The scoreboard at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville didn’t look right to anyone wearing black and gold on that Saturday in late December. Missouri fans expected a shootout, or at least a flurry of offensive fireworks to cap off an eight-win season. Instead, they got a defensive slugfest that felt more like a throwback to 1950s football than a modern-day bowl game.
The final score of Missouri football game against Virginia was a lean 13-7 in favor of the Cavaliers. Honestly, if you blinked, you probably missed half the scoring. It wasn't just a loss; it was a frustrating, grind-it-out affair where the Tigers' offense seemed to be running through waist-deep mud for four quarters. Matt Zollers threw for 101 yards, but that number feels lower when you realize how many drives just sort of sputtered out near midfield.
The Numbers That Mattered in Jacksonville
Mizzou’s season was a rollercoaster. They started hot, beating Kansas 42-31 and surviving a double-overtime thriller against Auburn. By the time the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl rolled around, there was a real sense that Eliah Drinkwitz’s squad could finish inside the top 25 and carry massive momentum into the 2026 season.
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The box score tells a weird story. Ahmad Hardy ran hard, picking up 89 yards on the ground, but the Tigers just couldn’t find the end zone when it mattered. One touchdown. That's all they managed. Virginia didn't exactly light up the world either—they only scored 13 points—but in a game where every inch was contested, those two field goals and a single touchdown were enough to bury Mizzou.
What Really Happened with the Offense?
People keep asking what went wrong. Basically, the Tigers' offensive rhythm disappeared. The passing game, which had been so explosive at times during the regular season, was held in check by a Virginia secondary that played way over its head.
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- Passing Struggles: Zollers completed enough passes to move the sticks occasionally, but the big-play threat was non-existent.
- Red Zone Woes: When Missouri did get close, they couldn't finish.
- Third Down Efficiency: It was abysmal. You can't win bowl games when you're 3-for-14 on money downs.
The defense actually played well enough to win. Holding any Power Four opponent to 13 points usually results in a victory. But the score of Missouri football game reflected a total disconnect on the other side of the ball. It’s the kind of game that keeps coaches up at night, wondering if a different play call on 3rd and short in the second quarter would have changed the entire trajectory of the winter.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
The sting of the Gator Bowl loss is still there, but the 2026 schedule is already out, and it’s a gauntlet. The Tigers open against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on September 5th, but the real test comes a week later when they travel to Lawrence to face Kansas. That's going to be a massive game. Last year’s 42-31 win over the Jayhawks was a season highlight, and doing it again on the road would go a long way in making people forget the Jacksonville debacle.
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The SEC portion of the schedule is equally brutal. They’ve got Texas coming to Columbia on November 7th. Think about that for a second. The Longhorns at Faurot Field. That’s the kind of environment Missouri fans live for. They also have a trip to Athens to face Georgia on November 14th, which is basically the ultimate litmus test in college football.
Actionable Steps for Mizzou Fans
If you’re looking to keep up with the team as they transition from the 2025 heartbreaker into the 2026 campaign, there are a few things you should do right now:
- Check the 2026 Recruiting Class: Chip Lindsey and the staff have been busy. Look for updates on Jake Breske’s progress with player personnel, as the Tigers are trying to add depth to a defensive line that will be tested by Texas and Oklahoma.
- Monitor the Transfer Portal: With the season over, the portal is wide open. Missouri needs another explosive target on the outside to help Zollers take that next step.
- Secure Season Tickets: The 2026 home slate is one of the best in years. Between the Texas game and the regular-season finale against Oklahoma on November 28th, Memorial Stadium is going to be rocking.
The score of Missouri football game in the Gator Bowl was a disappointment, no doubt about it. 13-7 is a tough pill to swallow. But in the world of SEC football, the only way to move past a bad loss is to look toward the next Saturday. With a schedule featuring the likes of Georgia, Texas, and Oklahoma, the 2026 season offers plenty of chances for redemption.
Keep an eye on the spring game in April. That will be the first real look at how this team has evolved since that cold night in Florida. If the offense can rediscover its spark, 13-7 will just be a footnote in what looks to be a very promising era of Mizzou football.