Mizzou players had a big time when they opened Christmas gifts as they prepare to face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

Luther Burden III was impressed with Oakley sunglasses, while Brady Cook and Cody Schrader appreciated white letterman Missouri jackets.

Missouri will play without 2 defensive starters in Friday night’s game. Both linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw are out with injuries.

Hopper is second on the Tigers with 55 tackles, including 6 for loss, 6 quarterback hurries and 3 pass breakups. Rakestraw made 35 tackles and 3 pass breakups.

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz has said his team will have no NFL Draft-related opt-outs.

After Ohio State arrived at the bowl site, Ohio State coach Ryan Day said of Missouri: “Their record speaks for itself in terms of losing 2 games. They’ve played well, complementary football.” He added that Missouri’s offense “puts you in a lot of stress” and its defense makes you work the ball down the field.