Missouri Tigers Prepare for Gator Bowl Matchup against Virginia Cavaliers
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The Missouri Tigers (8-4) are set to face the Virginia Cavaliers in the 2024 JaxSteel SGI Gator bowl on December 28th, 2023, at everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. This marks Missouri’s fourth appearance in the Gator Bowl and their first since a historic victory in 1968. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST and the game will be broadcast on ABC. https://www.mizzou.com/news/2023/12/17/football-tigers-to-face-virginia-in-gator-bowl.aspx
A challenging Regular Season for the Tigers
Missouri concluded its regular season with an 8-4 record, demonstrating a competitive spirit against a challenging schedule.All four of their losses came against teams ranked in the top 10 of the Associated Press poll at the time of the game. Notably, three of those opponents – Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Alabama – went on to secure spots in the College Football Playoff. Drinkwitz’s Continued Success & Bowl History
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz is leading the Tigers to postseason play for the sixth consecutive season as his hiring in 2020. Under Drinkwitz, Missouri boasts a 2-2 record in bowl games, including a 27-24 victory over Iowa in the 2023 music City Bowl. The Tigers also secured a important win against Ohio State in the 2024 Cotton Bowl. https://www.mizzou.com/staff/eli-drinkwitz/
A win in the Gator Bowl would be the program’s 30th victory over the past three seasons and secure their third consecutive bowl win.
Gator Bowl History & Past Encounters
This year’s game represents Missouri’s fourth trip to the gator Bowl.Their previous appearances include:
* 1949: Loss to Clemson
* 1950: Loss to maryland
* 1968: Victory over Bear Bryant’s Alabama team (35-10) https://www.gatorbowl.com/history/
the 1968 victory against Alabama remains a memorable moment in program history.
Player Availability
As of December 22nd, 2023, no Missouri players have announced their intention to opt out of the Gator Bowl game, indicating a commitment from the team to compete. https://www.mizzou.com/news/2023/12/22/football-no-mizzou-players-opting-out-of-gator-bowl.aspx
Key Takeaways
* Matchup: Missouri Tigers vs. Virginia Cavaliers
* Date: December 28th, 2023
* Time: 6:30 p.m. EST
* Location: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
* TV Channel: ABC
* Missouri Record: 8-4
* Coach: Eli Drinkwitz
* Bowl Record under Drinkwitz: 2-2
The Missouri Tigers enter the Gator Bowl with momentum and a desire to finish the season strong. Facing a Virginia team also eager for a bowl victory, fans can anticipate a competitive and exciting game in Jacksonville. A win would not only add another chapter to Drinkwitz’s successful tenure but also bring a long-awaited gator bowl victory to Missouri fans.
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