The Cotton Bowl presented an unforgettable moment for fans and casual observers alike, especially those following the action through gamecasts. With a staggering total of 16 punts, it turned into a nail-biter. Fortunately for Missouri supporters, their team finally delivered a touchdown to kick off the fourth quarter, ultimately sealing a victory with a final score of 14-3 against Ohio State. This match was not just about the score; it highlighted the tenacity and strategic gameplay of the Missouri team, providing a thrilling spectacle for all involved.

This match recap encapsulated the essence of the game. Missouri managed to outlast a struggling Ohio State team that was operating with its third-string quarterback and without its Heisman finalist. The odds were stacked against the Buckeyes, yet they fought valiantly, showcasing resilience even in challenging circumstances.

Ohio State entered the game with hopes of evaluating backup quarterback Devin Brown’s potential but faced an early setback when he sustained an ankle injury in the first quarter. This forced freshman Lincoln Kienholz into the spotlight, a challenging situation for any first-year player. Additionally, before the kickoff, star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. made the decision to sit out, likely to safeguard his draft prospects despite not having officially declared yet.

The lack of enthusiasm among Buckeye fans was palpable, stemming either from disappointment over missing the College Football Playoff or their team’s depleted roster for a New Year’s Six game. Only a fraction of the allotted 12,000 tickets were sold, which is significant given that Jerry’s World in Arlington can accommodate up to 80,000 spectators, with standing room potentially allowing for 105,000 attendees. This speaks volumes about the current state of fan engagement.

While factors such as Kyle McCord’s transfer to Syracuse through the transfer portal and a disheartening loss to Michigan contributed to this lack of enthusiasm, it raises a critical question: could this trend become the norm for non-playoff programs in the future? Sure, the College Football Playoff contests will attract significant attention and attendance from the schools fortunate enough to qualify, but what about the others?

The financial implications, television ratings, merchandise sales, and other related factors are expected to surge for the nine playoff games. Yet, will this be enough to compensate for the diminishing interest among the 74 universities competing in various lesser-known bowl games? The primary goal of bowl season has always been financial gain, which is why mid-tier and low-tier bowl games compete fiercely for appealing teams, hoping to draw crowds.

Despite the fact that both Tulane and SMU each won 11 games during the regular season and were rewarded with invitations to the Military and Wasabi Fenway bowls, respectively, they unfortunately both fell short against underperforming ACC teams. The critique here is not about the outcomes but rather about the dwindling fanbases willing to travel to less desirable locations for what many perceive as meaningless exhibitions. The challenge remains: can these games still attract viewers and participants despite potential player departures and non-participation?

Those who closely follow college football may have seen the signs regarding Harrison’s situation; first-round draft prospects typically avoid injuries and refrain from returning for senior seasons. This raises an intriguing question: was the ambiguity surrounding his participation purposely designed to entice Buckeye fans to travel to Dallas? While I won’t assert this definitively, many might agree that the assumption has merit.

I’ve been careful not to express complete disdain towards bowl season, recognizing that most players might not be going to the next level and can still relish the experience. While adding my voice to the chorus of critiques might seem like piling on, the reality is hard to ignore: 12 punts in a single half is frustrating to witness. The game featured a total of seven three-and-outs, resembling children playing a game of Patty Cake rather than a competitive football match.

In total, the Tigers and Buckeyes combined for just 533 yards of offense. Missouri achieved the 500-yard mark five times this season alone, while Ohio State managed to do so twice. Yet, the Cotton Bowl was always destined to be unengaging for viewers. While fans in Columbia may have chosen to overlook it, those in Columbus seemed to recognize the inevitability and made the prudent choice to conserve their funds.