The Missouri Tigers have secured their place in the postseason after a thrilling 28-21 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks in Week 14. This win not only improved their overall record to 9-3 but also marked their second consecutive season with a winning record in SEC play at 5-3. As they look ahead, the Tigers are on the verge of achieving back-to-back seasons with at least ten wins for the first time in a decade.
Missouri’s Journey Through the Season
The Tigers kicked off their season with a bang, dominating the FCS-level Murray State Racers with a staggering 51-0 victory. Following that, they continued their momentum with a 38-0 rout of the Buffalo Bulls, quickly establishing themselves as a formidable force. Their early success set high expectations, and they entered the season ranked 11th in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll.
However, the road to success was not without its bumps. In Week 3, Missouri faced the then-No. 24-ranked Boston College Eagles, managing to secure a hard-fought victory. The following week, they began SEC play, where they faced the Vanderbilt Commodores. This matchup turned into a nail-biter, requiring double overtime for Missouri to emerge victorious.
Despite these early successes, the Tigers encountered a setback in Week 5, suffering a heavy 41-10 loss to the then-No. 25-ranked Texas A&M Aggies. But true to their resilient nature, Missouri bounced back with a commanding 45-3 win against the Massachusetts Minutemen, showcasing their ability to recover from adversity.
Challenges and Triumphs
The season continued to test the Tigers as they faced the Auburn Tigers, where they found themselves trailing 17-6 entering the fourth quarter. In a dramatic turn of events, Missouri scored a go-ahead touchdown with just 46 seconds left on the clock. However, the highs were quickly followed by lows, as they suffered another blowout loss in Week 9, this time to the now-No. 11-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, which knocked them out of the rankings for the first time.
After their second bye week, Missouri faced the Oklahoma Sooners and pulled off an incredible comeback, scoring two touchdowns in the final 63 seconds to secure the win. However, their momentum was halted in Week 12 when they narrowly lost to the now-No. 13-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks, despite having a go-ahead touchdown with just 1:10 remaining.
Looking Ahead: Bowl Projections for Missouri
With their regular season now complete, the Missouri Tigers have ensured their eligibility for a bowl game. FBS teams must finish with at least six wins and a winning percentage of at least .500, and Missouri has exceeded that requirement. The most common projection for their bowl destination is the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, set to take place at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on January 2.
As the Tigers look forward to their postseason matchup, they can reflect on a season filled with ups and downs. While they fell short of the SEC Championship Game and likely the College Football Playoff, their resilience and determination have set the stage for a promising future.
Rankings and Future Aspirations
Throughout the season, Missouri maintained a strong presence in the rankings. They were consistently in contention for the College Football Playoff, especially during the first season of the new 12-team format. However, as the season progressed, their ranking slipped. They entered Week 14 ranked 21st in the College Football Playoff rankings and were ranked 22nd in the latest AP Top 25 Poll.
Despite the challenges, the Tigers’ ability to finish above .500 in conference play for the second consecutive year is a testament to their growth and potential. The upcoming bowl game presents an opportunity for them to showcase their talent on a national stage and potentially achieve that coveted ten-win season.
Conclusion: A Season to Remember
The Missouri Tigers’ 2023 season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with thrilling victories and tough losses. As they prepare for their bowl game, the team can take pride in their accomplishments and the resilience they have shown throughout the year. With a bright future ahead, fans can look forward to seeing what the Tigers will bring to the field in the postseason and beyond. The journey continues, and the excitement is far from over!
