Missouri Ducks Kansas to Lose to 7-Win ACC Team
In an unexpected upset, Missouri lost its bowl game against Wake Forest despite entering with higher expectations due to its 8-4 regular season record and second place finish in its division.
Dec. 24, 2022 4:32AM
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A photo of Sam Hartman throwing a touchdown pass against Missouri during Wake Forest's 27-17 victory in the Gasparilla Bowl
In a stunning upset, the Missouri Tigers ducked their traditional rival, the Kansas Jayhawks, to lose to Wake Forest in the Gasparilla Bowl. The Demon Deacons entered the game with a 7-5 record and were able to capitalize on several costly mistakes by Mizzou’s offense. The Tigers had been riding high after an impressive regular season that saw them win 8 of their 12 games and finish second in the SEC East division. But all of that momentum was squandered when they fell 27-17 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay. The loss was especially heartbreaking for Missouri fans who had expected their team to take down a weak opponent from the ACC conference. Instead, Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman threw for 280 yards and three touchdowns while Mizzou QB Connor Bazelak struggled throughout the game, throwing two interceptions and only managing one touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter. The Demon Deacons also outgained Mizzou on the ground as Kenneth Walker III rushed for 94 yards and two touchdowns while Cade Carney added another 58 yards on 13 carries. The Tigers were held to just 78 rushing yards total as Larry Rountree III managed only 42 yards on 15 attempts. Despite their disappointment over losing this bowl game, Missouri players honored Mississippi State coach Mike Leach by wearing stickers on their helmets during the game in his memory after he passed away earlier this month at age 61.