Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: Missouri Tigers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes preview

• Missouri RB Cody Schrader is the player to watch: Since Week 8, Schrader's 22 runs of 10 or more yards ranks tied for ninth in the FBS.

• Can Devin Brown get the job done? Even with the opt-outs, the Buckeyes are still far and away the more talented team. Devin Brown will get his first start at quarterback, and he will need to get the ball to his playmakers and use his legs to get the job done vs. Missouri.

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Player to watch for Missouri: RB Cody Schrader (81.4 PFF Grade)

Schrader is the biggest reason Missouri came on so strongly over the second half of the season, as he ran for over 100 yards in every game since Week 8, forcing 26 missed tackles along the way. 

Since Week 8, Schrader's 22 runs of 10 or more yards ranks tied for ninth in the FBS.

Missouri RB Cody Schrader –

– Hits the gaps strong when he runs
– Natural pass catching ability that’s rare for the position
– Sees the field exceptionally well and is lethal in space
– Doesn’t possess great speed
– Needs to create better separation
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— Cønnør (@BernienChompz) December 20, 2023

Player to watch Ohio State: WR Carnell Tate (68.0)

With most of OSU’s receiving corps opting out of this game, now is the time for Carnell Tate to step up and shine, as he will certainly be more featured in this offense going forward. The 6-foot-2 freshman has run 127 routes in 2023, catching 17 of his 24 targets for 260 yards and a touchdown. He's forced five missed tackles with the ball in his hands and has moved the chains 10 times. 

Keys to a Missouri victory

This has been Missouri’s best season in a long time, and they have a chance to cap it off with a huge win against a top-tier program. The Tigers should be at full strength on offense, with Schrader, QB Brady Cook and WR Luther Burden III all suiting up, and the team will need them to seize the opportunity against a depleted Buckeyes team. 

Keys to an Ohio State victory

Even with the opt-outs, the Buckeyes are still far and away the more talented team. Devin Brown will get his first start at quarterback, and he will need to get the ball to his playmakers and use his legs to get the job done vs. Missouri.