The Battle Line Rivalry between Arkansas and Missouri may not carry the historical weight of some of college football’s oldest matchups, but in recent years it has become a highlight of the SEC schedule. The Razorbacks and Tigers first met in 1906 in Columbia, Missouri, and played five times before Missouri joined the SEC in 2012. By 2014, Missouri became Arkansas’ permanent cross-division rival, and the annual meeting was officially dubbed the “Battle Line Rivalry” by the SEC, a nod to the state line dividing North and South during the Civil War.
A rivalry trophy was unveiled for the game on November 23, 2015, adding an extra layer of significance to the matchup. Historically, Missouri has dominated the series, leading 11–4 as of the conclusion of the 2024 season (with one win vacated due to NCAA action). The Tigers have won eight of the last nine matchups and currently hold a three-game winning streak dating to 2022.
Team Comparisons
Arkansas enters the game with a high-powered offense but a struggling defense. The Razorbacks average 34.4 points per game (23rd in the country) but allow 34.1 points per contest (126th nationally). They rank 11th in total yards per game (473.8) but 126th in total yards allowed (432.3). Their passing attack is solid, with 270 yards per game (29th), but the defense struggles, giving up 258.7 passing yards per game (123rd). On the ground, Arkansas averages 203.8 rushing yards (20th) while allowing 173.5 (102nd).
Missouri, in contrast, is a balanced team on both sides of the ball. The Tigers average 32.3 points per game (39th) while allowing just 19.6 (22nd). They rank 27th in total yards per game (436.8) and 10th in total yards allowed (277.4). Their passing game is moderate at 210.7 yards per contest (87th), but their defense is stingy, giving up just 170.2 yards (18th). Missouri’s rushing attack, led by Doak Walker Award candidate Ahmad Hardy, ranks 9th nationally with 226.1 yards per game, while the defense allows only 107.2 yards on the ground (22nd).
Key Storylines
Missouri opened the season on a blistering 5–0 run before a pair of close SEC losses and an injury to starting quarterback Beau Pribula derailed what once looked like a legitimate College Football Playoff and SEC Championship push. Pribula has returned to the lineup, but he struggled in his first game back against Oklahoma last week as he works to regain rhythm and confidence.
Another storyline to watch is whether this could be Eli Drinkwitz’s final game with the Tigers. While nothing will be known until after the season finale, speculation has swirled about his potential interest in other head coaching opportunities. It remains to be seen whether Missouri responds with a fired-up performance for its coach or whether the outside noise becomes a distraction.
Arkansas, meanwhile, is desperate to break a current nine-game losing streak and a 10-game SEC losing streak that dates back to last season. The quarterback situation for the Razorbacks adds intrigue. Veteran Taylen Green could get the start in his final game, or redshirt freshman KJ Jackson, who showed promise in last week’s matchup against Texas, could be called upon. Arkansas will rely on its explosive offense to try and keep pace with Missouri’s balanced and efficient attack, though its defensive struggles make the task a daunting one.
Outlook
This year’s Battle Line Rivalry pits an Arkansas team looking to prove itself against a Missouri squad with a balanced attack and stout defense. With Missouri holding the advantage in recent history and Arkansas’ defense struggling, the Razorbacks will need an exceptional performance from their offense and possibly a spark from their quarterback situation to get momentum back on their side in this rivalry matchup.