The Arkansas football team’s struggles against rival Missouri continued, as they faced another defeat at snowy Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri, on Saturday. Quarterback Brady Cook made a crucial 30-yard touchdown run with just under two minutes left, leading the 21st-ranked Missouri Tigers to a 28-21 victory over the Razorbacks.
This win marked Missouri’s third consecutive victory in the Battle Line Rivalry series, extending their dominance to 9-2 against Arkansas since joining the SEC. Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz expressed pride in his team’s efforts, especially the seniors and Cook’s impressive performance, stating, “It was just an amazing job. I’m really proud of our football team for finding a way to win.”
Missouri maintained an undefeated record at home against Arkansas, while the Razorbacks have struggled to close out games at Faurot Field in recent years, leading in the fourth quarter of their last three matchups but ultimately losing by a narrow margin. With the defeat, Arkansas’s season record stands at 6-6, and they have lost nine consecutive trophy matchups against Missouri, LSU, and Texas since their last victory over Mizzou in 2021.
Missouri improved to 9-3 for the season, marking their 20th win over the past two years, including a remarkable streak of ten home victories. Coach Sam Pittman of Arkansas pointed to the team’s difficulty in handling turnovers that have plagued them this season. A combination of misplays led to points for Missouri, emphasizing the Razorbacks’ ongoing struggles to seize momentum during critical moments.
Despite the loss, there were notable performances from Arkansas’s players. Running back Ja’Quinden Jackson had a commendable game with 87 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Taylen Green tallied significant passing yardage and rushing attempts. The Razorbacks showed resilience, particularly in a late drive that put them ahead briefly before Missouri responded decisively.
As temperatures dropped with the first measurable snowfall of the season—a rare sight since 1998—the game became a battle not just against the rival team but also against the cold, making it the coldest SEC game played by the Razorbacks.
Looking ahead, Arkansas is poised to await news regarding their bowl eligibility, with potential destinations including the Gasparilla Bowl or the Birmingham Bowl later in December. With only a few games left in the season, the Razorbacks will aim to regroup and prioritize minimizing turnovers to shift their fortunes.
In summary, while the latest defeat highlights continuing challenges for Arkansas, it underscores the potential within the team. With their ability to fight back in tough situations, fans can remain hopeful as they prepare for a shot at a bowl game, which could provide an important opportunity for growth and redemption.