It’s bowl season, which means we have a lot of football to watch between Dec. 13 and Jan. 19! Ohio State, Utah, Georgia Southern, Army, Texas A&M — and just about everyone in between — will take part in a total of 47 games that will ultimately conclude with the 2026 CFP National Championship.
NESN has you covered with previews for each and every game — with our next contest featuring two teams who want to finish the season strong:
2025 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Matchup: Missouri Tigers vs. Virginia Cavaliers
Date: Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Stadium: EverBank Stadium — Jacksonville, Fla.
TV: ABC
Game Overview
The Gator Bowl is more historic than you might think.
Ohio State’s Woody Hayes coached the final game of his legendary career in this contest, as he was fired the day after his team’s appearance for striking Clemson defensive lineman Charlie Bauman back in 1978. Florida State’s Bobby Bowden also coached his last game in the contest, though it went much better as he was carried off the field following his club’s win over West Virginia in 2010.
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Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz and Virginia’s Tony Elliott might want to watch out…
Team Overviews
Missouri Tigers
Conference: SEC
Head Coach: Eli Drinkwitz
Record: 8–4
Missouri will be without several key pieces in this one, as quarterback Beau Pribula — as well as wide receivers Josh Manning and Marquis Johnson — opted out of the game.
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The Tigers were hurt by playing such a difficult schedule, which included losses to then No. 8 Alabama, No. 10 Vanderbilt, No. 3 Texas A&M and No. 8 Oklahoma.
It’ll be nice to face a team who doesn’t have one foot already in the college football playoff.
Virginia Cavaliers
Conference: ACC
Head Coach: Tony Elliott
Record: 10-3
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Virginia did almost sneak their way into the college football playoff, but ultimately fell short with their loss to Duke in the 2025 ACC Championship Game.
Tony Elliott’s squad appears ready to get revenge, as the majority of contributors are expected to play in this one.
Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris is leading the charge, alongside conference rushing leader J’Mari Taylor (1,062 rushing yards) and dynamic receiving duo Trell Harris (59 receptions, 847 yards) and Cameron Ross (48 receptions, 518 yards).
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Players to Watch
Missouri
QB Matt Zollers
RB Ahmad Hardy
RB Jamal Roberts
WR Kevin Coleman Jr.
DL Damon Wilson II
DL Zion Young
DB Toriano Pride Jr.
Virginia
QB Chandler Morris
RB J’Mari Taylor
WR Trell Harris
WR Cameron Ross
DL Daniel Rickert
LB Kam Robinson
DB Ja’son Prevard
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Key Notes
Missouri has won two consecutive bowl games (2024 Music City Bowl and 2023 Cotton Bowl), while Virginia is looking for its first postseason victory since 2018.
Betting Lines
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DraftKings Sportsbook: Missouri -4 | O/U 44.5
FanDuel Sportsbook: Missouri -4.5 | O/U 45.5
BetMGM Sportsbook: Missouri -4.5 | O/U 44.5
The Pick: Under 44.5
Featured image via Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images
