Pinned
Link copied
The Missouri Tigers and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons will compete for holiday cheer in the Gasparilla Bowl on Friday at Raymond James Stadium at 6:30 p.m. ET. With a combined 921 yards of offense in their previous games, we can expect a fast-paced game.
It was a close one, but four weeks ago Mizzou sidestepped the Arkansas Razorbacks for a 29-27 win. The squad ran away with 20 points in the first half and mostly just sat on those in the second to pick up the victory. QB Brady Cook continued his habit of dropping crazy stat lines, passing for one TD and 242 yards on 26 attempts in addition to rushing for one TD and 138 yards.
Special teams collected 11 points for the Tigers. K Harrison Mevis delivered a perfect 3-for-3 game.
Speaking of close games: Wake Forest was close but no cigar four weeks ago as they fell 34-31 to the Duke Blue Devils. The contest was as close as the oddsmakers predicted, but the Demon Deacons had been the slight favorite coming in. Wake Forest's loss came about despite a quality game from QB Sam Hartman, who passed for three TDs and 347 yards on 42 attempts.
Two numbers to keep in mind before kickoff: Mizzou comes into the matchup boasting the 20th fewest passing touchdowns allowed in the nation at 15. But Wake Forest ranks first in the nation when it comes to passing touchdowns, with 40 on the season. We'll see which of these strengths -- offense or defense -- will win out.
