What to know before Ohio State and Missouri square off in the Cotton Bowl

The SEC will meet the Big Ten in the Cotton Bowl on December 29 when the Missouri Tigers take on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Here’s what fans should know before the top 10 matchup begins.

No. 9 MISSOURI (10-2) vs. No. 7 OHIO STATE (11-1)

Dec. 29, 7 p.m., ESPN

Location: Arlington

Player to know: Missouri: Doak Walker Award finalist Cody Schrader, 1,489 yards, 13 touchdowns; Ohio State: Heisman finalist Marvin Harrison Jr., 67 receptions, 1,211 yards, 14 touchdowns

It’s a fact: Missouri: The Tigers won 10 games for the first time since the 2014 season and finished in second place in the SEC East. The Tigers also secured their first winning season since 2018.

Ohio State: Except for the COVID-shortened 2020 season, the Buckeyes have won 11 games in every season since 2012. Kyle McCord, Ohio State’s starting quarterback, has entered the transfer portal.

Last time: Ohio State 35, Missouri 14 (Sept. 19, 1998)

Bowl history: Ohio State: Third appearance in the Cotton Bowl, 56th bowl game in school history; Missouri: Fourth Cotton Bowl appearance, 36th bowl game in school history.