In a thrilling showdown at the Music City Bowl, the No. 23 Missouri Tigers staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Iowa Hawkeyes 27-24.
The game, held in Nashville, Tennessee, showcased exceptional performances, key turning points, and a nail-biting finish that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how Missouri overcame a 10-point deficit to claim victory.
Missouri’s Resilient Comeback
Trailing 24-14 late in the third quarter, the Tigers mounted a spirited rally, scoring 13 unanswered points in the final stages of the game. Key contributions included:
- Blake Craig’s Heroics: The freshman kicker delivered under immense pressure, nailing a 51-yard field goal to tie the game and a 56-yard game-winner with 4:36 left.
- Brady Cook’s Leadership: Cook threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns, showing poise during crucial moments.
- Joshua Manning’s Impact: Manning scored a pivotal touchdown late in the third quarter to ignite the comeback.
- Marquis Johnson’s Performance: Johnson contributed 122 receiving yards and a touchdown, showcasing his big-play ability.
Game-Changing Moments
The Hawkeyes appeared to control the game with a 14-7 first-quarter lead, highlighted by:
- Terrell Washington Jr.’s Touchdown: A 6-yard catch from Brendan Sullivan.
- Kaden Wetjen’s Kickoff Return: A spectacular 100-yard return down the left sideline.
Missouri’s defense, however, stepped up in the fourth quarter with:
- Johnny Walker’s Dominance: Two critical sacks, including one late in the game.
- Toriano Pride Jr.’s Interception: A clutch turnover that shifted momentum to Missouri.
Team Stats at a Glance
| Team | Key Players | Highlights | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | Blake Craig, Brady Cook, Marquis Johnson | Cook: 287 passing yards; Craig: Game-winning FG | Scored 13 unanswered points |
| Iowa | Terrell Washington Jr., Kamari Moulton | Wetjen: 100-yard kickoff return; Moulton: 96 rushing yards | Failed to convert key possessions late |
Iowa’s Missed Opportunities
The Hawkeyes struggled offensively in the final quarter, going three-and-out on their last two possessions. Despite a strong start, including Kamari Moulton’s 96 rushing yards, Iowa couldn’t sustain momentum.
Coach Kirk Ferentz remains one win shy of tying Woody Hayes for the most overall wins in Big Ten history, as his team suffered its second consecutive bowl loss.
Notable Absences
Both teams faced challenges with key players missing the game:
- Missouri: Star receiver Luther Burden opted out to prepare for the NFL draft, and Theo Wease exited in the second half due to injury.
- Iowa: Leading rusher Kaleb Johnson also opted out, leaving the backfield in the hands of Moulton and Jaziun Patterson.
Looking Ahead
Missouri Tigers
- Next Game: Missouri opens the 2025 season on August 30, hosting Central Arkansas.
- Roster Changes: Quarterback Beau Pribula joins through the transfer portal, providing depth as Coach Eli Drinkwitz prepares for another strong season.
Iowa Hawkeyes
- Next Game: Iowa kicks off its season on August 30 against Albany.
- New Talent: Hank Brown from Auburn is expected to add competition at quarterback under Ferentz’s leadership.
Missouri’s 27-24 victory in the Music City Bowl demonstrated resilience and teamwork, as the Tigers rallied to secure their 10th win of the season.
Despite a strong start, Iowa’s inability to convert in key moments sealed their fate. With both teams looking ahead to the next season, this memorable game serves as a testament to the excitement and unpredictability of college football.
FAQs
How did Missouri win the Music City Bowl?
Missouri overcame a 10-point deficit, scoring 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Key plays included a 51-yard field goal, a 56-yard game-winner, and strong defensive stops.
What were the standout performances in the game?
Blake Craig’s clutch field goals, Brady Cook’s 287 passing yards, and Marquis Johnson’s 122 receiving yards were pivotal for Missouri. For Iowa, Kaden Wetjen’s 100-yard kickoff return was a highlight.
What challenges did both teams face?
Both teams dealt with significant absences. Missouri’s Luther Burden and Theo Wease were unavailable for most of the game, while Iowa missed star rusher Kaleb Johnson.
