The Battle Line Rivalry splits the Razorbackers staff
It's one of the most frustrating games of the year for Arkansas fans. On the one hand, it was forced upon Arkansas when Mizzou entered the league and doesn't feel genuine. On the other hand, the Razorbacks can't seem to win, though most of the fanbase views the Tigers as a lesser program. Now, we get to experience it at the very end of the season every year.
Today's matchup has the makings of a close game. The Hogs are much more explosive on offense, but Mizzou is more consistent. Both defenses are top-30 in the country. It all depends on which Arkansas teams show up in Columbia. Unfortunately, history isn't on the side of the Cardinal and white. Arkansas has never won in COMO.
Is this the first time the Razorbacks walk out of Missouri with a win? Or will Eli Drinkwitz and Mizzou earn another year of gloating? The Razorbackers' staff give their opinions of the game.
Razorbackers staff predictions: Arkansas vs Missouri
Antonio
Although some Arkansas fans were dissatisfied with the Hogs' performance in a 35-14 win against Louisiana Tech, the win gives the team some momentum going into a road game against No. 21 Missouri for the Battle Line Trophy. Losing the last three of four games necessitated the Razorbacks winning the game and seeing positive things happen.
Arkansas’s secondary and offensive line performed better against Louisiana Tech than in their prior three losses, albeit Louisiana Tech does not even slightly compare to those teams. If the Razorbacks desire to upset the Missouri Tigers, their secondary and offensive line will have to play even better than last week. Expect the Hogs’ secondary and offensive line to perform decently against the Tigers. Equally vital to Arkansas’s secondary and offensive line performing well to its ability to pull the upset will be how the defensive line plays.
The Razorbacks’ defensive line must generate a consistent pass rush against the Tigers and play a key role in stopping the rushing game, especially senior quarterback Brady Cook’s involvement in it. Cook’s legs have given Arkansas trouble in the past. Therefore, the Razorbacks need Landon Jackson to perform like the top NFL defensive end prospect he is and have defensive end Cameron Ball to aid Jackson in causing the Tigers’ offensive line problems throughout the game.
While Arkansas has never seemed motivated to play this SEC-imposed rivalry game, Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri's head coach, mispronounced Taylen Green’s name, which Zach Ragan considers was done intentionally and another example of the coach’s “petty” behavior, as reported by Yardbarker. Such disrespect will motivate the Hogs to arrive in Columbia, Missouri, ready to meet the challenges the Tigers present.
Drinkwitz’s misguided decision will work against him, as his overrated No. 21 Missouri Tigers, who have not defeated a single ranked opponent this season, will lose at home to the Arkansas Razorbacks. After the game, he will have no choice but to pronounce Taylen Green’s name correctly.
Arkansas 33 – Missouri 27
Matthew
Matthew is enjoying some time off and spending the holiday's with family, but he was able to send in his final score prediction. He's predicted a close game, but ultimately, he believes the Tigers have an advantage at home.
Missouri 28 – Arkansas 24
Austin
Arkansas
The Hogs have exceeded their preseason expectations, and with a win over Missouri, they'll have done overwhelmingly. Unfortunately, Arkansas has shown the potential to do much more.
The Tigers won't be pushovers. Although they're overrated and propped up by a soft schedule, they have one of the better defenses in the league. Mizzou also has a great, tough leader in Brady Cook.
With that said, Arkansas wins its first game in Columbia. It should be a defensive battle, but the Hogs make a couple more plays down the stretch to pull away.
Arkansas 24 – Missouri 21
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