How they got here: Missouri
Losses to Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama in consecutive weeks killed any chances of contending for the SEC. A controversial loss to Kentucky could have signaled the train coming off the rails but it didn’t. The Tigers righted the ship with an upset of Florida to kickstart a four game winning streak to close out the season leading up to the Liberty Bowl. 8-4 after a tough early slate is very respectable.
How they got here: Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State was weird this year. The Cowboys played their best football in their toughest games and some of the worst football in their games that might not have seemed as tough. They beat Texas and West Virginia and were a two-point conversion away from beating Oklahoma. Even a win over Oklahoma would still have had them at 7-5. If you told Oklahoma State they were going to beat Texas, Oklahoma and West Virginia, they would have been stamping their ticket to the playoff.
Player to Watch: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
This will be the last time Drew Lock plays college football. Missouri is at their best when he’s in rhythm with the offense. He’s the best offensive player on the field and we should see plenty of offense in this contest.
Gamblers’ Corner
Missouri is currently favored by eight points. The over/under is a healthy 74.5. 74.5 Feels low to me. Two offenses who love to put up points will continue to do so. Bet the over.
Prediction
Oklahoma State has played their best football against their best competition. Missouri was one of the hottest teams in the country to finish out the season. I think Oklahoma State pulls the upset in this year’s Liberty Bowl, 48-38.