Arkansas football returned to the win column after a two-week hiatus following a 42-27 upset win over No. 14 Ole Miss. This week is a much easier challenge, on paper, when the Hogs travel to Columbia to face the 5-6 Missouri Tigers.
Last week went a long way in changing the perception of what was looking like a disappointing season, but there’s still work to be done.
Arkansas is 0-5 all-time in Columbia and trails Missouri in the all-time series 4-9. The Battle Line “Rivalry” hasn’t been too kind to Arkansas since it became an annual matchup in 2014, as the Hogs are just 2-6 against the Tigers in that span.
The matchup has had a few good games, but for the most part it’s been an annual meeting of two programs on different trajectories. This season, the narrative surrounding this game is similar in that both teams are trying to avoid disappointment.
For Missouri, a loss would mean they would not be bowl eligible for the first time since 2019 and the first time under Eli Drinkwitz’s leadership.
For Arkansas, a loss would undo a lot of goodwill and optimism that was gained from last week’s win over Ole Miss while simultaneously limiting their list of possible bowl destinations.
Arkansas is the favorite for Friday’s game, but history is not on their side. Here’s three things, that if done well, will lead to the Hogs’ first victory at Missouri in program history.
KJ Jefferson elevates the Arkansas offense
Wesley Hitt – Getty Images
KJ Jefferson returned from injury last week and it sparked the Arkansas offense to hang 42 points on the No. 14 team in the country. When healthy, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC and makes everyone else on the offense better as a result.
Missouri’s offensive struggles
Denny Medley – USA TODAY Sports
The Arkansas defense has show some life in recent weeks, and against some stiff offensive opposition, no less. Missouri ranks 89th in…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Arkansas football | Razorbacks Wire…