The Missouri Tigers (7-1, 3-1 SEC) are gearing up for the final stretch of the regular season with high hopes and meaningful opportunities ahead. With a No. 12 ranking in the College Football Playoff and No. 14 in the AP Top 25 poll, Mizzou finds itself in a prime position to secure a prestigious bowl game appearance.

The potential for a New Year's Day bowl game in Florida is within reach for the Tigers. Columbia Daily Tribune's Chris Kwiecinski noted that Mizzou's No. 12 ranking in the College Football Playoff standings firmly places them in consideration for a New Year's Six Bowl for the 2023 season.

The Tigers, one of the few teams in the country to control their own destiny, are not ruling out the possibility of making the College Football Playoff. Analyst Matt Hinton listed Mizzou as one of the six teams that definitely control their Playoff fate, regardless of other outcomes. While it is a long shot, the Tigers remain optimistic and focused on winning their remaining games.

To kick off their quest for an impressive bowl game appearance, Mizzou faces a challenging matchup against the No. 2-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in Athens this Saturday. It's a crucial game for the Tigers, as a victory would undoubtedly enhance their chances of reaching their postseason goals.

As the Tigers prepare for their biggest game in nearly a decade, national bowl projections have surfaced for Mizzou as they enter Week 10. CBS Sports' Jerry Palm predicts a matchup in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl against Maryland in Nashville on December 30, while ESPN's Kyle Bonagura projects a clash in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl against West Virginia in Memphis on December 29.

Other notable projections include ESPN's Mark Schlabach, who forecasts a TaxAct Texas Bowl showdown against Oklahoma State in Houston on December 27. Action Network's Brett McMurphy sees the Tigers in the Duke's Mayo Bowl against Virginia Tech in Charlotte on December 27. The Athletic envisions a TransPerfect Music City Bowl matchup against Wisconsin, while 247Sports sees a Duke's Mayo Bowl battle with NC State, both taking place on December 30 in Nashville. Athlon Sports agrees with the Music City Bowl projection against Maryland.

The College Football News projects a TransPerfect Music City Bowl matchup against Nebraska on December 30, while College Football Network predicts a ReliaQuest Bowl clash against Iowa in Tampa on January 1. Sporting News speculates a Cheez-It Citrus Bowl showdown against Minnesota in Orlando on January 1. Saturday Down South sees a ReliaQuest Bowl matchup against Louisville, and USA Today predicts a Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup against Wisconsin, both on January 1.

Although some of these projections may seem underwhelming for a team with a strong record and a high ranking, it is crucial to remember that much football remains to be played. Mizzou has ample opportunities ahead to determine their own fate and secure a more prestigious bowl game.

As the Tigers embark on their journey towards the end of the regular season, they remain focused and determined to make their mark in the College Football Playoff rankings and secure a spot in a coveted New Year's Six Bowl.