This will be Devin Brown's chance to shine at QB for the Buckeyes with Kyle McCord already off to the portal and Syracuse and whichever transfer becomes the favorite to win the job next fall has yet to ink in the portal. The Buckeyes are going to have to play this one different anyway as they're not facing one of those staid Big Ten teams from this season, rather a dynamic Mizzou with a prolific QB in Brady Cook (nearly 3200 YP), a punishing throwback bruiser in Cody Schrader (1489 YR), and the closest thing to Deebo Samuel in college FB, WR Luther Burden, Jr (almost 1200 yards worth of receptions). Play Ohio State-Mizzou "Over" (Cotton Bowl)

If you wait, you might get +6 ... or this could drop a few points. It likely hinges on the status of Buckeyes star wideout -- and hopefully future Chicago Bear -- Marvin Harrison Jr. He has hinted he might play and honestly I hope he does as a fan, but he reportedly hasn't been practicing. It's just not worth an injury risk. This is a ho-hum bowl for Ohio State but huge for Missouri, which is essentially at full strength.

At the time I make this pick, it's still unclear how many significant opt-outs Ohio State will have for this game outside of QB Kyle McCord. But Devin Brown was a 5-star in high school for a reason so this transaction may end up being an upgrade for the Buckeyes. Ryan Day doesn't usually lose to inferior teams, unless they're named Michigan (in some years) so I think OSU ends the season with momentum for a big 2024. Ohio State 24, Missouri 20.

Some bowl games hinge on the motivation factor, and this is one of them. This is the biggest game for the Missouri program since the 2014 SEC Championship Game, and coach Eli Drinkwitz knows it. Expect him to empty the playbook against an Ohio State team that, while talented, is disappointed that it is in the Cotton Bowl and not the College Football Playoff. Those factors, coupled with the departure of Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord, will give the Tigers the edge.

It has been reported that some of the key starters of the Ohio State Buckeyes will not be playing in the upcoming bowl game. Moreover, the players who are playing don't seem to be enthusiastic about it. On the other hand, Missouri is highly motivated to defeat a Big Ten program in a bowl game. They lost the Gasparilla Bowl last year and are determined to show out. The team has improved significantly since last year and is expected to put up a great fight. This line should close much higher!