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ESPN’s SP+ projects final score of Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl matchup vs. Mizzou
By Paul Harvey
Published:
ESPN’s SP+ is a believer in Ohio State this bowl season as the Buckeyes prepare for the Cotton Bowl.
Ryan Day’s program heads into the New Year’s Six battle against SEC foe Missouri after an 11-1 season for the Buckeyes. Eli Drinkwitz will lead his Tigers into the matchup after a 10-2 season and a massive top-10 showdown in the bowl.
Ohio State hits the game as a different team than the one that played the first 12 games of the season. Starting quarterback Kyle McCord is off to Syracuse, and star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.’s status is still unannounced though it appears likely he will not be playing.
As for the SP+, Ohio State is still given a 70% win probability against Missouri in a game that could be one of the best matchups outside of the College Football Playoff. The projected final score is 29-21 in favor of the Buckeyes. Interested fans can head to ESPN Bet to get in on the action.
Even without McCord and if Harrison does not play, Ohio State’s defense should have most of its key contributors in action as one of the best units in the country. Jim Knowles will still have his hands full trying to coordinate against Mizzou’s offense, but the Buckeyes have a shot to end the year on a high note.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.