The Arkansas football team’s challenging season continued with a defeat against the Missouri Tigers, who secured a 28-21 victory at a snowy Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri. The game marked Missouri’s third consecutive win over Arkansas in the Battle Line Rivalry, boosting their record to 9-2 against the Razorbacks since joining the SEC.
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook made a decisive run for a 30-yard touchdown with just under two minutes left, sealing the victory. Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz expressed pride in his team and highlighted Cook’s performance, particularly in crucial moments of the game. This win keeps Missouri undefeated at home against Arkansas, as the Razorbacks have now lost nine straight trophy games versus teams like Missouri, LSU, and Texas since their last victory against the Tigers in 2021.
Despite holding leads in the fourth quarter of their past three games at Faurot Field, Arkansas has fallen short each time, losing by a total of just 11 points. This season, Arkansas has struggled significantly with turnovers, surrendering 70 points after turning the ball over in their six losses. Coach Sam Pittman noted that their inability to match Missouri’s effectiveness in these high-stakes moments has been a consistent issue.
In this latest matchup, Arkansas briefly took the lead after a touchdown from Ja’Quinden Jackson, only for Missouri to respond emphatically with a quick 75-yard drive capped off by Cook’s crucial touchdown run.
The game was played under challenging weather conditions, with approximately three inches of snow falling before kickoff, making it the coldest SEC game the Razorbacks have experienced.
Moving forward, Arkansas is left waiting for news regarding their potential bowl game appearance, with their options narrowing down to matches like the Gasparilla Bowl or the Birmingham Bowl due to their 6-6 record.
In summary, while the Razorbacks faced yet another painful loss, they still have an opportunity to regroup as they anticipate their bowl bid, potentially providing a chance for redemption and growth in the postseason.
Hopeful Angle: As the Razorbacks wait for their bowl game, it presents a moment for players and coaching staff to reflect and refine their strategies, giving them a chance to finish the season on a high note. A successful bowl game could turn this challenging season around and provide a positive momentum heading into the next year.