Missouri will take on No. 20 Virginia in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Dec. 27, and while drama has unfolded everywhere across bowl season, Eli Drinkwitz is keeping things about football.
Mizzou is treating this bowl game like any other high-level game, and Drinkwitz made it clear that his team won't be shying away from an oportunity to finish the year with an exclamation point. When asked on if he might let some freshmen get a run at some increased playing time, Drinktwiz was quick to dispell the notion that he'd use the game as potential scouting.
"This is a game we're both trying to win, and, we're trying to win," Drinkwitz said. "This ain't tryouts. This is a game against the ACC regular-season champion."
Drinkwitz hilariously reminds fans that he's all business in the Gator Bowl
The head coach has repeatedly made it clear that while other teams may sit seniors, or even opt out of the game entirely, Mizzou is out there to win. Drinkwitz went on to say that he thinks he'll have almost every player available for the matchup.
"I feel for the most part that we're going to be as close to full strength as we can," said Drinkwitz. "I haven't had any NFL declarations yet, those grades for underclassmen will come back this week. So I think there's still things that could change, but as of now, I feel very confident in our senior class wanting to play and play at a high level."
It's great to see that fans will be treated to some high-quality football come Dec. 27, and that the Tigers are keeping the magic of bowl season alive.