Mizzou seniors get in final practices as Tigers ahead of Music City Bowl
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (KMIZ)
Mizzou football's senior class is taking in all the moments, no matter how small, ahead of the final game of their collegiate career.
As the clock ticks closer to kickoff against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Music City Bowl on Monday, MU is getting in the final practices of this graduating class' career on the campus of Vanderbilt University. On Saturday, head coach Eli Drinkwitz and company allowed the media to sit in on the first 15 minutes of work at the Commodores' practice indoor facility.
Senior quarterback Brady Cook, wide receiver Theo Wease Jr., defensive lineman Kristian Williams, defensive lineman Johnny Walker Jr. and the other members of this senior class all got to work in the first practice the team has had since touching down in Nashville on Friday night.
You can watch extended highlights of practice in the video player below.
It was the first time the media has gotten a glimpse at the team since star wide receiver Luther Burden and offensive lineman Armand Membou announced they will declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, which means they will not participate in the bowl game. Their teammates will look to step up in their absence to get the 2024 Tigers over the 10-win threshold for the second-straight season, which would only be the third time that's happened in program history.
Drinkwitz and company will have to do it without linebacker Chuck Hicks, who opted out of the bowl game, and tight end Brett Norfleet, who got surgery after the regular season ended.
Mizzou will host one more practice at Vanderbilt University on Sunday, following a press conference with both teams' head coaches and coordinators. After that, it'll be game time, as the Tigers and Hawkeyes kickoff at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 30 at Nissan Stadium.
The ABC 17 sports team will have a special, live edition of SportsZone on Sunday night at 9:30 on Fox 22 and 10:30 on ABC 17 to preview the Music City Bowl. Then, come back on Monday for a comprehensive recap of MU's game against Iowa.