Missouri Tigers wide receiver Mookie Cooper (5)
The Missouri Tigers are dealing with a significant loss to their offense, as wide receiver Mookie Cooper will miss the remainder of the 2023 season following a season-ending surgery. The graduate wide receiver, who transferred from Ohio State in 2021, has been sidelined since injuring himself during the Tigers’ 21-17 victory over Auburn on October 19.
Cooper’s last play for Missouri will be remembered for its impact on the team’s victory over Auburn, as his 78-yard reception sparked a crucial momentum shift. Coach Eli Drinkwitz highlighted the play as the moment that propelled Mizzou to victory, saying, “His last real play of the year is going to be remembered as the one that sparked us to beat Auburn.”
In his two and a half seasons with the Tigers, Cooper recorded 91 receptions for over 1,174 yards. Despite missing Missouri’s past four games, he still ranks third on the team in both receptions and receiving yards for the 2023 season. His 12 catches were a key part of an offense that relied on his consistency and leadership.
“Mookie has been nothing short of unbelievable,” said quarterback Brady Cook, praising Cooper’s dedication and leadership. “He’s the same guy every single day, and he’s a leader.”
Coach Drinkwitz expressed his admiration for Cooper’s work ethic and unselfishness, acknowledging how much the team will miss his presence on the field. “I’ve got a ton of respect for Mookie. The way he goes about his business, his commitment to our team and unselfishness, we’re certainly going to miss him,” Drinkwitz added.
As Missouri moves forward without Cooper, they will have to lean on other players to step up in the passing game. Despite the loss, the Tigers remain focused on their upcoming Rivalry Week showdown against Arkansas.
Missouri Prepares for Snow Game in Rivalry Week
In addition to the blow to their roster, the Tigers are also bracing for the possibility of snowy conditions in Columbia this Saturday. The forecast predicts a potential two to four inches of snow, which would be the first snowfall of the season for mid-Missouri. The snow is expected to fall between 9 a.m. and noon on game day, with temperatures reaching a high of 33 degrees and dipping into the low 20s.
While some Tigers players, like quarterback Brady Cook, are excited by the chance to play in the snow, others, like defensive end Johnny Walker Jr., have mixed feelings. “Two years ago, we thought it was going to snow when we played New Mexico State,” Walker said. “Gladly, it didn’t, but if it snows this game, there’s a first time for everything, man.”
The forecasted conditions will make for an interesting atmosphere as Missouri hosts Arkansas for their rivalry game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. CST, and despite the snow, the Tigers are determined to continue their strong play as they look to finish the season on a high note.
