The Arkansas football team faced continued struggles against Missouri, suffering a 28-21 defeat at the snowy Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo., on Saturday. Quarterback Brady Cook’s 30-yard touchdown run with just 1:53 left in the game sealed the win for the 21st-ranked Tigers, marking their third consecutive victory in the Battle Line Rivalry. Since joining the SEC, Missouri has now improved to a dominant 9-2 record against Arkansas.
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz expressed his pride in the team’s performance, especially praising the seniors and Cook for their resilience during the game. The Tigers maintained their perfect home record against the Razorbacks, further extending Arkansas’s woes, as they have lost their last nine rivalry trophy games against not only Missouri but also LSU and Texas A&M combined.
On the other side, Arkansas coach Sam Pittman acknowledged the team’s difficulties, particularly in managing turnovers, which have plagued their season. Arkansas has lost the turnover battle significantly, contributing to their current losing streak.
Despite the defeat, there were moments of promise for Arkansas, including a late touchdown by quarterback Taylen Green that momentarily put them ahead. However, Missouri quickly responded with a drive that clinched the game. Green demonstrated skill with both rushing and passing, completing 21 of 35 attempts for 229 yards in addition to his rushing yards.
The Razorbacks were also challenged by the conditions at Faurot Field, where approximately three inches of snow made the field slick. This game marked a historical moment, as it was the first match at Faurot Field with measurable snow since 1998, though Arkansas hadn’t played in snowy conditions since 1991.
Looking ahead, Arkansas is set to await news on their bowl eligibility, which will likely be announced on December 8. With a record of 6-6, they might find themselves competing in either the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa or the Birmingham Bowl, both of which offer opportunities for redemption and renewed hope for the Razorbacks.
In essence, while this game added to Arkansas’s challenges, the upcoming bowl season may serve as a chance for the team to regroup and shine. The lessons learned from this tough matchup could pave the way for future success.