Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz offered his thoughts on the Tigers’ upcoming matchup against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl during ESPN’s bowl selection show Sunday, but the coach’s most compelling comment actually was a jab at the Buckeyes’ archrival, Michigan.
The Wolverines program has been investigated by the NCAA and Big Ten this season in regard to a sign-stealing scandal. The staffer at the forefront of the investigation was recruiting analyst Connor Stalions, who is accused of attending opponents’ games in order to film their coaches’ signals. He has since been fired by Michigan.
At the conclusion of Drinkwitz’s interview with ESPN’s Rece Davis, the Mizzou coach inexplicably sideswiped the Wolverines.
“Hey guys, I’ve got a quick phone call. Connor Stalions is beeping in right here,” Drinkwitz said with a laugh. “I’m trying to get a few signals here, so I’ve got to go. But as soon as we get done, I look forward to competing against [Buckeyes coach] Ryan Day.”
Davis couldn’t contain his laughter as Drinkwitz joked.
"Hey guys, I got a quick phone call, Connor Stalions beeping in right here."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 3, 2023
–Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz on the upcoming bowl matchup with Ohio State pic.twitter.com/INsuEbaM3y
Despite Michigan’s off-the-field issues this season, the Wolverines finished No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings and earned a matchup against No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl.
The Cotton Bowl between No. 9 Missouri (10–2) and No. 7 Ohio State (11–1) is scheduled for on Dec. 29 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
