Live Blog of Mizzou Against Virginia in the Gator Bowl

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Missouri faced No. 19 Virginia in the Gator Bowl on Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida, suffering a rough 13-7 loss.

After leading for the entire first half, Missouri began to slip in the second. Trailing 13-7, Missouri took over with 1:33 left to play. Quarterback Matt Zollers aired a 24-yard pass down the sideline to freshman receiver Donovan Olugbode to put the Tigers at Virginia’s 21-yard line.

Shortly after, Zollers and company faced a third-and-10 with 15 seconds left on the clock, enough time for a couple of shots to the endzone. On fourth-and-10, quarterback Brett Brown came onto the field, as Zollers appeared shaken up.

The pass came close, but it didn’t succeed as Missouri fell.

"Obviously, very disappointed with the result," head coach Eli Drinkwitz said. "Thought our guys had great resolve and fight throughout the game. Gave us an opportunity right there at the end."

Virginia opened the third quarter with a slow, methodical drive that took 10:07 and gave the Cavaliers their first lead of the game. The 19-play drive was capped by a 2-yard touchdown rush from Harrison Waylee that gave Virginia a 10-7 advantage.

The Cavaliers stretched their lead to 13-7 following an interception by Zollers. The Tigers responded to the turnover by holding Virginia to a field goal, which Will Bettridge made from 38 yards out.

Despite having opportunities, such as one provided by the Tigers’ defense making a fourth-down stop with 4:28 left to play, Missouri couldn’t come up with a response.

Running back Ahmad Hardy started the game strong with a 43-yard rush to set up first-and-goal on the fifth play of the game. Virginia’s defense then seemed to figure him out, limiting Hardy to 21 yards in the rest of the first half.

With 4:28 left in the game, Hardy broke Missouri’s single-season record for rushing yards, which was previously held by Cody Schrader from 2023. Hardy needed 68, and he ended the night with 89 yards.

A crucial part of the game was the performance of true freshman Zollers. He made the start for the Tigers after starting quarterback Beau Pribula announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.

It marked Zollers’ third start — his first came against Texas A&M, which was a loss, and his second came against Mississippi State, which was a win. The Gator Bowl served as an interesting opportunity for Zollers to provide Missouri fans with a glimpse of what the Tigers’ future could look like.

The young signal caller was not put into an easy situation, facing a top-20 opponent while missing several of his offensive weapons. Missouri was without wide receivers Joshua Manning, Marquis Johnson, and James Madison II.

When it was revealed that Kevin Coleman Jr. was battling an illness and would be questionable for the Gator Bowl, the wide receiver room seemed to be in total despair. He did end up suiting up, but he was targeted five times.

The lack of playmakers seemed to show in Zollers’ passing stats. He completed five of nine pass attempts in the first half for just 37 yards. He ended the night 12-for-22 for 101 yards.

Zollers made his first costly mistake in the third quarter when he aired a pass that sailed too high, and a Virginia defender tipped the ball into fellow Cavalier Emmanuel Karnley’s hands. The turnover allowed Virginia to extend its lead to six.

Despite the error, Drinkwitz praised Zollers for his growth and effort. He also took some of the blame himself.

"Overall, I thought he gave us an opportunity," Drinkwitz said. "That's all I could ask for. That's really on me. I didn't do a good enough job calling plays for him."

On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers took a huge blow by coming into the game without linebacker Josiah Trotter. Whether his absence was the reason or not, Missouri struggled defensively. The Tigers couldn’t get Virginia off the field, as the Cavaliers dominated the time of possession 38:34 to 21:26.

It’s notable to point out that Virginia was also missing a key player. Senior running back J’Mari Taylor, who leads the Atlantic Coast Conference in rushing yards with 1,062, did not play against the Tigers.

Missouri seemed to be handling missing its players pretty well, as the Tigers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard.

On their first offensive drive, they went 74 yards down the field in three minutes to snatch a 7-0 lead. Running back Jamal Roberts sprinted toward the endzone from 5 yards out, stumbling but managing to avoid a fall. He tripped into the endzone to give Missouri the touchdown.

Following Missouri’s score, both the Tigers and Cavaliers traded fourth-down stops. That set the defensive tone, as the half ended with a low score of 7-3.

Virginia cracked the scoreboard with 12:18 left in the second quarter, with Bettridge drilling a 42-yarder. He missed a 44-yard kick in the same quarter.

The errors persisted as the half drew to a close. After the Cavaliers forced Missouri to punt, a blunder by special teams gave the Tigers the ball right back.

Running back Tavorus Jones recovered the muffed punt to give Missouri the ball on its own 35-yard line, but even with the good field position, the Tigers were forced to try a field goal. A mildly annoying situation turned into an incredibly frustrating one when Oliver Robbins missed the 42-yard try, and the Tigers came away with nothing.

A victory would have given Missouri its 30th win in three seasons, tying its best three-year stretch in program history, but it wasn’t meant to be.

Live Updates

Final stats

Fourth quarter

Missouri strings together a drive and gives itself a chance, but it was met with a fourth-and-10. Brett Brown attempted the touchdown pass after Zollers appeared shaken up. The throw came just short of succeeding, but the Tigers couldn't score and lost.

Missouri turns the ball over on downs after Matt Zollers rushed for it on fourth-and-2 and came up short. That may seal the deal.

With 4:28 on the clock, Hardy rushes for 12 yards and breaks Missouri's single-season record.

Missouri comes up with a huge pass breakup on fourth-and-4, giving the Tigers the ball on their 39-yard line. With 4:28 remaining, Missouri needs an answer.

Missouri lined up to attempt a fourth down from its own 11-yard line, but a false start changed that decision. Virginia will retake the field on offense.

Trailing, the Tigers have some work to do. They are starting from their 2-yard line.

Third quarter

Missouri limits Virginia to a field goal, and the lead is stretched to 13-7. The kick was from 38 yards.

Zollers lobs an interception, putting the Cavaliers dangerously close to their endzone. The Tigers will need a big response from their defense.

The previous drive marked the longest Virginia has ever had in its bowl history.

Virginia converts a fourth-and-3 en route to a touchdown by running back Harrison Waylee. The drive took 10:07.

First half stats

Second quarter

Despite the gift of good field position, Missouri comes away with no points. Oliver Robbins misses a 42-yard try.

Missouri has an interesting decision, facing a fourth-and-1. The Tigers choose to kick, but they're granted some good fortune shortly after. The punt bounces off Virginia, and Missouri recovers, taking over on its own 35-yard line.

Again, Virginia moves the ball well but settles by trying a field goal. The 44-yard kick is no good, and Missouri remains in front 7-3.

Missouri is forced to punt, giving the Cavaliers the ball and a chance to take the lead.

Notably, Tristan Wilson is in at left guard, and Dominick Giudice is in at center for the Tigers in this third drive.

Missouri running back Jamal Roberts left the field limping. He is in the injury tent, and his right leg is being examined.

Virginia picks up an intentional grounding, stalling the drive. Cavaliers have to settle for a field goal, but get on the board nonetheless. 7-3 Missouri with 12:18 left in the second.

First quarter

The Tigers are also being aggressive, as they go for it on fourth-and-four. The try is unsuccessful.

Missouri quarterback Matt Zollers stands strong in the pocket, taking a big hit but delivering a nice pass to tight end Jordon Harris. Missouri is showing an ability to work with what it has early on, as Harris is stepping up for the injured Brett Norfleet.

Virginia goes for a fourth-and-2 on its first offensive drive, taking some risks early. Chandler Morris' pass was nearly intercepted, and it is a turnover on downs.

With Hardy's big rush, he is at 44 rushing yards — 24 away from Missouri's single-season record.

Hardy with a 43-yard rush to give the Tigers a first-and-goal. Missouri capitalizes with a rushing touchdown by Roberts from 5 yards out as the team makes it look easy. 7-0 Missouri.

Virginia won the coin toss and elected to defer. The Tigers to receive the kick.

Pre Game

Attendance is not explicitly listed anywhere, but the stadium does not appear very full. The upper deck isn't open, while the lower has scattered crowds.

According to the stadium clock, the game will start at 6:35 p.m. CT.

Kevin Coleman Jr. is a game-time decision, per Pete Thamel. The wide receiver for the Tigers has been dealing with an illness.

Sources: Missouri leading wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. is considered a game-time decision (illness) for the Gator Bowl tonight against UVA. He’s been sick the past few days, but is expected to dress, and his status will be determined close to gametime. pic.twitter.com/4rt1URSetk
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 27, 2025

Officiating Crew

Referee: Tuta Salaam
Umpire: Brandon Wood
Head Linesman: Matt Burks
Center Judge: Marvel July
Line Judge: Brett Basque
Back Judge: Robert Lewis
Field Judge: Scott Gaines
Side Judge: JB Garza
Alternate: Hank Johns
Replay Official: Tom Considine
Communicator: Tom McCreesh
Observer: Richard Jordan

Injuries

Missouri

QB Sam Horn - OUT (Tibia, season)
K Blake Craig - OUT (ACL, season)
LB Josiah Trotter- OUT (knee)
TE Brett Norfleet- OUT (shoulder)

Virginia

LB Kam Robinson- OUT (ACL, season)
TE Dakota Twitty- OUT
WR Trell Harris- QUESTIONABLE
RG Kevin Wigenton II- OUT

How to Watch

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida

TV: ABC

Sirius XM: Away 371, Home 381