Unraveling Missouri Football's Bowl Journey

The Las Vegas Bowl Scenario

Jerry Palm of CBS Sports has been steadfast in his projection that Missouri will play in the Music City Bowl against reigning national champion Michigan on Dec. 30 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. However, Kyle Bonagura of ESPN has a different take. He envisions Missouri heading west to face USC in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 27 at Allegiant Stadium in Sin City. USC became bowl-eligible by beating UCLA on the road and now has one last game against Notre Dame in Los Angeles. Missouri has never played a bowl game in Las Vegas and last faced USC in 1977, losing 27-10 in Columbia. This potential Las Vegas Bowl appearance would be a new experience for the Tigers.

The Las Vegas Bowl offers a unique setting and a chance for Missouri to showcase their skills on a big stage. It would be a great opportunity for the team to gain national exposure and make a statement. The atmosphere in Las Vegas is always electric, and playing in such a vibrant city could have a positive impact on the players and the team as a whole.

The Gator Bowl Contender

Brett McMurphy of Action Network projects Missouri to play Louisville in the Gator Bowl on Jan. 2 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville. Louisville is 7-4 this season with a 5-3 record in the ACC, falling short of the conference title game. They have a nonconference game against Kentucky to close the season. Mizzou last played in the Gator Bowl in 1968 when they knocked off legendary coach Bear Bryant's Alabama, 35-10. This would be a significant return to the Gator Bowl for the Tigers and a chance to make history once again.

Playing in the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville would give Missouri a chance to compete against a quality opponent in Louisville. It would be a test of their skills and a chance to prove themselves on a national stage. The Gator Bowl has a rich history, and being a part of it would be a memorable experience for the team and the fans.

The Other Bowl Options

There are also other bowl options for Missouri. The Liberty Bowl in Memphis on Dec. 27, the Music City Bowl in Nashville on Dec. 30, the Texas Bowl in Houston on Dec. 31, and the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on Dec. 31 are all on the table. Each of these bowls offers a unique opportunity for the Tigers to showcase their talent and compete against different opponents.

For example, the Liberty Bowl in Memphis would give Missouri a chance to play in a city with a rich football history. The Music City Bowl in Nashville would be a homecoming of sorts for the team, as they would be playing in their own state. The Texas Bowl in Houston and the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa would offer different experiences and challenges for the Tigers.

As Dec. 8 approaches and the ESPN selection show looms, Missouri fans will be on the edge of their seats, waiting to find out where their team will play in the bowl game. Each of these potential bowl destinations has its own appeal, and the Tigers will be ready to give it their all no matter where they end up.