5 months ago
The Missouri Tigers were looking for their 3rd consecutive vessel triumph successful 3 consecutive seasons successful nan TaxSlayer Gator Bowl connected Saturday nighttime against No. 19 Virginia. Unfortunately, that wasn’t meant to beryllium arsenic Mizzou fell to UVA by nan last people of 13-7 successful a debased scoring matter — ending an different underwhelming play pinch an 8-5 record.
As per accustomed this season, nan defense was consistently impressive, but a lackluster discourtesy couldn’t get Missouri complete nan hump against a classed opponent.
For nan last clip this year, let’s get to our latest MV3 from a season-ending 13-7 loss.
Returning to his home-state successful nan Gator Bowl, nan Florida autochthonal put connected a show defensively. With nan wounded to Josiah Trotter, personification astatine nan linebacker position needed to measurement up and Nicholas Rodriguez did precisely that. He led nan squad pinch 15 full tackles (five solo) including a walk deflection. He made nan plays erstwhile it mattered nan astir to astatine slightest support Mizzou wrong striking distance. In his postgame property conference, Eli Drinkwitz announced that Rodriguez will beryllium returning adjacent play — which is simply a immense positive for nan protect core.
2. Ahmad Hardy
On 15 carries, Ahmad Hardy had 89 rushing yards — which marked nan single-season rushing gait grounds successful Mizzou Football history.
But you judge would person liked to spot him get nan shot connected 4th and 2 precocious successful nan game, huh? Frustrating play calling is an understatement. Regardless, Drinkwitz besides announced that Hardy is officially returning for adjacent season.
3. Chris McLellan
![Virginia Cavaliers backmost Chandler Morris (4) is sacked by Missouri Tigers protect lineman Chris McClellan (7) during nan 3rd 4th of nan TaxSlayer Gator Bowl astatine EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, successful Jacksonville. Fla. Virginia defeated nan Missouri 13-7. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://platform.rockmnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/135/2025/12/imagn-27892699.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
The transportation from nan Florida Gators ended his assemblage profession connected a precocious statement successful nan authorities of Florida. McClellan had six full tackles (two solo) and a sack Virginia backmost Chandler Morris — which was nan only sack of nan nighttime from nan defense. His capacity surely gave Mizzou a chance to triumph this one.
Honorable mentions: Brett Brown and Chip Lindsey (kidding here, but this discourtesy desperately needs a different approach).
Who is your MV3 from Mizzou’s past crippled of nan 2025 season? Let america cognize successful nan comments!
