Missouri Roars: Tigers Earn Victory in Music City Bowl

© Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

The 19th-ranked Missouri Tigers (10-3) battled the Iowa Hawkeyes (8-5) in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 in Nashville, Tenn. Despite injuries, the Tigers emerged as the winners after a 56-yard field goal by kicker Blake Craig made the score 27-24. For the Tigers, the win marks the second straight bowl win in the team's fourth straight bowl.

What Happened in the Game

After Iowa was forced to punt after receiving the opening kickoff, the Missouri Tigers were able to march the ball down the field for the game's opening score. The 8-play, 70-yard drive was highlighted by quarterback Brendan Sullivan connecting with running back Terrell Washington Jr. for a 6-yard touchdown to make the score 7-0. The Tigers would answer with a 10-play, 85-yard drive of their own, highlighted by an 8-yard pass from quarterback Brady Cook to receiver Theo Wease Jr. made the score 7-7. The Hawkeyes answered with a kickoff return by receiver Kaden Wetjen to retake the lead at 14-7. The Tigers would answer when Cook connected with receiver Marquis Johnson on a 7-yard pass to tie the score at 14. After exchanging punts, the Hawkeyes would reach the endzone on an 11-play, 90-yard drive when running back Kamari Moulton had a 1-yard run to make the score 21-14.

An exchange of punts started the second half before the Hawkeyes used a 9-play, 35-yard drive to extend the lead to 24-14 after a 38-yard field goal by kicker Drew Stevens. Wide receiver Joshua Manning highlighted a 7-play, 75-yard drive when he reached the endzone on a 4-yard run to make the score 24-21. After an interception by cornerback Toriano Pride Jr., the Tigers capped a 20-yard drive with a 51-yard field goal by kicker Blake Craig to tie the game at 24. After a punt by Iowa, the Tigers took the lead with a 56-yard field goal by Craig to make the score 27-24.

Player of the Game

WR Marquis Johnson (7 receptions, 122 yards, TD)

With the decision by receiver Luther Burden III to opt out of the game and an injury to Wease at the end of the first half another playmaker would be needed for Cook and the Tigers offense. Johnson showcased his ability to make plays and get open. He stepped up when his team needed him.

© Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

What Does the Win Mean

For the Tigers, the win marks their second straight season with 10 or more wins and establishes the Tigers as a strong contender in the Southeastern Conference. The win will only help head coach Eli Drinkwitz and the Tigers on the recruiting trail. Can the Tigers take the next step in 2025?

For the Hawkeyes and head coach Kirk Ferentz, it is a building block. Since they will have players depart the program, can they bring in players to complement the offense with quarterback Brendan Sullivan? While the Hawkeyes have always had strong defenses, can they bring in the players to help this offense operate to its fullest?