Mizzou football awaits bowl selection on Sunday

With the college football regular season now complete, the official release of all bowl games will occur on Sunday, December 8th.

The Missouri Tigers (9-3) are expected to clinch a spot in one of the best playoff bowl games outside of college football, with a shortlist of potential destinations in play.

For head coach Eli Drinkwitz, it will be the fourth straight season the Tigers have been eligible to bowl, although the 2020 bowl game was ultimately canceled due to COVID-19.

Here are the six possible landing spots for Mizzou, along with possible opponents based on the chosen location.

The most frequently mentioned destination for Mizzou is the Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee, with potential opponents such as Michigan, Iowa or Nebraska. A matchup against Michigan is particularly intriguing because Michigan is a major franchise in college football. Facing a program of Michigan’s caliber would be a valuable opportunity for Mizzou to compete against another powerhouse in the sport, even if it is the Music City Bowl. With Michigan coming off a significant win against Ohio State, a game between the Wolverines and Tigers could lead to an exciting and competitive showdown.

The Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida is another interesting possibility for Mizzou, with potential opponents like Louisville or Miami. A game against Miami would present a similar scenario to a game against Michigan – and would give Mizzou a chance to prove itself against a storied program with little to lose and much to gain. Facing a team like Miami, especially if quarterback Cam Ward decides to play, could make for an exciting and dynamic game. Additionally, a bowl appearance at Florida is consistent with head coach Eli Drinkwitz’s strong in-state recruiting efforts and could increase Mizzou’s visibility and access to top-tier recruits in the region.

The Las Vegas Bowl in Nevada also represents an exciting opportunity for Mizzou, with possible matchups against former Pac-12 teams such as USC or Colorado. Both programs bring strong name recognition and make these games attractive to fans and players alike. Colorado, led by head coach Deion Sanders, has been one of the most entertaining teams in the country this season. Sanders has stated his intention to use his star players in their bowl game regardless of the opponent to ensure a closely contested matchup. A game against the Buffaloes would not only be entertaining, but also a showcase of two dynamic teams. USC, on the other hand, offers another great opponent. With its rich football tradition and national brand equity, a game against the Trojans would provide Mizzou with a high-profile stage to conclude its season and create excitement and excitement surrounding the potential matchup.

The ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida is another interesting possibility for Mizzou, with potential opponents like Iowa or Michigan. This bowl game could serve as a barometer of how highly valued the Tigers are as a program, considering their nine-win season ranks among the best for teams outside of the College Football Playoff. Regardless of the opponent, the ReliaQuest Bowl promises to be an exciting matchup and a good opportunity for Mizzou to showcase its talent on a prominent stage. Facing a team like Iowa, known for its defensive prowess, or Michigan, a storied powerhouse, would provide a meaningful test for the Tigers and cap off their season in memorable fashion.

The Texas Bowl, taking place in Houston, Texas, is another potential destination for Mizzou, with the possibility of facing an old Big 12 rival. Colorado stands out as a premier matchup in this game, offering a chance to rekindle a historic rivalry while showcasing two strong teams on the field. This matchup would certainly be a fun and competitive game that highlights Mizzou’s progress this season against one of the most talked about programs in college football. It will be interesting to see if the Tigers ultimately get that convincing bowl game bid.

The AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee is another possibility for Mizzou, with potential opponents like Kansas State or TCU. While a matchup against an old Big 12 rival could generate some interest, this bowl game is arguably less attractive for Mizzou compared to other potential destinations. The Tigers recently faced Kansas State, and neither the Wildcats nor TCU offer the big brand equity that Mizzou may be seeking to raise its national profile. While the game would still provide an opportunity to end the season on a high note, it lacks the intrigue of some of the other fixtures under discussion.