Ohio State vs. Missouri Tigers: Cotton Bowl Preview - Offensive Players to Watch

The Ohio State Buckeyes are preparing for the SEC's Missouri Tigers and a Cotton Bowl matchup in Arlington on Dec. 29.

As the Ohio State Buckeyes and coach Ryan Day prepare for the Missouri Tigers in the upcoming Cotton Bowl, Day has his work cut out for him. Between navigating the transfer portal with both losses and acquisitions as well as figuring out who will be available to play on Dec. 29, he'll be focused more on who will be available rather than who won't.

Heisman finalist and star Buckeyes wideout Marvin Harrison Jr.'s status is still up in the air and the Buckeyes are already without starting quarterback Kyle McCord, who entered the transfer portal and has committed to Syracuse. Let's take a look at a couple of players that defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will need to pay attention to.

Brady Cook

Brady Cook has performed better than expected this season. He has completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 3,189 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions on the season. He led the Tigers past a ranked Kansas State team and a ranked Kentucky team to finish at 10-2 and second in the SEC East behind Georgia.

Cody Schrader

The Tigers' rushing leader has been solid the past two seasons but had a breakout year in 2023. Schrader totaled 247 carries for 1,489 yards and 13 touchdowns. He averaged a whopping 6.0 yards per carry. In two complete seasons, he has not fumbled the ball, so that could be a focal point for Knowles in preparation for the Missouri running game.

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Luther Burden III

Luther Burden III could easily be considered the biggest threat from the Missouri offense in their hopes for a Cotton Bowl championship. Burden has over 500 more yards than the Tigers' second-leading receiver, Teho Wease Jr. Burden has registered 83 catches for 1,197 yards and eight touchdowns.