"Missouri Eyes Playoff Bid After Triumph Over Ohio State in Cotton Bowl Showdown"

Missouri's football team celebrated their Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State as if it were a championship, highlighting the significance of New Year's Six games to teams outside the College Football Playoff (CFP). With an 11-win season and no notable opt-outs, Missouri treated the win as a breakthrough, while Ohio State, with higher expectations and key players absent, exemplified the growing issue of player participation in non-CFP games. The upcoming 12-team CFP could provide teams like Missouri a chance to compete for a national title, and with a strong returning team and top recruits, Missouri is eyeing a CFP bid in the future.