Missouri Defensive Players and Coordinator Blake Baker Preview Ohio State Offense

As the countdown to the Cotton Bowl continues, the Missouri Tigers defense previewed the game and Ohio State's offense.

ARLINGTON, Tx. — Ahead of Missouri’s matchup with the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 88th annual Cotton Bowl, Tigers’ defensive coordinator Blake Baker and multiple players met with the media to recap Missouri’s 2023 season and preview the matchup with Ohio State.

Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker

On why he Chose to Stay with Missouri by Signing a Contract Extension:

“A lot of it honestly has to do with my happiness and my family's happiness in Columbia. There were some possible other opportunities out there but Coach Drink is a phenomenal guy to work for, he’s first class at everything that he does. And really I feel like we have unfinished business still here at Mizzou. So, all in all, I never really considered, you know, going anywhere else to me it was, I kind of said the same thing last year when I signed the contract, it was a no brainer”

On how the Defense’s Depth Elevates it’s Play:

“I think the proof is in the pudding wherever you look at the amount of guys that we play and we spread the reps out a little more evenly, we do play better. I do think also that our guys, everybody wants to ,it's like instant oatmeal, they just want to add water and stir it up and here comes players, some guys develop at different times and and I think we do a really good job recognize throughout the year and being able to develop them and now being able to put it on display in game situations is definitely a bonus for us.”

On Preparing for Ohio State Quarterback Devin Brown:

“We mostly looked at what he's done this year and I think he had like 76 snaps or something on the season. And then you kind of blend that with what they already do and maybe some things differently than they may do based off of his skill set.”

On Ohio State’s Wide Receiver Group:

“They remind me honestly of some of the best offenses we’ve played this year when you look at some of the LSU and Georgia of the world … Or when you look at their receiving-corps as a whole, it's probably one of the best, if not the best, in the entire country.”

On Defensive Back Kris Abrams-Draine:

“He's an elite cornerback but also an elite young man. He's a guy that, to me, has done it the right way. When we talk about in today's age of college football, he's stuck it through the same program for four straight years. Not only that, he came in, he played mostly quarterback in high school, came as a wide receiver and has really developed himself through hard work into the cornerback position.”

On Defensive End Darius Robinson:

“He's fun to coach. He's developed his game very unselfish. Two-time team Captain, played inside for us last year, moved on to the edge. And it's something that he wanted to be challenged with as well and a guy that has done phenomenal, was first team All-SEC. Looking forward to watching him on Friday, big, physical imposing guy.”

On Defensive lineman Kristian Williams:

“He came to us as a transfer last year. He is by far the nicest guy on the team. He's a guy where for team meetings he sits on his shoulder pads and he’d wear his helmet if you'd let him but he's fully dressed out 45 minutes before the team meeting. So he's a special special dude”

On Safety J.C Carlies:

“I get to personally coach him in my position group and he's come a long way in a short period of time, not only on the field but off the field. Very, very, quiet by nature but on the field, he's a different beast.”

On Linebacker Chuck Hicks: “He's the old man, which is crazy to say. I think he's in his six year but he's about his business. He's very serious and he's always focused on what he can do to make the team better and he's the ultimate team guy.”

Darius Robinson

On Ohio State Quarterback Devin Brown:

“We’re going to have to adjust on the fly. There’s going to be nerves, there’s going to be pressure, but he’s probably just as good if not better than the starting quarterback. He’s going to be ready to play, but that’s why we have to show him our defense is the best and whatever happens, happens.

On Marvin Harrison Jr. Potentially Opting Out:

“Whoever steps on the field, it’s time to go. Whatever they bring, we’re going to bring it too. I’m excited.”

Kris Abrams-Draine

On Ohio State’s Offense:

“They have a lot of different playmakers they get the ball to. They have a good quarterback, good running backs. They're Ohio State, so we’ve just got to be dialed in and locked in.”

On Why No Missouri Players Opted Out:

“I feel like it's all because of the relationship that we have with all the teammates. We know that this team will never be the same again, so this is the last chance we can play with everybody on this team right now. Some people are transferring. Some people are done playing football.”

JC Carlies

On Ohio State Offense:

“The offense is very talented. Ohio State’s always been a talented team over numerous years, and we can’t take anything for granted. We can’t think anybody is less than the team. We can’t think anybody is better than the team. We have to treat everyone the same. So we’re going into this week just like we would every week, thinking anybody is elite and we just have to play our best games.”

On Significance of Possible Cotton Bowl Win:

“It would mean everything to me. You know, being here, this is my fourth year pretty much going .500 my first three years. First 10-win season in a while. I'm just glad to be a part of this team and what we're doing.”

Chuck Hicks

On Ohio State’s Offense:

“They have players from top to bottom. Doesn’t matter who is necessarily in the game, them boys can play. [They’re] versatile, they can throw the ball, they can definitely run the ball. It’s gonna be a great challenge for us.”

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The No. 9 Missouri Tigers will face off against the No. 7 Ohio State Buckeyes in the 88th annual Cotton Bowl on Friday, Dec. 29 at AT&T Stadium. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN at 7 p.m. CT.

Ohio State Defensive Players and Coordinator Jim Knowles Preview Missouri's Offense