Former conference opponents Missouri and Oklahoma State meet for an afternoon contest in Memphis, Tennessee on Monday, December 31.
The 2018 Liberty Bowl is the 53rd meeting between the schools, who regularly played one another in the Big Eight/Big 12 before Missouri transitioned to become a member of the Southeastern Conference in 2012.
The game will likely be a high-scoring affair as both teams are ranked in the top 20 nationally in total scoring and scoring offense. The Missouri Tigers (8-4) average 36.9 points and 468.8 yards per game while the Cowboys (6-6) posted 38.4 points on average and 500 yards per game.
Missouri quarterback Drew Lock is expected to see success against Oklahoma State's pass defense, which is ranked 109th in the nation. Lock passed for 3,125 yards and 25 touchdowns in the 2018 regular season with wide receiver Emanuel Hall a favored target. Hall has 756 yards and six touchdowns, after being limited this season with a lingering injury.
In the same vein, Oklahoma State quarterback Taylor Cornelius will look to hit frequent target Tylan Wallace during the game. Wallace is third in receiving yards in the nation with 1,408 yards and 11 touchdowns. Cornelius threw for 3,642 yards and 28 touchdowns.
While both teams favor a passing attack, both clubs feature a healthy run game. For Missouri, running backs Larry Rountree III, Damarea Crockett, and Tyler Badie will swap carries. Rountree leads the way with 1,012 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Oklahoma State's star running back, Justice Hill, will skip Monday's game to prepare for the draft, placing freshman Chuba Hubbard in the spotlight.
2018 Liberty Bowl
Location: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium — Memphis, Tennessee.
Date: Monday, December 31
Time: 3:45 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN | Live stream: WATCHESPN, fubotv (free trial available)
Satellite Radio: ESPN Radio, Mizzou Feed: ESPNU Radio, OSU Feed: Sirius 99, XM 199, Internet 953
Odds: Missouri -9; Over/Under: 73
Prediction:
Rob McVey (Athlon Sports): Missouri 38, Oklahoma State 31
"An Oklahoma State upset is a real possibility here. The Cowboys have been up for the challenge in most of their bigger matchups this season. And they have an offense capable of keeping pace with any on the scoreboard. The problem is that OSU doesn't have the defense to match. That presents a problem against a Missouri offense that is equally capable of piling up the points. The Tigers have their issues defensively as well, but they are at least somewhat competent on that side of the football. That should provide a surging Missouri team with the edge it needs to stay out in front of the largely one-dimensional Cowboys. Regardless of which team comes out on top, the 2018 Liberty Bowl should provide plenty of fireworks and entertainment value."
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