Overview
- Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. ET at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville with ABC televising the 81st TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
- BetMGM lists Missouri as about a 4.5-point favorite with a total near 45.5 points.
- The matchup features conference-leading rushers Ahmad Hardy for Missouri and J'Mari Taylor for Virginia, with reports indicating Taylor is considering an opt-out following a Senior Bowl invitation.
- Missouri will be without linebacker Josiah Trotter (knee) and tight end Brett Norfleet (shoulder) and has multiple receivers in the transfer portal, while offensive coordinator Kirby Moore has departed and play-calling will be collaborative with Chip Lindsey not active for the bowl.
- Virginia can earn an 11th win for the first time in program history, Missouri is chasing a third straight nine-win season, and Hardy needs 68 rushing yards to break the Tigers’ single-season record.