Scarlet Sunrise: Missouri has no Cotton Bowl opt-outs but three defenders out with injury

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Missouri has no Cotton Bowl opt-outs but three defenders out with injury

Missouri is locked in on its first appearance in the New Year’s Six, which was formed in 2014. The No. 9 Tigers will be without three key defenders for the Cotton Bowl but not because of a lack of want to.

Head coach Eli Drinkwitz made that clear during Missouri’s arrival press conference Saturday in Dallas.

“We’re focused about our team and our opportunity here,” Drinkwitz said. “We’re going to have a couple of players that just couldn’t quite get back from an injury standpoint. Ennis Rakestraw [Jr.] (cornerback), Chad Bailey (linebacker) and Ty’Ron Hopper (linebacker) will not participate in the game this week.

“But that’s part of it. We didn’t have any opt-outs. Our brotherhood is wanting to play this one final game, this one opportunity together, and we’re excited to do that.”

Rakestraw has 21 starts under his belt over the last two seasons. The junior cornerback played in nine games this season, getting the nod in all but one. He allowed 18 catches on 28 targets for 197 yards and a touchdown, according to Pro Football Focus. Rakestraw is also tied for third on the team with four passes defended.

Hopper emerged as a finalist for the Butkus Award, given annually to the best linebacker in the country. But the senior was, notably, sidelined with an ankle injury during the Tigers’ blowout win over Tennessee on Nov. 11. He’s the third player in school history to become a finalist for that award, and he’s got 55 total tackles — including three sacks — to his name this season, not to mention his 17 pressures generated.

Bailey started three games for Missouri this season, however, an abdominal injury has kept him out most of the year. The senior linebacker accounted for 17 total tackles, one sack, one pass defended and one forced fumble in his limited 2023 action.

Ohio State hasn’t announced any opt-outs yet, and six draft-eligible players already announced earlier this month that they’re playing in the top-10 showdown: defensive end Jack Sawyer, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, left guard Donovan Jackson, cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.

Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day was asked about opt-outs during his team’s arrival press conference Saturday.

“Everyone’s going to be here,” Day said. “We have a team meeting tonight and may have an update on that later on, but right now no updates on that.”

One thing we do know: Senior safety Lathan Ransom, who hasn’t played since suffering a non-contact, lower-leg injury at Wisconsin on Oct. 28, will remain out for the Cotton Bowl, Day confirmed. Sophomore Sonny Styles has been starting in Ransom’s place at strong safety. Styles began the season starting at “nickel” safety, but now cornerback Jordan Hancock is covering the slot for the Buckeyes.

Catching up on National Signing Day content?

Ohio State had a memorable National Signing Day. Lettermen Row is still highlighting what came of it with in-depth analysis. Don’t miss it:

• Naming Buckeyes top recruiting assistant coaches in class of 2024
• Ranking top-five NIL valuations in Buckeyes 2024 class
• In-state analysis: Where Ohio State hit big recruiting in the 2024 cycle
• National Signing Day Superlatives: Ohio State class of 2024 offense
• National Signing Day Superlatives: Ohio State class of 2024 defense
• By the Numbers: Measuring trends, outliers in Buckeyes 2024 class
• Which Ohio State 2024 signees will be early enrollees?

Transfer tracker: Breaking down Buckeyes moves, philosophy in transfer portal

Having trouble keeping track of all of Ohio State’s transfer portal departures?

Lettermen Row has you covered.

The Buckeyes have seen 14 of their scholarship players hit the portal — including starting quarterback Kyle McCord, starting wide receiver Julian Fleming and key running back Chip Trayanum — and there could be more on the way soon.

Follow along here to stay up to date.

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• Assessing Buckeyes transfer portal strategy following National Signing Day

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 342 days

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