As Missouri gears up for its Gator Bowl showdown against Virginia on December 27, head coach Eli Drinkwitz confirmed Tuesday that the Tigers will be without two key starters - and these aren’t just any absences. Linebacker Josiah Trotter and tight end Brett Norfleet are both officially out due to injuries, and their absence will be felt on both sides of the ball.
“Obviously, those are two significant injuries for us,” Drinkwitz told reporters during the team’s pre-bowl press conference.
Let’s start with Trotter, who’s been a rock in the middle of Missouri’s defense all season. The sophomore linebacker sustained a knee injury during the regular-season finale against Arkansas - a game Mizzou won to cap off an 8-4 campaign.
Trotter underwent surgery and won’t suit up in Jacksonville. That’s a major blow for a defense that has leaned heavily on his instincts and tackling ability.
Trotter racked up 84 total tackles this season, 43 of them solo, and added two sacks to his stat line. He was the kind of linebacker who always seemed to be around the ball - whether plugging gaps in the run game or chasing down plays from sideline to sideline.
His presence in the middle of the field brought stability and energy to a defense that made real strides this year. With his future up in the air - he’s eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft - this could be the last time we’ve seen him in a Mizzou uniform.
On the offensive side, Norfleet’s absence is equally significant. The junior tight end had shoulder surgery after an injury he suffered in early November, and like Trotter, he’ll be watching from the sidelines when the Tigers take the field against a 10-3 Virginia squad.
Norfleet was more than just a safety valve in the passing game - he was a consistent contributor who helped move the chains and finish drives. He finished the season with 31 receptions for 254 yards and five touchdowns, providing a reliable target in the red zone and helping stretch defenses with his ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
So now, Missouri heads into its bowl matchup without two of its most dependable playmakers. That’s a tough pill to swallow, especially against a Virginia team that’s had a strong season and will be looking to cap it off with a statement win.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC, and while the Tigers still have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, there’s no question that replacing Trotter’s leadership on defense and Norfleet’s production on offense won’t be easy. The next man up will need to step up - and fast - if Mizzou wants to close out the year with a win.