Earlier within the offseason we previewed what a attainable schedule would appear to be for Missouri in 2024 and 2025 when Oklahoma and Texas be a part of the convention subsequent yr.
In that article, we briefly touched on the groups that will possible make Mizzou’s three everlasting opponents within the 3-6 mannequin schedule.
In the 3-6 mannequin, groups would have three convention opponents that play yearly whereas the opposite six convention video games can be made up of the opposite 12 groups on a rotating foundation. This additionally means simply three non-conference video games as an alternative of 4.
Here, we’ll develop on the earlier article and provides a extra detailed case as to why Missouri-Arkansas ought to proceed to be a everlasting rivalry.
Historical context, fan engagement and geography
In a historic context, this is likely one of the more energizing rivalries with simply 10 video games being performed since Missouri joined the Southeastern Conference in 2012.
On one hand, if Mizzou and Arkansas ended up not being a everlasting rivalry it will most likely sting each fan bases for a short while, particularly as they proceed to purchase into the rivalry as time passes.
On the opposite hand, this rivalry being discontinued would not be the identical as if Alabama-Auburn was discontinued. The former rivalry would not have the historic cache in its favor just like the latter, and followers would be capable to gravitate towards no matter the brand new rivalry is for his or her groups extra simply.
Now, contemplating this was a manufactured rivalry by the SEC and represents Mizzou’s first true rival since becoming a member of the convention, it is virtually sure that these groups will hold the “Battle Line Rivalry” going.
As beforehand talked about the rivalry is constructing momentum with the fan bases with dangerous blood between the colleges rising in not simply soccer however in basketball.
Forward Trevon Brazile transferred to Arkansas this previous offseason and solely performed 9 video games attributable to a torn ACL. An damage he suffered in early December. That did not cease the 6-10 ahead from taking a slight jab at his former faculty earlier than the groups’ Jan. 7 matchup at Mizzou enviornment.
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If a soccer rivalry can translate to different sports activities then which means each fan bases care in regards to the rivalry.
More lately on the soccer facet of issues, defensive finish Trajan Jeffcoat transferred to Arkansas after spending 4 seasons in Columbia. A spot that Jeffcoat stated he likes a lot lower than his new dwelling.
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In December 2019, Arkansas employed Barry Odom to be its defensive coordinator not even three weeks after he had been fired after 4 seasons (2016-19) as Mizzou’s head coach.
A place he would maintain till this previous December when he determined to take the pinnacle teaching place at UNLV.
What the colleges lack in historic context would not present up relating to how the fan bases really feel about one another, particularly when gamers and coaches be a part of the opposing program.
Lastly, the colleges are pretty shut with simply 221 miles separating them which is a few four-and-a-half-hour drive.
Meaning not solely is it driveable however relying on when kickoff is, followers of whoever the highway workforce is might presumably make the journey and return dwelling all in in the future.
A rivalry is that a lot better when followers of each packages can attend each dwelling and highway contests.
Competitiveness and key performances
In this sequence, Missouri holds a 10-4 lead all-time and an 8-2 lead since becoming a member of the convention, however six of the ten video games have been determined by 10 factors or much less with 5 of the video games being one-score video games.
So, there’s a aggressive stability to the rivalry regardless of the Tigers popping out on high extra instances than not.
Another a part of what makes rivalries nice is the stakes and who exhibits up most when it issues probably the most.
Last season, Missouri wanted to beat the Razorbacks within the regular-season finale if it needed to complete the season 6-6 and clinch a berth in a bowl sport and it did that with a 29-27 win.
Quarterback Brady Cook had one among his higher video games of the season (versus a Power 5 opponent) when he accomplished 16 of 26 passes for 242 yards and a landing. He additionally had 18 carries for 138 yards and a landing.
In 2021, Arkansas large receiver Treylon Burks would report seven receptions for 129 yards and a landing whereas Missouri operating again Tyler Badie would rush for 219 yards and a landing on 41 makes an attempt in a 34-17 Razorbacks win.
In 2020, probably the most high-scoring affair of the sequence, Missouri outscored Arkansas 27-15 within the fourth quarter to win 50-48.
Mizzou operating again Larry Rountree III rushed for 185 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries whereas quarterback Connor Bazelak accomplished 32 of 49 passes (65%) for 380 yards.
Four completely different receivers had 5 or extra catches for 45 yards or extra with Keke Chism main the way in which with six receptions for 113 yards.
Kicker Harrison Mevis transformed all 5 of his discipline objective makes an attempt with an extended of 51 and all 5 of his further factors.
Meanwhile, Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson accomplished 18 of 33 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns. His major goal, Burks, hauled in 10 of these passes for 206 yards and a landing.
Running again Trelon Smith rushed for 172 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries.
In 2017, Mizzou pulled out a 48-45 win to finish its common season on a six-game profitable streak after kicker Tucker McCann transformed a 19-yard discipline objective.
During that contest, Missouri quarterback Drew Lock would full 25 of 42 passes for 448 yards 5 touchdowns and a pair of interceptions.
Wide receiver J’Mon Moore would report 10 catches for 160 yards and a landing whereas fellow receiver Emanuel Hall would report two catches for 111 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Tight finish Albert Okwuegbunam would report 5 receptions for 63 yards and two touchdowns.
On the defensive facet of the ball, defensive finish Marcell Frazier racked up eight tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and three bat downs.
Arkansas quarterback Austin Allen led the way in which for his squad finishing 14 of 29 passes for 313 yards, two touchdowns and an interception whereas operating again David Williams had 75 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 11 carries.
Lastly, the 2014 sport which was the primary sport within the sequence since Mizzou joined the SEC was most likely the sport with probably the most at stake thus far.
Missouri entered the sport at 10-2 with the SEC East division title in addition to a visit to the SEC Championship sport on the road with a win.
Arkansas entered at 6-5 however was seeking to play spoiler for the third week in a row after beating No. 20 LSU 17-0 and No. 8 Ole Miss 30-0 within the two prior video games.
Running again Marcus Murphy would rating from 12 yards out and Missouri was capable of maintain on for a 21-14 win to clinch the SEC East and head to the SEC title sport for the second straight season.
Verdict
In quick, the groups’ pre-existing rivalry, fan engagement, proximity to one another and aggressive stability is the reasoning behind why this must be a rivalry that continues in a 3-6 mannequin schedule.
Below, is a five-star score system based mostly on historic context, fan engagement and geography and competitiveness.
Historical context: 2 out of 5
Fan engagement and geography: 4.5 out of 5
Competitiveness: 4 out of 5
Overall: 3.5 stars out of 5
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