Mizzou football has plenty to fight for in season finale despite dying bowl game era

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (KMIZ)

Each year, more and more college football teams opt out of bowl game invitations, and this year is no exception.

With the creation of the college football playoff, more teams have a shot to contend for a national title, and falling short of those 12 spots leaves teams feeling disappointed or like there is nothing to play for.

While both Virginia and Mizzou had CFP hopes, each side has plenty still to fight for in this finale.

"For us as a program, there's a lot of value. We have an opportunity to finish with a ranked opponent, a really good opponent," said Mizzou football coach Eli Drinkwitz. "There's an opportunity to do something that's never been done here before and finish with 3 straight seasons and 9 or more wins. There's valuable reps going on right now for our younger players and the cohesion of our team and camaraderie."

A 13th game for the Tiger team gives them a shot at history, and a chance to finish out the season on a high note even if they didn't reach their playoff goals. It allows them the chance to go out for one final game with men they've called brothers for so long.

"We came into the season, we were all in this together, right or wrong, good or bad," said senior safety Daylan Carnell. "So just finishing out what I started, with my brothers."

"We always say that we got to finish the job. I mean, we started something and we want to finish," said sophomore running back Ahmad Hardy. "A lot of guys get in the portal and things like that, but I mean, there's no bad blood, it's not our problem. We just got a job to finish here."

Up Next - Mizzou faces off against Virginia in the Gator Bowl on Saturday. The Tigers and Cavaliers are scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m.