Missouri’s football team will face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl without two of its prominent defenders sidelined due to injuries. As per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, cornerback Ennis Rakestraw and linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper will not be available for Missouri during the game.
Rakestraw, who has been absent for several games this season due to a groin injury sustained before the team’s week 4 victory against Memphis, is considered a top defensive back prospect for the 2024 NFL draft. His role has been filled by sophomore Dreydon Norwood and junior Sidney Williams.
Meanwhile, Hopper, the team’s second-leading tackler in the regular season, suffered an ankle injury during Missouri’s week 11 triumph over the Tennessee Volunteers. His absence was notably felt in the game against Florida, where Missouri’s defense conceded 500 yards, the second-highest allowed for the 2023 season. Coach Eli Drinkwitz acknowledged the impact of Hopper’s absence after the win against Florida.
Prior to Hopper’s injury, Missouri’s linebacker corps faced shortages when fellow starter Chad Bailey underwent surgery for an abdominal injury, ending his season. In the games where both starters were absent, graduate Chuck Hicks and junior Triston Newson stepped in as replacements.
Despite a successful 10-2 season, the Missouri Tigers head into the 2023 Cotton Bowl against Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29th without these key defensive players. This appearance marks Missouri’s return to the Cotton Bowl for the first time since their 2013 victory of 41-31 over Oklahoma State. ESPN will broadcast the game at 7 p.m.
