The Missouri Tigers capped off their season with a thrilling 27-24 victory against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the TransPerfect Music City Bowl on December 30, marking both the team's 10th win of the year and the last game for senior quarterback Brady Cook. This victory was particularly meaningful as it underscored Cook's remarkable resilience and leadership throughout the season.
Cook, who was named the game's most valuable player, reflected on his achievement, saying, "It means a lot. It’s all about the 12-year-old version of myself, sitting there and watching the Tigers on TV, and I’ve officially lived outthat dream." His performance was exceptional, ending the game with 287 passing yards and two touchdowns. This accolade added to his previous MVP award from the Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State the prior year.
Despite personal achievements, Cook faced considerable challenges heading to the Music City Bowl. Star receiver Luther Burden III opted out of playing to prepare for the NFL draft, and injuries left Missouri without its top four receiving leaders, including Mookie Cooper and tight end Brett Norfleet. During the game, Cook also lost another potential target, Theo Wease Jr., to injury.
Nevertheless, Cook's determination shone through as he stepped up his game. He showcased his ability to make plays under pressure, scrambling for multiple key first downs early on and leading the Tigers as their top rusher with 54 yards on 14 carries. Missouri’s coaching staff praised Cook’s perseverance. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz noted, "It looked like they were roll-tackling him and it looked like his ankle started bothering him, but I just kept telling him you’re a finisher. You have to finish." This mentality proved pivotal, especially as the Tigers battled back from a 10-point deficit.
Cook's leadership extended to working with less experienced teammates; wide receiver Daniel Blood stepped up, catching key passes, including one pivotal 17-yard completion on a third-and-10. This helped lead to a touchdown from Joshua Manning, marking only Manning's second touchdown of the season. Coach Drinkwitz commended Cook for adapting and trusting his teammates, showcasing his talents as both a player and leader.
The game exemplified the Tigers' season-long resilience. Under pressure, they demonstrated the ability to overcome adversities and finish strong. This season was marked by comebacks, as illustrated by their impressive 10-1 record in one-possession games since the beginning of 2023. For the Tigers, finishing games strong became their hallmark. To encapsulate this grit, Drinkwitz quoted philosopher Henry David Thoreau, saying, "All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hour's toil"—a sentiment mirroring his team's spirit.
One of the game’s turning points was made by freshman kicker Blake Craig, who overcame earlier inconsistency to nail a Music City Bowl record-setting 51-yard field goal, which he then surpassed with a 56-yarder for the game-winner late in the fourth quarter. Craig remarked, "To be honest, I black out when I go out for kicks," highlighting the mental fortitude he displayed under pressure.
Defensively, the Tigers also made significant contributions, with Toriano Pride Jr. earning his first interception since Week 1, providing Missouri with a much-needed morale boost. The defense's performance culminated with Corey Flagg Jr. making a game-sealing fourth-down stop against Iowa's quarterback, ensuring victory.
Even as the jubilation of victory was felt, there was also the emotional weight of farewells. Several key players, including Cook, will depart from the program, creating a poignant atmosphere at their post-game press conference. Reflecting on this bittersweet conclusion, Coach Drinkwitz expressed gratitude for Cook’s coverage of the program, as he said, "I’ll always be indebted to (Cook) for what he’s done for my family and what he’s done for this program." This acknowledgment of their shared experiences spoke volumes about the brotherhood formed over seasons.
The camaraderie was palpable during the post-game celebrations, where players shared smiles, jokes, and laughter, juxtaposed with the knowledge of impending transitions. Drinkwitz’s nostalgic yet hopeful reflection captured the essence of the moment, saying, "I’m just fortunate it happened." This encapsulation of emotion exemplified the unity and strength of the Tigers' program as they prepare for the changes to come.
With Cook's departure, the team will look to embrace new leadership as they turn the page toward the next chapter of Mizzou football, building on the legacy left behind. The Music City Bowl victory remains not only as a successful conclusion to the season but also as a celebration of the hard work and determination of the Tigers, setting the stage for the future.