We’ve gone through signing day, a Christmas break and most of portal season, but it’s time to get back to getting ready for the final football game of the season.

The Missouri Tigers (9-3) take on the Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4) in the Music City Bowl at 1:30 p.m. Monday (ESPN).

The Tigers enter on a two-game winning streak and looking for their second-consecutive 10-win season as they face Iowa in a rematch of the 2020 Music City Bowl that never came to be.

Iowa enters on a two-game winning streak and is playing in its 11th bowl game (and 12th bid) in the past 12 years. Iowa is 4-6 in the 10 bowl games it has played since 2014.

Missouri opened as a four-point favorite according to Circa sports but is now a 2.5-point favorite.

Here’s a glance at Iowa and what Missouri will face in the Music City Bowl.

When: 1:30 p.m., CT, Monday

Where: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tenn.

TV: ESPN

Radio: Tiger Radio Network

The Tigers and Hawkeyes have faced off 13 times, but only once in the past 100 years.

The teams faced off every year from 1892-1896, then again in 1902 and 1903 before a series from 1906-1910.

After that, it took 100 years to match up on the gridiron again with the teams facing off in the Insight Bowl in Tempe, Arizona, in 2010.

Missouri holds a 7-6 lead in the all-time series, but Iowa won 27-24 in 2010.

Scoring offense: 28.0 (No. 69)

Scoring defense: 17.1 (No. 9)

Rushing offense: 199.8 (No. 20)

Rushing defense: 117.5 (No. 27)

Passing offense: 131.7 (No. 130)

Passing defense: 196.1 (No. 36)

Brendan Sullivan, QB

With regular starter Cade McNamara still in the transfer portal, the Hawkeyes are set to turn to junior Brendan Sullivan (6-foot-4, 220 pounds), who is returning from an ankle injury that forced sophomore Jackson Stratton (6-4, 193) into the final two games of the regular season after McNamara missed the final four games with a concussion.

Sullivan played in nine games this season, starting two and completing 24-of-35 passes for 344 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

In the three games he attempted more than five passes, Sullivan completed 22-of-33 passes for 330 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions, while rushing for 108 yards and two touchdowns on 26 attempts.

His best performance yards wise came against UCLA, the game he injured his ankle, when he completed 6-of-9 passes for 157 yards, but threw both of his interceptions.

While leading the Hawkeyes to a win against Northwestern, he completed 9-of-14 passes for 80 yards, while rushing for 40 yards and a score on eight tries. Then in a win against Wisconsin, he completed 7-of-10 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 58 yards and a touchdown on nine attempts.

Kamari Moulton, Jaziun Patterson, RBs

With starting running back Kaleb Johnson missing the bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft, the Hawkeyes will turn to redshirt freshman Kamari Moulton (5-11, 206) and sophomore Jaziun Patterson (5-10, 195) to power the rushing attack that led the Hawkeyes to most of their wins this year.

Johnson took the vast majority of the carries and created the vast majority of the production this season, running for 1,537 of the team’s 2,398 rushing yards this season on 240 of the teams 463 attempts.

Moulton was next on the team with 70 attempts for 377 yards and two touchdowns, while Patterson had 54 carries for 235 yards and two touchdowns.

Moulton produced a 114-yard performance on 12 carries against Maryland, breaking a 68-yard touchdown run in the process. He also had 74 yards on nine attempts against Wisconsin and had 65 yards on 19 attempts against Illinois State.

Otherwise, he did not reach 50 yards in any of his other eight games and rushed for -4 yards on three attempts against Nebraska his last time out.

Patterson had 72 yards and a touchdown on eight attempts against Troy and 66 yards on 18 tries against Minnesota. He also rushed for 56 yards and a score on 10 tries against Wisconsin.

Otherwise, his game-high was 11 yards in his other six games, including one rush for no yards against Nebraska last time out.

Jacob Gill, WR

Gill, a 6-0, 185-pound junior, was the team’s leading receiver at 382 yards and 32 catches to go with two touchdowns.

His best performance, by far, was six catches for 138 yards against UCLA, otherwise he didn’t reach 50 yards in a game.

His other touchdown came against Illinois State when he had three catches for 46 yards. He also added four catches for 47 yards against Iowa State and five catches for 44 yards against Troy. Then his high for a game drops to 29 against Maryland.

DEFENSE

Jay Higgins, LB

Fifth-year linebacker Jay Higgins (6-2, 232) was the most productive member of the Hawkeye defense with 118 tackles, including 2.5 for loss and one sack. He also batted five passes, intercepted four more and forced two fumbles.

His interceptions came against Iowa State, Minnesota, Northwestern and Maryland. His sack came against Ohio State.

He had a run of three consecutive games, Ohio State, Washington and Michigan State, where he recorded 14 tackles in each performance, while adding 11 against Iowa State and 10 against Wisconsin.

Ethan Hurkett, DL

The 6-3, 260-pound defensive lineman led Iowa with 6.5 sacks to go with 11.5 tackles for loss.

He recorded 55 total tackles and had three tackles for loss and two sacks against both Maryland and Nebraska to end the season.

He also forced three fumbles, one against Nebraska and two against Troy.

Nick Jackson, LB

With defensive back Jermari Harris not playing as he prepares for the draft, graduate linebacker Nick Jackson (6-0, 235) leads the Hawkeye defense with seven passes batted.

He also recorded 83 tackles, including five for loss and 2.5 sacks. He intercepted one pass against Wisconsin and produced 12 tackles against UCLA and 11 each against Washington and Michigan State.

Nate Noel and Marcus Carrol vs. Iowa’s run defense

When taking Johnson leaving into consideration, the Hawkeye run defense is its best unit on the field.

The Tigers should be able to throw a bit with a more healthy Brady Cook for the first time in a handful of games, but Missouri has based its offense off the run during the final few games of the regular season and it worked very well.

To do that again, it will be strength on strength with the Iowa defense.

Mizzou’s run defense vs. Iowa’s offensive line

I don’t know how much to expect from the pair of Iowa running backs we’re likely to see, but the offensive line is still stacked and third-string running backs can look great if the offensive line gets them 4 yards before contact.

The Tiger defense that has struggled against the run this season is going to need to force Iowa to throw.

If it can, the Tigers will be in about the best position they can be.

As we head into the holidays, there are tons of tournaments in the state with many teams in the Top 25 taking part in them. The Visitation Academy Tournament started before Christmas and will pick up after the holiday. Meanwhile, the 16-team Pink & White Classic in Springfield will feature plenty of top teams in the state.

The second Top 25 Missouri Girls High School Rankings saw a lot of shakeup as the initial poll debuted after the first week of the season. Now, almost a month into games we have a clearer picture and teams are starting to pull away from one another.

Incarnate Word keeps on doing what they do and the St. Louis powerhouse are nearing 140 wins in a row. There are five new teams in the poll this week

Previous ranking: 1

After a nine-day layoff, the Red Knights are still winning. In the 86-37 win over Nerinx Hall on Dec. 21, four players scored in double figures, led by Nevaeh Lucious scoring 18.

Previous ranking: 5

Jordan Spiesier (26 points) and Kennedy Stowers (14) paced the Cougars in a close 60-58 win over Hickman on Dec. 17. The only loss has been to Incarnate Word.

Previous rankings: 20

The Lady Panthers are idle until Jan. 4, when they play Blue Valley (Kansas) in the 810 Varsity Showcase. In a win against state-ranked St. Joseph Benton, Addison Bjorn had 26 in the 78-66 win. 

Previous ranking: 3

The Lady Bruins rolled in their Central Missouri Activities Conference opener against Sedalia Smith-Cotton, winning 77-23. Rock Bridge led 37-9 after the first quarter in the Dec. 16 game. Rock Bridge plays in the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational Dec. 27-30. 

Previous ranking: 16

The Lady Lions opened the Visitation Christmas Tournament with a win over Cape Girardeau Notre Dame on Dec. 21. When the tournament resumes on Dec. 26, the St. Louis school will play Hickman. Nyla Scales had 16 points in the win against Notre Dame. 

Previous ranking: 10

The Trojans won the 37th Annual Troy Buchanan Pepsi-Cola Invitational in early December and are back in the Visitation Academy Tournament this week. The tournament started on Dec. 21 with a 63-42 win over Father Tolton Regional Catholic. 

Previous ranking: 21

For the second straight year, the Lady Vikings are off to a torrid start. After starting last year 11-0, Francis Howell is at 7-0 heading into a game on Dec. 27 against Farmington. Six players average at least 6 ppg so far. 

Previous ranking: 8

The Lady Falcons won the Liberty North Tournament and won six in a row before losing to Farmington, Ark., on Dec. 21.

Previous ranking: NR

The Longhorns are off to their best start since 2007-08. Parkway West beat Highland in the first round of the Visitation Academy Tournament on Dec. 21 behind 25 points from Jordan Bircher. A big test looms in the semifinals against Lift For Life. 

Previous ranking: 7

The Chargers opened the year with 7 wins in a row before losing to Edwardsville, Ill., on Dec. 21 in the Visitation Academy Tournament. Lauren Ortwerth is averaging 18.1 points per game.

Previous ranking: 9

The Jaguars showed balance in a 68-31 win against Clayton on Dec. 20 with four players scoring in double figures. Heidi Pickett had a season-high 25 in the win. 

Previous ranking: 4

The Lady Hawks are 5-0 vs. Missouri teams. In the last game before the break, Lift for Life won 100-20 against Visitation in the Visitation Tournament on Dec. 21. Zha Harris scored 22, one of three with 20 points.

Previous ranking: 2

The Lady Chiefs have gone 2-1 in two tournaments and will play its third when they compete in the Pink & White Classic on Dec. 27 in Springfield.

Previous ranking: 11

The Rebels host the 69th Annual Bob Sechrest, Jr. Central Christmas Tournament and is the No. 1 seed in the field. Central has won 5 in a row since losing the opener to St. Vincent.

Previous ranking: 15

A winning streak to start the season ended with a loss to Link Academy on Dec. 20 in Springfield. Dasia Scott (18.3 ppg) and Loganne Love (12.6) are pacing the offense.

Previous ranking: NR

The first part of the season is over for the Titans and they are perfect so far but will get test playing Staley on Jan. 2. After a slow start, Dareion Hunt has posted back-to-back double-digit scoring games.

Previous ranking: 6

The Class 5 state champions lost to Civic Memorial (Ill.) on Dec. 7 but bounced back with a win against Parkway South. The Bombers will be in the Midwest Invitational from Dec. 28-30.

Previous ranking: NR

The Lady Hornets open the Pink & White Classic on Dec. 27 facing Sarcoxie, a 6-1 squad. According to MSHSAA records dating back to the 2008-09 season, this is the best start in that span. 

Previous ranking: 22

The Class 3 state champions have lost twice but they were against Class 6 Rock Bridge and Park Hill South. Fair Grove opens play in the Pink & White Classic on Dec. 27 in Springfield.

Previous ranking: 18

The Tigers are seeded third in the Pink bracket at the Pink & White Classic in Springfield. Skyline has given up more than 24 points in a game this year.

Previous ranking: 13

Nixa went to Florida before Christmas and went 2-1 in the KSA Tournament. Next up is the Pink & White Classic starting on Dec. 27 in Springfield. 

Previous ranking: 14

Like about every other team in Southwest Missouri, the Lady Blue Jays will be in the Pink & White Classic this week. Marshfield enters on a 5-game winning streak. Quinn Aldridge was the MVP in a win over Parkway South in the Bill Rowe Queen City Shootout on Dec. 21.

Previous ranking: 24

The Angels closed out the first part of the season with a win over the top-ranked team in Class 4 — Ursuline Academy. Piper Mooney led the way with 16 points in the win. St. Joseph’s plays Parkway South on Dec. 28 in the SJA/Principia Tournament. 

Previous ranking: NR

In five of six games, the Lady Eagles have scored 60 or more points. Grain Valley draws Hazelwood East on Dec. 26 in the Rolla Holiday Tournament.

Previous ranking: NR

A perfect start to the season ended with a loss to St. Vincent in the First State Community Bank Holiday Classic on Dec. 20. However. the Lady Indians defense has allowed 30 or fewer points in four games this year. 

Dropped out: Eureka, Smithville, Helias Catholic, El Dorado Springs, Chillicothe 

Also considered: Ursuline Academy, St. Teresa’s Academy, Parkway North, Hannibal, Hillsboro, Branson, Rolla, Dophian, St. Joseph Bent 

Missouri, although landlocked, is a Midwestern paradise full of gems, spectacular history, and an amazing culture. These elements enchant visitors who come to the state to experience Midwestern flavor and relax. The big cities like Springfield and Kansas City, no doubt, outshine the others and sit in the front line as options for visitors. However, there are also quaint, laid-back, scantily populated towns across the state where tourists can relish a sense of oneness and communal life. From Arrow Rock, with a population below 100, to the stunning Rocheport on a bluff, discover nine charming, close-knit, and neighborly towns in Missouri to visit.

Rocheport

Rocheport is a close-knit town of just around 200 people, where everyone is valued and recognized. Although small, the town is full of adventures and memorable experiences. Adventure buffs and cycling enthusiasts can embark on the Katy Trail near the town to cycle and relish the charming scenery of a quintessential Midwest state.

Relaxed visitors can taste wines and enjoy meals at Les Bourgeois Winery and Vineyards or enjoy picnics at the park’s A-frame Wine Garden on the Manitou bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. More adventures like boating, kayaking, and fishing are available at the Missouri River, and for a touch of history, visitors can head to the Friends of Rocheport Historical Museum to explore its exhibits, including historical documents from the area’s past.

Ste. Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve sits along the Mississippi River and was founded by French Canadian colonists in 1735, making it the first permanent European settlement West of the Mississippi. Although it hosts almost 5,000 people, the town still sets the stage for visitors to experience communal bonding and a range of historic and natural attractions. For starters, it is home to the Ste. Genevieve National Historic Park hosts a large collection of French colonial architecture and other Historic buildings, such as the Green Tree Tavern.

For outdoor recreation, tourists can head to the Hickory Canyons Natural Area to hike on magnificent box canyons, sandstone cliffs, and creeks. Pickle Springs Natural Area is an alternative option, featuring a two-mile trail that winds through and bypasses creeks, ravines, bluffs, and small waterfalls. Later, art lovers can chill at the Ste. Genevieve Art Center and Museum exploring its local collection of artworks.

Hermann

Hermann is a lovely small town founded by German immigrants and steeped in German roots along the Missouri River. This warm and welcoming, close-knit community of around 2,000 people boasts a few attention-grabbing attractions for locals and visitors. The Deutschheim State Historic Site is a worthy first mention as it reflects the town’s German roots, which date back nearly two centuries. It features several brick homes including the Pommer-Gentner house (1840) and Carl Strehly house (1842) where visitors can experience the daily life of the town’s early German immigrants. The Hermann Farm Museum and Hermann Historic Museum are also great places to delve into the town’s early days as a German settlement through historic buildings and several exhibits.

In the meantime, unwind and have fun at the Hermann Riverfront Park by fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing on the Missouri River or hiking along the Riverfront Walking Trail. When hungry, head to the restored Tin Mill Restaurant to enjoy German specialties and tasty steaks.

Boonville

Boonville is a tightly bonded town of around 7,800 people in Cooper County, with plenty of things to see and do. The town sits atop a wooded bluff overlooking the Missouri River, where tourists can enjoy boating, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, and picnicking experiences. For those who love to cycle, the town hosts a part of the Katy Trail, a 240-mile trail, and a state park for cycling with gorgeous views.

Away from adventures and nature, history buffs in town can head to the Historic Depot District to explore the Rivers, Rails, & Trails Museum, Mitchell Antique Motorcar Museum, and the Katy Trail Railroad Bridge, all of which tell stories of the area’s early days. Afterward, grab a delicious pizza for lunch at Breadeaux Pizza.

Excelsior Springs

Excelsior Springs is a town built on mineral springs that grew into a community of lovely and friendly people. Today, visitors here can visit the Hall of Waters that once piped mineral water from the town’s several springs into one of the world’s longest mineral water bars for the community to bathe. Similarly, visit the Superior Well and Pagoda (1901) to marvel at the historic spring under a wooden pagoda structure, which is the last remaining mineral water well in the town.

When hungry, Ray’s Diner is an amazing spot to enjoy lunch, with views of artifacts on its walls. Don’t forget to delve into the town’s historic days and the rise of its mineral springs at the Excelsior Springs Museum, featuring a vast collection of artifacts and artworks. Afterward, head to the Fishing River near the town to immerse in a scenic natural ambiance.

Branson

Branson is a town in the Ozark Mountains, renowned as the Live Entertainment Capital of the World, while its friendly, close-knit aura remains a draw. Here, visitors will get to see and explore the Titanic Museum, a replica of the iconic ship and iceberg filled with hundreds of artifacts related to the original ship’s tragic journey on the Atlantic. The town also hosts Ripley’s Believe It or Not, a quirky attraction featuring a collapsing structure and hundreds of unusual artifacts. More interesting attractions in this town include – the Runaway Mountain Coaster, the Track Family Fun Park, and the 1880s Silver Dollar City amusement park. All of these attractions are incredibly exciting and unending.

There are also several museums in town, such as the Dinosaur Museum and Prehistoric Fossils. When it comes to dining and shopping, the town is chock-full with numerous options, including Saltgrass Steakhouse (for delicious steak lunch) and the Grand Village Shops.

Arrow Rock

Arrow Rock has just 60 residents, and no community could be more closely bonded. But beyond its pronounced sense of oneness, this Saline County town is a treasure trove of history and is entirely designated a National Historic Landmark known as the Arrow Rock Historic District. Visitors here can head to the Arrow Rock State Historic Site to explore some of the town’s most iconic attractions, including George Caleb Bingham House (1837), J. Huston Tavern (1834), the Courthouse, and Old Jail.

The site sits on a 167-acre area and also features a fishing lake, a visitor center & museum, a picnic area, and a short hiking trail. Elsewhere, the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre has been entertaining visitors with shows and musicals for over 55 years, making it the oldest of its kind in Missouri.

Van Buren

Van Buren is a charming, laid-back Ozark community of around 800 people, where everyone sees each other as family. The town lies along the Current River and next to Mark Twain National Forest, giving its residents and visitors less crowded options when they decide to enjoy nature. For starters, the beautiful and lucid waters of Current River offer recreational activities like boating, fishing, rafting, tubing, kayaking, and canoeing.

Big Springs is just four miles from the town and is one of the largest natural springs in the world. Here, tourists can hike, fish, and boat, and enjoy lunch at its restaurant. For something different, head to the Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo to see and interact with animals such as Kangaroos, birds, and lemurs and tour the Current River Cave. Enjoy a movie later at 21 Drive-in Theatre to relax.

Carthage

Carthage is a small town of about 15,000 people with many things to love, including its close-knit community character and its reputation as America’s Maple Leaf City. Historically, this town was the site of the Battle of Carthage, the first full-scale battle of the Civil War. Today, the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site preserves its wartime history and is worth visiting. History lovers can also learn more about the war at the Civil War Museum through various war artifacts and exhibits.

Away from history, the town invites visitors to the Precious Moments Chapel and Gardens to explore beautiful paintings, stained glass windows, and figurines that serve as backdrops for iconic pictures and picnics. For those who want to enjoy a movie while in town, the Route 66 Drive-in Theatre is a great stop. Also, just walking through this town, especially in the fall, is incredibly satisfying as enchanting colors are on display everywhere.

Find absolute serenity, comfort, and the true spirit of camaraderie across these small towns in Missouri, where it is possible to know at least most of the residents. In some towns like Van Buren and Arrow Rock, it is possible to know everyone as these towns share unbreakable bonds and live like one big happy family. Plus, they offer blissful experiences with natural, historical, and cultural attractions, making them anything but boring. In a world where neighbors in most cities around the world live like strangers, these Missouri towns are the perfect places to recline if you want to feel like part of a large extended family.