Mizzou football set for season finale in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (KMIZ)
Tiger football's season is set to come to a close.
Head Coach Eli Drinikwitz and his squad are ready for their final contest of 2025 at the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. The team will be looking for its first ranked win of the year in No. 19 Virginia, who won the ACC regular season and fell one possession short of a college football playoff spot.
"[They] were one drive away from being in the college football playoff, so it's as good of an opponent as you can have," said Drinkwitz. "Our guys know that it's going to take a lot to compete in this game. And I think anytime you're a competitor you want to have a quality opponent. So our guys are ready and prepared."
You can watch the full press conference with both coach Drinkwitz and Virginia Head coach Tony Elliot in the video player below.
Despite neither side reaching the CFP both come in with a fire and look to make history for their respective schools. The Cavaliers are one win away from the first 11-win season in school history, where Mizzou has a chance to win nine games in three consecutive seasons for the first time ever.
With several major players on the Tigers' offense entering the transfer portal, many younger players will have a chance to be featured and relied on in the pursuit of a ninth win. True freshman Matt Zollers is expected to be under center on Saturday, making his third start of the year, while guys like receiver Donovan Olugbode should have an increased roll in the offense.
"This game means a whole lot to both sides, and there's opportunities here for other guys to get a chance to play. You're going to get to see for us some freshman rundown on kick off and on special teams and get an opportunity to play and develop the bottom half of your roster," said Drinkwitz.
Even with the added opprotunities for younger players, both teams are expected to feature and lean on their defenses and running backs.
"I think their defense and our defenses are probably the thing that we both lean on. Offensively, both of us control the clock and try to move the ball down the field and take our shots when we can," said Drinkwitz, "We're going to have to really rely on Jamal Robertson, and Ahmad Hardy. It wouldn't surprise me if it doesn't come down to the kicking game, because it's such an even matchup with offense and defense."
Up Next - Mizzou kicks off against No. 19 Virginia for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and can be watched on ABC 17.
