Mizzou enjoys final practices of 2023, ahead of a Cotton Bowl clash

ARLINGTON, Texas. (KMIZ)

The No. 9 Mizzou football team recognizes the moment. The Tigers are playing in a premiere bowl game against a premiere opponent, however, the team also recognizes the importance of having some fun along the way.

The Tigers shared in a bit of a bonding moment before practiced kicked off at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, as the squad played a quick game of kickball. In addition, the offense and defense both competed in the first-annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl home run derby, created by Tiger head coach Eli Drinkwitz.

There was no keeping score and the team did get down to practicing for the Cotton Bowl match up with No. 7 Ohio State afterwards, but players said moments like that are important to this group.

"This football stuff is difficult. There's a lot of meetings, a lot of different things, but to have time to just be kids is awesome," defensive end Darius Robinson said. "People don't understand, it's football and we're kids. Everybody's 18 to 20-whatever, so to just actually have fun is cool."

The team said no one, specifically, stood out in that game of kickball, but safety Jaylon Carlies mentioned he held back so he could give his teammates a chance, at the very least.

"I'm not here to brag on myself or nothing like that, but I feel like I was more of an elementary school, like, when I walked up to the plate everybody just kinda moved back to the fence because they knew that's where it was going," he said. "I didn't do it to them today, though. I let them have it today." 

After practice, the Mizzou defense met with the media for the first time since landing in North Texas. The group said that Ohio State's dynamic offense will provide a good challenge, even with the Buckeye's former backup getting the start at quarterback.

For many Tiger standouts, Friday's game will be their final one in an MU uniform, including Robinson. He said he wants to end his time in the black and gold on a good note.

"I've just got to do whatever it takes to win," he said.

Tigers and the Buckeyes kick off at 7 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in the 88th annual Cotton Bowl.