The Missouri Tigers roll Arkansas in Battle Line Rivalry

Caleb Stallo

Nov 24, 2023

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark -- The Tigers traveled to Fayetteville to face the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Battle Line Rivalry, coming away with a dominant 48-14 win. This marked the Tigers’ second consecutive victory in the rivalry, keeping the trophy in Columbia. Missouri’s defensive performance was key, forcing five turnovers throughout the game. The lopsided win over an SEC rival strengthens the Tigers’ résumé for a New Year’s Six bowl.

The game was all Mizzou from the start. They scored on their first drive with an early touchdown run by Cody Schrader. The defense followed up by forcing a fumble, which the Tigers recovered. On the same play, Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson was helped off the field with a knee injury and did not return. Missouri capitalized on the turnover with a field goal by Harrison Mevis. The second quarter was a repeat of the first, with Brady Cook scoring on a touchdown run and Mevis adding another field goal shortly after. During that second quarter, Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou and two Arkansas defensive players were ejected following a large altercation between the teams. Missouri maintained a shutout heading into halftime, leading 20-0.

The Tigers continued their dominance in the second half, with Brett Norfleet catching his first touchdown pass from 16 yards out. After Arkansas muffed a kickoff, Missouri set up its offense on the 11-yard line. Cook connected with Norfleet again, who walked into the end zone for his second touchdown. The Razorbacks’ struggles continued with another fumble, which defensive lineman Jayden Jernigan recovered and returned for a touchdown. Missouri led 41-0 at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth, Missouri’s second-string players took the field. Arkansas scored twice, and Missouri added one more touchdown to seal the 48-14 victory.

The Missouri Tigers finished the regular season 10-2 and are hopeful for an appearance in a New Year’s Six bowl. Schrader put on a show, rushing for 217 yards on 27 carries with a touchdown, furthering his case for Heisman consideration and the Doak Walker Award for best college running back. The Tigers now await the College Football Playoff Committee’s decision, which will determine bowl placements after Saturday’s conference championship games.