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Mizzou Closes Regular Season with Victory Over Arkansas, 31-17
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Columbia, MO – A pivotal fourth-quarter punt return for a touchdown by Kevin Coleman Jr. propelled the Missouri Tigers to a 31-17 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, concluding their regular season campaign with a strong finish. The win, secured in challenging wet and windy conditions at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, marked the Tigers’ fourth consecutive triumph in the Battle Line Rivalry.
The tigers finished the season with an 8-4 overall record and a 4-4 mark in the Southeastern conference. Under head coach Elah Drinkwitz,mizzou has now dominated the series against Arkansas,boasting a 5-1 record and an remarkable 12-4 all-time advantage. this victory also extends their winning streak in rivalry trophy games to three, following earlier wins against Kansas and South Carolina. Arkansas concluded it’s season with a disappointing 2-10 record, going winless in SEC play at 0-8.
“so proud of the team for finding a way to win the game,” said Drinkwitz, whose team awaits its bowl destination announcement on December 7. “ultimately,that’s what you’ve got to do. Every game has a life of its own. You got to find a way to win it.”
Second-Half Shutdown Seals the Deal
Missouri’s defense proved dominant in the second half, limiting Arkansas to a
Hardy’s Dominance and Record-Breaking Performance
Cody Schrader, a finalist for the prestigious Doak Walker Award recognizing the nation’s top running back, showcased his exceptional talent with 27 carries for 157 yards. This performance elevates his season total to 1,560 yards, the fourth-highest single-season rushing total in Mizzou history. Earlier in the second half, with Missouri trailing 17-14, Hardy broke through three tackles for a 53-yard touchdown run – his 16th of the season. Despite a missed extra point, the Tigers seized a 20-17 lead they would not relinquish.
Offensive Efficiency and Razorback Struggles
Missouri’s offense continued to impress,capitalizing on Arkansas’s struggles. After another Razorback three-and-out, a 38-yard run by Roberts on a third-and-14 propelled the Tigers to the Arkansas four-yard line. Though, a penalty and a sack pushed them back, resulting in a 41-yard field goal by Oliver Robbins, extending the lead to 23-17 with 10 minutes remaining.
Roberts contributed significantly to the offensive effort with 11 carries for 100 yards, marking the third time this season that both hardy and Roberts have surpassed 100 rushing yards in the same game.
Missouri outgained Arkansas 347-246, with a staggering 322 yards coming on the ground. The Razorbacks’ performance was further hampered by 16 penalties for a total of 121 yards, significantly aiding Missouri’s cause.
Passing Game and Looking Ahead
Pribula completed 4 of 7 passes for just 25 yards, marking the program’s fewest passing yards in a victory since 2014.
The Tigers started strong, with Marquis Johnson returning the opening kickoff 40 yards. Pribula then followed with a career-long 49-yard run to the Arkansas 11-yard line, setting up a four-yard touchdown run by Roberts on a direct snap.
Arkansas responded in the first quarter, tying the score at 7-7 with a 73-yard drive culminating in a 16-yard touchdown pass from KJ Jackson to O’Mega Blake.
Early in the second quarter, a fumble by Pribula, recovered by Arkansas linebacker Bradley Shaw and returned for a 32-yard touchdown, gave the Razorbacks a 14-7 lead.Missouri quickly answered with a 75-yard drive, capped off by a quarterback draw for a touchdown by Pribula and a triumphant extra point, tying the game at 14-14.
Josiah Trotter led the Tigers’ defense with 10 tackles, including a sack and two tackles for loss.
the Tigers will learn their bowl destination on Sunday, December 7.
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