Published on Show Me Mizzou Jan. 10, 2024
Story by Joe Walljasper, BJ ’92
Photos by Mizzou Athletics
The 2023 Missouri football team captured the attention of the nation and the affection of their fans with a season that saw Eli Drinkwitz’s Tigers finish the regular season ranked ninth in the nation. Mizzou supporters came along for the ride, selling out Faurot Field five times and roaring with the team at the Cotton Bowl. In their first New Year’s Six bowl appearance in program history, Mizzou beat the seventh ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 14-3. Cody Schrader and Luther Burden III each scored touchdowns. View a gallery of the Cotton Bowl celebration here.
2023 highlights
Sept. 16 Harrison Mevis kicks a walk off SEC record 61-yard field goal to beat Kansas State. Mizzou fans storm the field.
Oct. 14
Luke Bauer throws a touchdown pass to Marquis Johnson on a fake punt at Kentucky.
Nov. 11 Cody Schrader shreds Tennessee’s defense for 321 total yards.
Nov. 18
Brady Cook connects with Luther Burden III on fourth-and-17 to keep the game-winning drive alive against Florida.
Dec. 29
The Tigers defense prevents Ohio State from ever reaching the red zone during their 14-3 Cotton Bowl victory.
2023 by the numbers
11-2: Season record (6-2 SEC)
32.5: Average points per game
50: Total touchdowns
435.1: Average total yardage per game
3,317 yards: Passing leader: Brady Cook
1,627 yards: Rushing leader: Cody Schrader
1,212 yards: Receiving leader: Luther Burden III
8.5: Sack leader: Darius Robinson
11,000+ Tiger fans attended the Mizzou Alumni Association’s official Cotton Bowl tailgate at the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field
Honor roll
Cody Schrader
Consensus 1st Team All-American; 2023 Burlsworth Trophy winner; Doak Walker Award finalist
Brady Cook
SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year; Davey O’Brien Award semifinalist; Cotton Bowl Offensive MVP
Eli Drinkwitz
SEC Coach of the Year: SEC coaches and Associated Press
AP 1st Team All SEC: CB Kris Abrams-Draine, WR Luther Burden III, T Javon Foster, DE Darius Robinson and RB Cody Schrader
Senior Bowl invites: CB Kris Abrams-Draine, DE Darius Robinson, LB Ty’Ron Hopper, OL Javon Foster and RB Cody Schrader
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