Title: Missouri Tigers Face Ohio State Buckeyes in Highly-Anticipated Cotton Bowl Matchup
The upcoming Cotton Bowl matchup between the Missouri Tigers and the Ohio State Buckeyes has garnered considerable excitement as one of the most highly-anticipated non-Playoff bowl games of the year. However, Ohio State’s prospects have been significantly dampened by the absence of key players, including starting quarterback Kyle McCord and star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
In contrast, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz expects all his players to be available for the game and is determined to conclude a successful season on a high note. Despite being labeled as underdogs, with odds stacking against them, Missouri enters the game with a genuine chance to secure a significant victory.
According to the odds, Missouri holds a 3-point underdog status (+3) with a moneyline of +130. Conversely, Ohio State is favored by 3 points (-3) with a moneyline of -155. However, the author believes that motivation will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game. Ohio State may face disappointment for not making it to the College Football Playoff, while the Tigers are ecstatic to be participating in a New Year’s Six bowl and relish the opportunity to secure a remarkable win.
Missouri’s offense has been a standout this season, boasting the talents of quarterback Brady Cook, running back Cody Schrader, and wide receiver Luther Burden III. The team ranks among the nation’s best in terms of scoring and efficiency. Although Ohio State’s defense, led by coach Jim Knowles, has shown significant improvement this season, they may struggle against Missouri’s explosive offensive line.
Conversely, Ohio State’s concerns lie more on the offensive side, with doubts surrounding their ability to keep up with Missouri’s scoring without McCord and Harrison. In addition, Missouri’s weakness in their secondary, which could have been exploited by a healthy McCord-Harrison connection, may not be as significant of a factor in their absence.
Moreover, the Tigers’ strong front seven poses a potential challenge for Ohio State’s rushing attack, potentially impeding their offensive strategy. Taking these factors into account, the author suggests considering betting on Missouri +3 or even playing them to win at a pick’em if the line moves in their favor. The belief is that Missouri will be able to capitalize on a shorthanded and unmotivated Ohio State team, scoring more points and ultimately securing a well-deserved victory.
As the Cotton Bowl approaches, fans eagerly await the showdown between these two formidable teams, curious to see if Missouri can overcome the odds and emerge victorious against their highly regarded opponents.
