Can Ohio State Bounce Back from Michigan Loss Against Missouri in the Cotton Bowl?
Ohio State vs. Missouri is one of the most intriguing matchups in the bowl season, as both teams are looking to rebound from disappointing losses in their conference championship games. Ohio State, the Big Ten champion, suffered a stunning 42-27 defeat to rival Michigan, ending their seven-year winning streak in the series and their hopes of making the College Football Playoff. Missouri, the SEC East champion, lost 41-17 to Alabama, failing to win their first conference title since joining the SEC in 2012.
Ohio State has a chance to bounce back from their Michigan loss by beating Missouri in the Cotton Bowl, which will be played on January 1, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas3. The Buckeyes have a talented and explosive offense, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, who threw for 3,862 yards and 38 touchdowns with only five interceptions in his freshman season. He has a trio of star receivers in Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jackson Smith-Njigba, who each have over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season. Ohio State also has a balanced running game, featuring Trevion Henderson, who rushed for 1,167 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 7.6 yards per carry.
However, Ohio State also has some weaknesses that Missouri can exploit, especially on defense. The Buckeyes rank 99th in the nation in pass defense, allowing 255.8 yards per game through the air. They also struggle to generate pressure on the quarterback, ranking 77th in the nation in sacks with 23. Ohio State’s defense was exposed by Michigan, who ran for 297 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 6.3 yards per carry1. Ohio State also committed nine penalties for 88 yards, showing a lack of discipline and focus1.
Missouri has a chance to pull off an upset over Ohio State by playing to their strengths and exploiting Ohio State’s weaknesses. Missouri has a solid and efficient offense, led by quarterback Connor Bazelak, who threw for 2,711 yards and 16 touchdowns with eight interceptions in his sophomore season. He has a reliable target in tight end Daniel Parker Jr., who caught 47 passes for 507 yards and four touchdowns. Missouri also has a potent running game, featuring Tyler Badie, who rushed for 1,604 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Badie also led the team in receptions with 61 for 445 yards and two touchdowns.
However, Missouri also has some challenges that Ohio State can take advantage of, especially on defense. The Tigers rank 117th in the nation in total defense, allowing 457.8 yards per game. They also rank 120th in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 34.8 points per game. Missouri’s defense was dominated by Alabama, who scored 41 points and gained 559 yards of offense, including 379 yards and four touchdowns passing by Bryce Young2. Missouri also turned the ball over three times, giving Alabama short fields and easy scores.
Ohio State vs. Missouri is a matchup that could go either way, depending on which team plays better on both sides of the ball. Ohio State has the edge in talent and experience, but Missouri has the motivation and the opportunity to make a statement. Both teams have a lot to play for, as they try to end their seasons on a positive note and build momentum for next year. The Cotton Bowl will be a test of character and resilience for both Ohio State and Missouri.
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