Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Missouri Tigers Cotton Bowl: Xavier Johnson Key to a Win?

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 as he will likely be opting out of the bowl game, which will put more pressure on the passing game. It's a passing game without Kyle McCord, the team's starter all season, who just transferred to Syracuse.

Xavier Johnson / USA Today

Enter Xavier Johnson. Without Harrison, Johnson could be key for the Buckeyes' passing game - in addition to the running game. Yes, the running game too.

Johnson has posted 35 carries for 301 yards on the ground in the past two seasons. And there's a possibility that TreVeyon Henderson opts out too, so Johnson could help pick up the extra load there.

Add Johnson's rushing prowess to his 24 catches and 298 yards over the past two seasons, and he's a viable weapon for Day and Co. both on the ground and through the air.

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Day could use Johnson in several different packages, and if Johnson could somehow manage eight carries for 40 yards and add six catches for 50 yards then that would go a long way for a Buckeyes win over Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.

This game could be a challenge for the Buckeyes, but if Day can utilize the players who are available to him creatively, then it could be a big bowl game win for the Big Ten over the SEC.