Preview from Cotton Bowl: Missouri vs. Ohio State
Joey Van Zummeren and Austin Bidwell highlight a key to victory and key matchup for Missouri in the 88th annual Cotton Bowl Classic.
Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg have both been ruled out for Friday's game. Harrison Jr., a finalist for the Heisman trophy, is likely to declare for the NFL Draft soon after compiling 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns in the 2023 season. Eichenberg is dealing with an arm injury that he suffered during Ohio State's late-season game against Rutgers.
Missouri is expected to be near full strength, only missing linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper and defensive back Ennis Rakestraw due to injuries.
Friday's game will be the first time Missouri has played in the Cotton Bowl since 2013 when it defeated Oklahoma State 41-31. This year is the first time the Tigers have played in a New Year's Six bowl since the formation of the College Football Playoff. The Cotton Bowl selection for Missouri came after a 10-2 2023 season for the Tigers.
Missouri will face off against Ohio State at 7 p.m. at AT&T Stadium. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN. Stay tuned to MizzouCentral for updates during and after Friday's game.
Joey Van Zummeren is an 18-year-old sports journalist from Belleville, Illinois. He is currently a freshman at the University of Missouri studying journalism.
Austin is a sports journalist from Kansas City, Missouri. He is a freshman at The University of Missouri-Columbia, pursuing a degree in sports journalism.
