The Missouri Tigers and the Ohio State Buckeyes meet in college football action from AT&T Stadium on Friday night. It’s the Cotton Bowl Classic from Jerryworld, who comes out on top? Let’s dive in and find out with our Missouri vs. Ohio State Prediction.
Missouri Team Preview
The Missouri Tigers come into their bowl game with a record of 10-2 on the year. Brady Cook has thrown for 2,471 yards, 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions on 67.3% passing while Cody Schrader has a team-high 919 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Luther Burden III leads Missouri with 64 grabs for 958 yards and 7 touchdowns while Theo Wease Jr. has 41 grabs for 530 yards and 5 scores. Mookie Cooper also has 30 receptions for 391 yards this season. On defense, Ty’Ron Hopper has a team-high 53 total tackles along with 3 sacks while Darius Robinson has a team-high 5.5 sacks and Johnny Walker Jr. has 4 sacks. Kris Abrams-Draine also has a team-high 4 interceptions for Mizzou this season.
Missouri Tigers Team Facts
Missouri has lost each of its last 12 games against top-10 AP-ranked teams.
Missouri has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last nine games in December.
Missouri has won the first half in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
Missouri has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
Each of Missouri’s last four Bowl games have gone UNDER the total points line.
Ohio State Team Preview
The Ohio State Buckeyes come into this bowl game with a record of 11-1 in the Big Ten East standings. The Buckeyes have had the transfer portal and opt-outs have a huge effect on this game, starting at the top with starting QB Kyle McCord hitting the transfer portal while wide receiver Julian Fleming has joined the fray. RB Miyan Williams is opting out of this game, but some key names have yet to confirm if they’re playing or not. Most notably, WR Marvin Harrison Jr. and TE Cade Stover have been seen in Arlington, but reportedly have not been practicing, which is big considering those are Ohio State’s top-two receivers with Harrison Jr. logging 67 catches for 1,211 yards and 14 TDs and Stover logging 41 grabs for 576 yards and 5 scores. On defense, leading tackler Tommy Eichenberg has yet to confirm either, as has leading sack man JT Tuimoloau if they’re going to opt out or play.
Ohio State Buckeyes Team Facts
Ohio State has won each of its last 16 matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.
The favorite has covered the spread in seven of Ohio State’s last eight games.
Ohio State has won the first half in each of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
Seven of Ohio State’s last eight games as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.
Missouri vs. Ohio State Prediction
I’m sticking with Missouri here. Missouri’s roster for this game is pretty much intact according to Eli Drinkwitz, and this was a loaded roster for Missouri that played with a chip on their shoulder pretty much all year long and had they caught a couple of breaks against Georgia and LSU, could be 12-0 coming into this game. Missouri’s going to be a team I keep an eye on in 2024, but I think they build those vibes here. Give me Missouri and the points.
