and not questions surrounding the availability of players.

"I've allowed those guys to kind of do their own thing; I don't want to put their stuff out there," he said. "But we've got a good group playing in the game. We do."

Missouri (10-2) expects a full roster for the game.

"We didn't have any opt-outs," Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz said. "Our brotherhood is wanting to play this one final game, this one opportunity together."

Receiver Theo Wease said the Tigers are motivated to beat the Buckeyes.

"It would mean everything, just being an 11-win season, that's a great season," he said. "They're a very respected opponent around the country. It's going to be a good test.

"Our team is still hungry. I definitely think it's a group of guys that aren't satisfied at all."

Brady Cook threw for 3,189 yards and 20 touchdowns against six interceptions and Cody Schrader rushed for 1,499 yards and 13 touchdowns. Missouri averages 34.1 points per game and allows 22.3 points.

Even though the Buckeyes are disappointed in not making the College Football Playoff for a second straight season, there is still plenty at stake for the proud Big Ten program.

"We want to finish this season and have something to show for it," Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke said. "Our job is to go out, have fun, compete and win the game."

--Field Level Media

Stats and Records
Team Comparison
  W‑L Strk PF PA Home Away Grass Turf Conf
Missouri 10-2 W3 34.1 22.3 7-1 3-1 1-1 0-0 6-2
Ohio State 11-1 L1 32.8 11.0 6-0 5-1 1-0 0-0 8-1
Last Meeting
Missouri Ohio State
Date Away Home Tot Rus Pas Tot Rus Pas
9/19/98 MIZZ 14 OSU 35 211 191 20 531 320 211
Player Stats
Previous Matchup
Passing Player COMP % YDS TD INT
Missouri N/A
Ohio State N/A
Rushing Player CAR YDS AVG TD
Missouri N/A
Ohio State N/A
Receiving Player REC YDS AVG TD
Missouri N/A
Ohio State N/A
Touchdowns Player TD
Missouri N/A
Ohio State N/A
Season
Passing Player COMP % YDS TD INT
Missouri B. Cook 66.7 3174 20 5
Ohio State K. McCord 65.8 3170 24 6
Rushing Player CAR YDS AVG TD
Missouri C. Schrader 247 1489 6.0 13
Ohio State T. Henderson 137 854 6.2 11
Receiving Player REC YDS AVG TD
Missouri L. Burden III 82 1190 14.5 8
Ohio State M. Harrison Jr. 67 1211 18.1 14
Touchdowns Player TD
Missouri C. Schrader 13
Ohio State M. Harrison Jr. 15
Quickchart Matchup
Missouri Missouri Off vs  Ohio State Ohio State Def
Missouri 441.4 yards
Ohio State 260 yards
Missouri 4.6 yards/rush
Ohio State 3.4 yards/rush
Missouri 9.2 yards/attempt
Ohio State 4.9 yards/attempt
Ohio State Ohio State Off vs  Missouri Missouri Def
Ohio State 425 yards
Missouri 347 yards
Ohio State 4.3 yards/rush
Missouri 3.8 yards/rush
Ohio State 9 yards/attempt
Missouri 7 yards/attempt