Welcome to Four Down Territory.
So, I’ll give you three thoughts on Missouri football or college football in general. Then, the last thought will be whatever I want it to be.
1. There’s still a game to be played.
I wrote about this the other day, but the Cotton Bowl is almost forgotten about. With the transfer portal and Early Signing Day tomorrow it just feels like the game is almost not even happening.
For one, that’s a good thing.
Think about it Mizzou fans. The Tigers are in their first New Year’s Six Bowl and it’s not even the talk of the town so to speak.
That’s one of many indications that the team is trending in the right direction.
Anyway, I’ve had some people ask how much this game “counts” or not because of some of the Ohio State transfers and expected opt-outs.
To answer the question, you may ask what I mean by counts. Well, the Buckeyes (for those living under rocks or simply forgetting this game due to everything else going on) have two starters in quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receiver Julian Fleming not playing. Instead, those players have entered the transfer portal with the former committing to Syracuse and the latter trending toward committing to Penn State.
The team’s second-string back and second-leading rusher Chip Trayanum has also entered the portal.
On top of that, several Buckeyes have decisions to make, whether it be entering the portal or declaring for the draft.
When it comes to declaring for the draft, several high-level players could declare for the draft but all eyes are on Heisman finalist Marvin Harrison Jr.
The expectation is that he’s going to be a top 10 pick, and more likely a top-five pick. So, he probably shouldn't play but the chances of him playing seem more and more likely as teams have begun to prep for each other, but he can pull his name out of the hat any time.
Whether he does opt out or doesn’t, whether other star players opt-out or not this game counts.
For one, there’s no shortage of talent for Ohio State.
They have two five-star receivers waiting to play in Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss.
Tate has recorded 17 receptions for 260 yards and a touchdown in 12 games while Inniss has played in seven games and has one reception for 58 yards and a touchdown.
Overall, the Buckeyes had the No. 4 recruiting class in the country a year ago. So, they have talent. Is it the same as having their starters and key reserve players? Not exactly, but the expectation is most of the team's remaining key players will play.
An 11-2 season that’s capped off with an Ohio State win in the Cotton Bowl carries so much weight, even if it’s not a full-strength Buckeyes team.
Because let's face it. How many people are going to come back and say how many Buckeyes didn’t play? Not many. These teams still have to show up and play the game. If Ohio State wins this game then it would be able to say it won the game despite the players that didn’t play, but if that’s the case it goes both ways.
Next man up.
2. The 2024 schedule looks pretty favorable a year out.
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