Missouri wide receiver Marquis Johnson, left, makes a 50-yard reception on a pass from Brady Cook to set up the Tigers’ first touchdown.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Here are five key plays that pushed Mizzou to a 14-3 win over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night.
Ohio State ball at the Mizzou 26, second and 3, 5:10 to go in the first quarter OSU quarterback Devin Brown tried to run the ball up the middle but was hit in the backfield by Mizzou defensive back Jaylon Carlies.
As Brown cut to avoid him, it looked like one of his cleats got caught in the artificial turf as he was tackled for a 4-yard loss. Brown completed a pass on the next play, but on fourth down, he started hobbling toward the sideline and OSU called a timeout. Instead of going for it on fourth and 3 at the Mizzou 26, the Buckeyes kicked a 44-yard field goal for the only points of the first half (and, it turns out, the Buckeyes only points in the game).
But that would be it for Brown.
Trainers taped his ankle on the sideline, but he still couldn’t run. He went to the dressing room in the second quarter and returned to the sideline, riding on a stationary bike on the sideline, but the quarterback job went to seldom-seen true freshman Lincoln Kienholz.
Ohio State ball on its own 1, third and 16, 1:28 to go in the second quarter With OSU in no mood to have Lincoln Kienholz try to pass from his own end zone, he ran a quarterback sneak and pushed forward a yard, meaning OSU would be punting from its own end zone and potentially giving Mizzou good field position for one last first-half drive.
But after the play, Mizzou’s Johnny Walker Jr. and OSU tight end Gee Scott Jr. began jawing and when Walker Jr. put his hand to Scott Jr.’s facemask, he was called for unsportsmanlike conduct and OSU got an automatic first down at its own 17, and when it eventually had to punt, Mizzou got the ball at its own 21, greatly reducing its likelihood of getting on the scoreboard before the half.
Missouri ball on its own 35, first and 10, 1:55 to go in the third quarter On a drive that started at Missouri’s own 5 after a punt and saw the Tigers pick up two first downs, Brady Cook both got good protection and found an open receiver, Marquis Johnson, on a deep post for a 50-yard gain, by far the longest gain for either team up to that point.
While Luther Burden III had hardly touched the ball in the game, he drew two defenders on the play to give Johnson open space. The catch put Missouri at the Ohio State 15, the first time either team had been inside the red zone in the game. Two plays later, Missouri completed an eight-play, 95-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown run by Cody Schrader to take the lead 7-3 on the first play of the fourth quarter.
Missouri ball on the Ohio State 23, fourth and 1, 6:38 to go in the fourth quarter Well inside field goal-range for Harrison Mevis and a chance to make the lead 7, coach Eli Drinkwitz chose to go for it on fourth and a yard. Using a play Missouri had used successfully earlier in the game, Brady Cook faked a pitch and kept the ball up the middle, getting the first down with a 2-yard gain.
Three plays later, on second-and-goal from the 7, Cook found Luther Burden III in the end zone for a touchdown and Missouri took a commanding 14-3 lead with 5:12 to play. It was the second time Mizzou had driven more than 90 yards for a touchdown, this time going 91 yards in 13 plays in 6:10.
Ohio State ball on the Missouri 39, third and 5, 3:20 to go in the fourth quarter Down 11 points and needing to score twice, OSU had moved into Missouri territory. Quarterback Lincoln Kienholz dropped back to pass and just before he started to throw, was hit by Daylan Carrell, who knocked the ball loose and it was recovered by Joe Moore.
That effectively clinched the win for Missouri, and the matter was settled when Luther Burden III got a first down on a 20-yard gain on a fourth and 1 with 1:27 to go with OSU out of time outs that make it official.
Photos: Missouri is the 2023 Cotton Bowl champion, downing Ohio State 14-3
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz hoists the Cotton Bowl championship trophy that the Tigers won by beating Ohio State 14-3 on Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. He is joined by quarterback Brady Cook, second from right, and defensive lineman Johnny Walker Jr., right, who won MVP honors for the contest.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz, quarterback Brady Cook, and Missouri defensive lineman Johnny Walker Jr. hoist up the Cotton Bowl trophy after winning the game between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz hoists the Cotton Bowl championship trophy as quarterback Brady Cook, a Chaminade product, applauds after the Tigers beat Ohio State 14-3 on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III hugs one of his coach after Missouri won the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
“You got a touchdown,†Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz says as he celebrates with Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III after the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz during celebrations after the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz celebrates with quarterback Brady Cook as he holds the offensive MVP trophy after Mizzou beat Ohio State University in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.
Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz celebrates with quarterback Brady Cook as he holds the offensive MVP trophy after Mizzou beat Ohio State University in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.
David Carson, Post-DispatchDavid Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz and wide receiver Luther Burden III embrace during celebrations after MU beat Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl game on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz hands the offensive MVP trophy to quarterback Brady Cook during post game ceremonies for the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz, left, hands the Cotton Bowl offensive MVP trophy to quarterback Brady Cook after Mizzou beat Ohio State 14-3 on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri fans celebrate as the clock winds down in the fourth quarter with MU en route to its 14-3 victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri running back Cody Schrader (7) celebrates after a 7-yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter, putting Mizzou up 7-3 after the extra point, during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Cody Schrader celebrates after running 7 yards for a touchdown that helped give Missouri a 7-3 lead in the fourth quarter en route to its victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl game on Friday in Arlington, Texas.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) hauls in a Brady Cook pass for a touchdown to seal the Missouri win at 14-3 during the 4th quarter of the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.Â
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri wide receiver Marquis Johnson (17) celebrates after a 50-yard reception and run in the 3rd quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. The long play was part of a 95-yard drive that ended with a touchdown, putting Mizzou up 7-3. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook (12) makes an 8-yard run and gets pushed out of bounds just before the endzone by Ohio State linebacker Cody Simon (30), to end the 3rd quarter, during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook, right, is pushed out of bounds by Ohio State linebacker Cody Simon after an 8-yard run on the last play of the third quarter.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri wide receiver Marquis Johnson, left, makes a 50-yard reception on a pass from Brady Cook to set up the Tigers’ first touchdown.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri defensive back Daylan Carnell celebrates after causing a fumble and turnover in the fourth quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz has the ball stripped from him by Missouri defensive back Daylan Carnell (13) in the fourth quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.Â
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook celebrates after running back Cody Schrader’s 7-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri running back Cody Schrader (7) flies out of bounds after a late hit by Ohio State safety Josh Proctor (41) drew a penalty, during the 4th quarter of the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri Coach Eli Drinkwitz gets fired up after a false start penalty on Missouri's Xavier Delgado moved the ball back 15 yards with 34 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Ohio State wide receiver Xavier Johnson (0) makes a 24 yard pass reception over Missouri defensive back Kris Abrams-Draine (7) in the 3rd quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. The Ohio State drive ended with a missed field goal attempt. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Missouri defensive lineman Johnny Walker Jr. (15) sacks Ohio State quarterback Devin Brown (33) for a loss of 7 yards during the first half of the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Brown fumbled and recovered the ball on the play. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri defensive lineman Johnny Walker Jr. (15) celebrates after sacking Ohio State starting quarterback Devin Brown for a loss of 7 yards during the first half of the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri defensive back Kris Abrams-Draine can’t come up with an interception in the second quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri's Kristian Williams, left, linebacker Chuck Hicks (30), and defensive lineman Johnny Walker Jr. (15) tackle Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) in the second quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri place kicker Harrison Mevis (92) lines for for possible field goal but a penalty was called before the kick during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri defensive back Marcus Clarke (19) breaks up a pass intended for Ohio State wide receiver Jayden Ballard (9) in the second half during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri defensive back Marcus Clarke (19) breaks up a pass intended for Ohio State wide receiver Jayden Ballard (9) in the second half during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri defensive back Daylan Carnell celebrates making a tackle in the second quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri defensive back Daylan Carnell (13) celebrates a tackle in the second quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri defensive back Daylan Carnell (13) pressures Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz (12) into making a quick throw for an incompletion in the second quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri defensive lineman Kristian Williams, left, tackles Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson in the second quarter of the Cotton Bowl game on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook (12) leads his team onto the field before the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
The Missouri Tigers take the field for the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
The Missouri Tigers take the field for the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook (12) gets the crowd pumped up as the team prepares to start the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
The Missouri Tigers head onto the field for warmups before the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
An Ohio State fan celebrates Ohio State's field goal in the first quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Sarah Gordon, from Fort Worth, tailgates with friends in the parking lot before the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri fans and siblings Daniel Hartnagel, center, and Libby Hartnagel, right, from Chesterfield, tailgate in parking lot before the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri fans tailgate in the parking lot before the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Mizzou fans pose with a sign during the Missouri Alumni Association tailgate at Globe Life Field before the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson
Mizzou fans watch Marching Mizzou perform on the field Missouri Alumni Association tailgate at Globe Life Field before the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Feature twirler Ella Earnest looks up into the stands at Globe Life Field as the band prepares to perform for the crowd during the Missouri Alumni Association tailgate before the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Abby Barrett, 12, from Fort Worth, looks up at the jumbo video boards as the band performs for the crowd during the Missouri Alumni Association tailgate before the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri fans mill about on the field at Globe Life Field at the start of the Missouri Alumni Association tailgate before the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri running back Cody Schrader is knocked out of bounds by Ohio State safety Josh Proctor in the fourth quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) sacks Missouri quarterback Brady Cook in the third quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook (12) makes a run for a first down late in the third quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook (12) hands the ball off to running back Cody Schrader as Schrader scampers for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.Â
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz yells during the Cotton Bowl, which Mizzou won, beating Ohio State 14-3, on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook (12) ducks around teammate Cody Schrader trying to make a block as Cook makes a run for a first down late in the third quarter during the Cotton Bowl between the University of Missouri and Ohio State University at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.
David Carson, Post-Dispatch
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