The Missouri Tigers have reached 10 wins for just the eighth time in program history and only the third time ever in consecutive seasons.
Quietly, Eli Drinkwitz has transformed Mizzou into one of the most successful programs in the SEC over the past two years.
Monday’s 27-24 Music City Bowl victory over Iowa marks the 22nd win for the Tigers in the past two seasons. Perhaps more importantly to Drinkwitz, it guarantees another season where the Missouri Tigers will finish ranked in the top 25.
“The story really is our football team and these guys right here and their commitment to finishing the season,” Drinkwitz said. “So proud of the way they battled.”
Mizzou showcased remarkable resilience this season, embodying a "never give up" mentality by battling from behind in nearly every game. Against Vanderbilt, Auburn, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Iowa, the Tigers trailed in the fourth quarter but found ways to rally and secure victories. This persistence is a testament to the toughness and determination instilled in the program under Eli Drinkwitz.
While the Tigers may not have had the flashiest resumé, it doesn’t diminish the fact that good teams find ways to win. Even great teams handle business against inferior opponents—something Mizzou consistently did this season.
"There's a lot of people that start things in life that they don't finish," Drinkwitz said. "If you're going to be a person of significance, if you're going to be the best at whatever you do, you got to have a fight to the finish spirit."
That message rang true in Monday’s bowl victory over Iowa, as Mizzou trailed 24-14 late in the third quarter. Rather than giving up on a game head coach Eli Drinkwitz referred to as an "exhibition," the Tigers displayed their trademark fight-to-the-finish mentality.
Sparked by a pair of big plays to Marquis Johnson, Mizzou's offense found its rhythm and began building momentum.
Following a couple of massive defensive stops, Mizzou's offense was set up with favorable field position. When Blake Craig was called upon for multiple 50-yard field goal attempts, he delivered, draining both to give the Tigers their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter.
The season ended poetically for Mizzou, as Brady Cook capped his college career with a fairytale finish, leading a fourth-quarter comeback one final time. With Cook’s departure, the Tigers will have a new quarterback under center for the first time in four years when the 2025 season kicks off.