Running back Cody Schrader has been a standout performer for No. 9 Missouri this season, playing a crucial role in securing a spot in the Cotton Bowl today. However, the unique challenge posed by No. 7 Ohio State’s solid run defense may test his skills.
Ohio State’s Talented Defensive Line
Statistically, OSU is the best run defense that MU will face all season. Jim Knowles’ run defense is ranked No. 22 in the nation heading into today’s New Year’s Six bowl game matchup, which is higher than any other defense Missouri has gone against.
Ohio State’s defensive front made a significant impact multiple occasions this season. In their 20-12 victory over then-No. 7 Penn State, the Buckeyes held the Nittany Lions ground attack to just 49 rushing yards. PSU’s leading rusher, Kaytron Allen, managed only 26 yards in their October matchup. OSU also gave up a mere 70 rushing yards in their 37-3 blowout win over Minnesota in November. The Golden Gophers’ leading rusher for the contest, RB Jordan Nubin, had just 49 yards on 19 carries. Knowles’ defense held six out of 12 opponents to under 100 rushing yards this season.
Photo Cred: AP News
Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams and defensive end Jack Sawyer are two players to watch out for in that vaunted defensive line. Williams boasts 50 tackles (19 solo) and three sacks through 12 games. Sawyer has 3.5 sacks on the season, recording six total tackles (three solo) in their 30-24 loss to Michigan, which closed out the regular season. DE J.T. Tuimoloau is a key piece as well, with 34 total tackles (11 solo) and a team-leading four sacks this season. The junior has been practicing this week but hasn’t announced if he will play today or not. DTs Ty Hamilton and Michael Hall Jr. are also key names to keep an eye on throughout the Cotton Bowl. Hall hasn’t announced whether or not he will play in the bowl game but he is practicing in full pads this week.
Head coach Ryan Day’s team also features a solid linebacker core. Tommy Eichenberg leads OSU in tackles with 80 (40 solo). The senior tallied 13 total tackles (seven solo) in Ohio State’s 37-17 victory over Maryland in October. However, his status for the game is questionable due to an arm injury that he suffered against Rutgers in November. LBs Steele Chambers and Cody Simon are expected to play pivotal roles in Knowles’ defense. Chambers is the second-leading tackler for the Buckeyes with 75 tackles (36 solo), while Simon has 45 (18 solo) through 12 games. Both players are expected to suit up for the bowl game.
Photo Cred: Dayton Daily News
Schrader’s Remarkable Season
Schrader is enjoying a remarkable season for the Tigers. The fifth-year senior is the fourth-leading rusher in the nation with 1,489 yards and 13 touchdowns. The St. Louis, Missouri native also leads the SEC in rushing yards.
The former walk-on has been a consistent performer in critical moments when Mizzou needed him the most. Schrader’s standout performance came in Missouri’s 36-7 victory over Tennessee last month. The Truman State transfer became just the 10th player in FBS history to record 200+ rushing yards and 100+ receiving yards in the same game. He scored a touchdown as well and led the Tigers in both rushing and receiving in that contest.
Photo Cred: theScore.com
Head coach Eliah Drinkwitz was also able to rely on his talents in MU’s 34-12 Mayor’s Cup win over South Carolina in October. The 5-foot-9, 214-pound RB rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns, scoring in the first and fourth quarters. He also delivered a noteworthy performance in Missouri’s loss to LSU in early October, rushing for 114 yards and three touchdowns. Schrader found the end zone once in the first half and twice in the second, providing Mizzou with a chance to win before they ultimately fell apart in the last three minutes.
Friday will be the last time that Schrader puts on a Missouri uniform. The RB spent three seasons with Division II Truman State before transferring to Columbia as a walk-on for the Tigers in 2022. Following an impressive 2022 campaign, Schrader was awarded a scholarship, which began in January, and was appointed captain for the current season. The fifth-year senior aims to cap off his college career on a high note against Ohio State’s talented defensive line.
Photo Cred: Truman State University Athletics
Gametime
Missouri will kick off against Ohio State in the 88th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at 7 P.M CT at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, December 29th.
