Head coaches hold one more press conference before the Cotton Bowl
ARLINGTON, Texas. (KMIZ)
Mizzou football coach Eli Drinkwitz and Ohio State head coach Ryan Day met with the media one more time, on Thursday, before the two clash in the Cotton Bowl on Friday, Dec. 29.
The two posed for a photo with the famous Cotton Bowl trophy, but only one team will lift it up when the clock hits zero in one day's time.
Each coach showed mutual respect for each other and the program's they've built, heading into this Top-10 match up at AT&T Stadium. Drinkwitz said meeting a blue blood program like Ohio State in a New Year's Six bowl game is one of the reasons you want to coach.
"When they introduced him [Ryan Day] today, the reality that in every year that he's been a head coach he's played in a New Year's Six bowl or the College Football Playoff is about the most impressive thing I've heard in coaching," Drinkwitz said. "They're a blue blood for a reason, but it's not just because they're the Buckeyes. It takes strong leadership and Coach Day has set the tone for leadership, not only in the Big 10, but around the college football world."
Day also paid his compliments to the squad Coach Drinkwitz assembled in 2023, saying it's a confident and talented group.
"Very well-coached, very talented, good in all three phases, play complimentary football and have a lot of momentum," he said. "We know it's going to be a battle."
The Tigers had no opt-outs on their side for Friday's Cotton Bowl matchup, but the Buckeye side of things has been a different story. The Ohio State offense saw a slew of transfers, after the bowl was announced, so MU will be seeing some news faces out there.
One key face is star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The media asked Day what his status was going into the game, would he being opting out or not, and Day declined to answer. He said it is the players' responsibility to announce that, themselves.
As for Mizzou, the meeting with Ohio State is one that means a lot to the future of the program and the momentum it hopes to continue. MU will go to battle with two guys that had a massive role in helping them get there, as well: defensive coordinator Blake Baker and offensive coordinator Kirby Moore. The two, each signed a contract extension, before making the trip to North Texas. Coach Eli spoke about the duo for the first time since that extension, on Thursday.
"Low ego, it's not about them, it's about what's best for our program and our team in order to win," Drinkwitz said. "They're not concerned about either side of the ball's stats, they just want to work together to find the best way for our team to win."
No. 9 Mizzou and No. 7 Ohio State will meet for the first time since 1998, on Friday. Kickoff at AT&T Stadium is at 7 p.m.
