In a remarkable display of tenacity and skill, the No. 9 ranked Missouri football team emerged victorious with a 14-3 win over the No. 7 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. The victory served as a statement that Missouri is a force to be reckoned with in college football, solidifying their status as an SEC Championship contender and a potential College Football Playoff contender in the future.

The win holds significant weight, as Missouri managed to overcome the odds against a formidable Ohio State team that was missing star player Marvin Harrison Jr. Furthermore, Ohio State had to rely on their second-string and third-string quarterbacks throughout the match. If the outcome had been reversed, Missouri critics argue that the Buckeyes would have been praised for defeating a top-10 team under such circumstances.

Despite a sluggish start, Missouri's quarterback, Brady Cook, showcased his resilience and turned the game around in the second half. A pivotal moment came when Cook completed a 50-yard pass to Speedy Johnson, which shifted the momentum in Missouri's favor. This sparked two consecutive 90-yard drives that not only put Missouri in the lead but also sealed their triumph.

While Cook was awarded Offensive MVP for his impressive performance, many supporters of Missouri felt that Cody Schrader deserved the accolade. Schrader, who had an outstanding game, was the sole offensive player who consistently made strides before Johnson's game-changing reception in the late third quarter. Schrader's 29 carries resulted in an impressive 128 yards gained and a touchdown. With these stats, Schrader solidified his place in Missouri's history by setting a new single-season rushing record of 1,627 yards and 14 touchdowns.

The triumph over Ohio State was a testament to the dedication and determination of every player on the Missouri football team. With a shared motto of "STP" (something to prove), this team has proven themselves as a competitor on the national stage. As the season concludes, it raises the question of what their motivational mantra will be for the upcoming year. Missouri has evolved from being just another SEC team; they have transformed into a formidable contender for conference championships and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff, especially with the expansion of the playoffs.

The victory against Ohio State serves as a springboard for Missouri football's aspirations in the future. The players and coaching staff have set a high standard for success, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next season and the challenges that lie ahead. Missouri's rise to prominence in the college football landscape is a testament to their hard work, determination, and unwavering belief in their abilities.