WELCOME BACK TO PREGAMIN’, HERE’S YOUR JAM OF THE WEEK
NICE TO SEE YA, JACKSONVILLE
- This bowl is officially called the “TaxSlayer Gator Bowl” but has adopted a number of sponsors and titles over the years. TaxSlayer was officially the sixth sponsor of the bowl, following stints by Progressive Insurance, Toyota, Mazda, Outback Steakhouse and, for some reason, Konica Minolta.
- This is only the second time Mizzou and Virginia have ever squared up on the gridiron, with the Tigers winning the lone contest 31-7 back in 1973. Big day for Leroy Moss, who logged two rushing scores that day.
- This is a fun fact: Mizzou has had a few three-game bowl winnings streaks in program history, but never in three consecutive seasons. Eli Drinkwitz has a chance to make more positive history on Saturday!
Rock M-ixology
I made a few cocktails this week, but let’s be honest, there’s only one thing I’m really drinking with real consistency
this time of year: Eggnog. Apologies if you’re not a fan, but I’m crushing that nog with some consistency. Your alcohol of choice can vary with Eggnog, though I’m a fan of bourbon (I’ll take rum in a pinch, but I think it makes everything a bit too sweet.) I like a big bourbon too, something barrel-proof is preferred.
Transfers. Coaching departures. Coaching hires. It hasn’t been a quiet few weeks for the program since the end of the regular season. What do you think has been the most meaningful development (good or bad) so far?
Josh Matejka, Deputy Site Manager: I’m honestly a little shocked none of my colleagues below mentioned the transfer of Beau Pribula. As important as it is to bring in a new OC, and as big of a hire as I think Chip Lindsey will be, losing a starting QB at a program like Mizzou’s is a big deal. We know the Tigers have been in contact with some portal QBs, but there’s just as much of a chance that Matt Zollers will be the QB1 in 2026 at this point. That’s a stylistic shift from Pribula, who underwhelmed after a hot start for the Tigers.
Nathan Hurst, Football Writer: Definitely the departure of Kirby Moore and the subsequent hire of Chip Lindsey as offensive coordinator. Players come and go and often only stay a year. Coaches can make a much greater long-term impact on a program and Lindsey’s hire will certainly do that, for better or worse. I can’t say I’m thrilled with Drinkwitz’s decision to go with Lindsey, as he has a pretty mediocre track record that looks a lot like how Mizzou’s offense has been operating. Time will tell though.
Sammy Stava, Staff Writer: Transfers are going to happen. It’s just part of the game — so it’s definitely the OC news. Eli Drinkwitz needs the hiring of Chip Lindsey to go right. There’s been a lot of differing opinions on Lindsey and rightfully so — but I think there’s upside here and he will definitely need to be an improvement over Kirby Moore. We’ll see what happens.
True Deck, Staff Writer: I’d like to say bringing in Chip Lindsey was a great addition and arguably the best so far for Drinkwitz and company, but I’ll change things up. I’ll go with the loss of Brad Larrondo, who was the CEO of Mizzou’s NIL partner Every True Tiger Brands. Even though Lindsey wasn’t technically on Mizzou’s staff, with the current state of NIL and all it does for a football program, this is a big deal.
We got to see our first official round of the College Football Playoff Round of 12. In your opinion, what was the best moment?
Josh Matejka: Miami vs. Texas A&M was a rock fight, but also a somewhat pleasant surprise? I thought for sure the Aggies were the sleeper of the whole bracket, but the Hurricanes shut them down in convincing fashion. I’ll be seated for their second round bout against Georgia.
Nathan Hurst: When it was over. A couple of the games were close, but not well played. The games that were well played weren’t particularly close. I’m not complaining about the teams that got in. I think the committee got it right. But it was a very underwhelming round in terms of watchability.
Sammy Stava: Alabama coming behind from a 17-point deficit to beat OU in Norman. I just enjoy watching the Sooners lose. Miami vs Texas A&M was a good defensive battle but having Tulane vs Ole Miss and James Madison vs Oregon as the later games wasn’t great.
True Deck: My favorite moment from the first round of this year’s College Football Playoff was probably Malachi Toney’s touchdown catch in what I thought was going to end as a touchdown-less contest between Miami and Texas. Toney is probably going to make the NFL and for him to get a game-sealing touchdown with time running out on the road was pretty cool to see.
Mizzou’s team is going to look a lot different for this game after a litany of transfers. Name a player or two you’d like to see take advantage.
Josh Matejka: There’s quite a dearth of receivers on this team right now, so Donovan Olugbode and Kevin Coleman, Jr. should see plenty of targets. But I’d be curious to get Shaun Terry on the field to see what he can do. He’s got a chance to put himself in pole position to replace Coleman next season, and a good showing against the Cavaliers would be a nice start.
Nathan Hurst: Daeden Hopkins. He really flashed later on in the season and still got to keep his redshirt. With the availability of Zion Young and Damon Wilson up in the air, I think Hopkins can really start working toward earning a starting spot next year with a strong performance against Virginia.
Sammy Stava: Matt Zollers is an easy answer because he’s QB1, but let’s go with Donovan Olugbode at the WR position because he’ll have an opportunity to emerge as the go to wide receiver with Josh Manning and Marquis Johnson entering the transfer portal. This is his chance to really showcase his talent and potential.
PICK ‘EM! Mizzou opened as nearly a touchdown favorite, though that’s down to a -4.5 spread. We think this will be a close one, but can Mizzou finally get a win over a quality opponent?
Josh Matejka: I have no confidence whatsoever in this game either way. Mizzou is starting its third-string QB, but has the better rushing attack. The defense is elite and may or may not be missing a few starters? I’m full of Christmas leftovers and my brain is moving slow, so I’ll just pick the way my gut wants: Mizzou squeaks one out, but Virginia covers, 21-17.
Nathan Hurst: Can Mizzou get a win? Definitely. Will they? Ehhhh I’m not super confident. The defense will be missing some pieces and Zollers hasn’t wowed yet at quarterback. If I had to put money on the -4.5 spread, I’d take Virginia. Thankfully, no one is making me put money on the game, so I’ll pick with my heart. Mizzou wins!
Sammy Stava: Plenty of injuries and transfers have limited Mizzou’s roster, BUT I think they have enough talent to edge a pretty good Virginia team. Drinkwitz will have the boys fired up to win their third straight bowl game. I’ll say 24-20 Mizzou.
True Deck: I don’t see this game being very exciting with a little of backups lined up to play, and Missouri’s offense struggling to jumpstart all season, but I think the Tigers sneak it out. I’ll take Mizzou ugly, 18-13.
