In a highly anticipated Cotton Bowl matchup, the 10-2 Missouri Tigers will face off against the 11-1 Ohio State Buckeyes. However, the shine of this game has been slightly tarnished by portal opt-out activity, particularly on the Buckeyes' sideline. Starting quarterback Kyle McCord and star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will not be playing in the bowl game. While the Buckeyes are only missing three other starters, including one on defense, it is difficult to envision them moving the ball effectively without McCord and Harrison. On the other hand, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz expects all healthy players to be available for the Cotton Bowl, adding to the team's motivation to cap off a remarkable season.

When analyzing bowl games, one crucial factor to consider is the motivation of each team. The Buckeyes, who are accustomed to competing in the College Football Playoff, may be disappointed to be playing in the Cotton Bowl instead. Losing the Big Ten title to Michigan for the third consecutive year is undoubtedly a sting for head coach Ryan Day and his team. With several players graduating or moving on, Day may view the upcoming season as a rebuilding year in 2024. In contrast, the Tigers are ecstatic to have the opportunity to play in a New Year's Six bowl. Missouri's last 10-win season was in 2014, and the team endured several lackluster years before their recent success. A victory in the Cotton Bowl would hold significant meaning for the Tigers and their fans, unlike Ohio State.

Missouri's offense, led by quarterback Brady Cook, running back Cody Schrader, and wide receiver Luther Burden III, ranks among the nation's best. They are 10th in EPA per Play and 14th in Pass Success Rate, averaging over 34 points per game. The Tigers' explosiveness was evident in their game-winning drive against Florida, where Cook and Burden converted a crucial fourth down before securing the victory. Although Ohio State boasts an elite defense, Missouri's potent offense has the ability to score against any opponent, even an unmotivated Buckeyes unit.

However, the Buckeyes' main concerns lie on the offensive side of the ball. While McCord may not have been a favorite among fans, his absence will be felt as he accounted for over a third of Ohio State's passing yards. Additionally, 14 of McCord's 24 passing touchdowns were caught by Marvin Harrison Jr. Without their star receiver, it is doubtful that the Buckeyes will be able to move the ball effectively against Missouri's vulnerable secondary, which ranks 94th nationally in EPA per Pass allowed.

On the defensive side, Ohio State will attempt to run the ball against a formidable Missouri front seven. The Tigers' rush defense ranks 18th in Rush Success Rate allowed and 39th in EPA per Rush allowed. Their ability to contain opposing rushing attacks throughout the season, holding nine of their twelve opponents to under 150 rushing yards, bodes well for their matchup against the Buckeyes.

While the game may shape up to be a low-scoring affair, with the possibility of the Under hitting, the total seems too low at anything below 51 or 50. Instead, a bet on a motivated Missouri team, led by Cook, to outscore a depleted and demoralized Ohio State squad seems like a more favorable option.

In summary, the Cotton Bowl matchup between Missouri and Ohio State has lost some of its luster due to key players opting out for the Buckeyes. The Tigers, on the other hand, are eager to showcase their success and secure a victory in a prestigious bowl game. With Missouri's explosive offense and Ohio State's offensive struggles without their star quarterback and wide receiver, the odds seem to favor the Tigers.