Missouri heads into Saturday night’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl matchup against Virginia riding the momentum of back-to-back bowl wins - but they might be missing a key piece of their offensive puzzle when they take the field.
Wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr., the Tigers’ top target this season, is officially a game-time decision due to an illness he’s been battling in the lead-up to the game. The senior from St. Louis is expected to suit up, but his status won’t be finalized until closer to kickoff.
And make no mistake - Coleman’s potential absence would be a major blow. He’s been the engine of Mizzou’s passing game this year, leading the team with 63 receptions for 715 yards.
To put that into perspective, no other Tiger has more than 31 catches or 352 receiving yards. He’s been the go-to guy, the one who moves the chains and keeps drives alive.
Complicating matters, the Tigers are already down several key weapons. Tight end Brett Norfleet, who ranks second on the team in receptions, is out due to injury.
Joshua Manning and Marquis Johnson - both regulars in the receiver rotation - won’t suit up either. That leaves Donovan Olugbode, who’s second in receiving yards, as the likely focal point of the passing attack.
Expect the Tigers to lean heavily on him if Coleman can’t go.
This is not the kind of depth chart shuffle you want heading into a bowl game, especially one with a chance to cap off a third straight postseason win. Missouri took down Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl last season and topped Iowa in the Music City Bowl the year before. A win over Virginia would solidify this run as one of the more impressive bowl stretches in recent program history.
Adding another layer of intrigue: the Tigers will be rolling with freshman quarterback Matt Zollers under center. With starter Beau Pribula entering the transfer portal, Zollers gets the nod for his third career start. That’s a big stage for a young QB - and the receiving corps around him is suddenly paper-thin.
So, all eyes will be on pregame warmups. If Coleman is able to go, it gives Zollers a proven target to lean on. If not, the Tigers will have to get creative - and fast - to keep their offense on schedule against a Virginia team that won’t be interested in playing spoiler.