Overview
- Kickoff is Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, with ABC carrying the broadcast.
- Missouri will be without starting quarterback Beau Pribula following his transfer-portal move, with true freshman Matt Zollers expected to start, and the Tigers also lost wideouts Marquis Johnson, Josh Manning and James Madison II plus tight end Brett Norfleet (injury).
- Virginia’s leading rusher J’Mari Taylor is considering an opt-out after a Senior Bowl invite, with reports also noting WR Tyrell Harris as a possibility to sit, while the Cavaliers’ only confirmed opt-out as of Friday was CB Ja’Son Prevard.
- The matchup centers on elite rushing attacks led by Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy (1,560 yards, 16 TDs) and Virginia’s Taylor (1,062 yards, 15 TDs), with Virginia coach Tony Elliott calling Hardy “the best running back in the country.”
- Sportsbooks list Missouri as the favorite, with BetMGM posting the Tigers -4.5 and -200 on the money line and an over/under of 45.5, as coaches also point to scheme similarities and Virginia’s experienced QB Chandler Morris.