The Missouri Tigers football team recently wrapped up their season with significant momentum, finishing with a thrilling 27-24 win against Iowa at the Music City Bowl held in Nashville, Tennessee. With this victory, the Tigers not only secured their second consecutive 10-win season but also concluded the year ranked No. 19 nationally, marking their best performance since 2014.
Capping off the bowl game, quarterback Brady Cook delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 287 yards and two touchdowns. Although the Tigers found themselves trailing 24-14 after the third quarter, they mounted a comeback thanks to key contributions from Cook and kicker Blake Craig, who cemented the win with decisive field goals of 51 and 56 yards. Coach Eli Drinkwitz expressed his pride, stating, "To start the season and finish the season ranked is a heck of an accomplishment." Cook himself reflected on the victory and what it meant personally, saying, "It's all about the 12-year-old version of myself... I've officially lived out my dream."
Adding to the excitement, Missouri has been active during the transfer portal period, enhancing their roster with the signing of All-American safety Jalen Catalon from UNLV. This marks the team's 15th addition from the portal, with Catalon bringing extensive experience and notable accolades to Columbia. Last season, Catalon recorded five interceptions—ranking fourth nationally—and tallied 96 total tackles. His career totals boast 272 tackles and 10 interceptions, showcasing his talent on the field. He initially played for Arkansas and later spent time at Texas, and now he returns to the SEC to establish his impact with the Tigers.
Missouri is also addressing the loss of three key players from their safety rotation—Joseph Charleston, Sidney Williams Sr., and Tre’Vez Johnson—who exhausted their eligibility. Catalon’s addition, along with transfers Santana Banner and Mose Phillips III, provides much-needed depth and skill to the defensive backfield. The team has moved swiftly to replenish talent, also securing cornerback Stephen Hall from Washington State and other notable transfers across various positions. Drinkwitz and his staff appear intent on building upon their current success as they prepare for the next season.
The Music City Bowl win, particularly the way the team rallied from behind, serves as not just closure for the 2023 season but as motivation moving forward. Cook’s leadership and decisive plays defined the final game, and his future is now bright as he looks to continue his collegiate career with high aspirations. Iowa’s coach Kirk Ferentz acknowledged Cook’s contributions, stating, "Their quarterback has played really well for two years now..."
The Tigers’ resilience was evident throughout the match, but they will need to maintain this momentum as they face the challenges of the upcoming season. With the excitement of new transfers and the promising return of key players, Missouri is aiming to not only match but exceed their accomplishments from the last two seasons.
With the offseason now underway, all eyes will be on how the Missouri football program progresses by integrating new talent and refining their strategies under the leadership of Drinkwitz. Their rigorous plans will undoubtedly be put to the test as they gear up for what promises to be another competitive run in the SEC.
Blake Craig’s remarkable kick game was pivotal, and he humorously remarked post-game, "I’m gonna be completely honest, I black out when I go out for kicks." This refreshing ambition will serve the Tigers well as they seek to maintain their impressive run.
Overall, with significant changes on the horizon alongside the notable achievements of the past season, the Missouri Tigers football team is poised for growth and new successes, bolstered by both the talent of their returning players and new signees.