Cody Schrader ran for 217 yards and a touchdown, propelling No. 9 Missouri to a 48-14 victory over Arkansas in their regular-season finale on Friday. Missouri (10-2, 6-2 SEC) secured its best regular-season record since 2014, likely earning a spot in one of the New Year’s Six bowl games.
Schrader’s impressive performance included 194 rushing yards and a touchdown in the first half, helping the Tigers establish a commanding 20-0 lead against the overmatched Razorbacks (4-8, 1-7). Missouri quarterback Brady Cook contributed with a 6-yard run and two touchdown passes.
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz praised Schrader, stating, “It’s time to start talking about him being the best player in the country.” The Tigers capitalized on five Arkansas fumbles, converting four into 24 points. The game took a turn for the worse for Arkansas when quarterback KJ Jefferson suffered a lower-leg injury on the second drive.
Arkansas coach Sam Pittman expressed disappointment in the season, saying, “This one right here is a disappointing year. There was way, way higher optimism this year than it ended up being. We’ve got to change it.”
The Battle Line Rivalry saw Missouri continue its dominance, winning eight of the last 10 meetings since the annual matchups began in 2014. The rivalry will persist through 2024, even as the SEC moves away from its divisional format.
In a post-game comment, Drinkwitz took a shot at Michigan and coach Jim Harbaugh, asserting, “We’re America’s team. We’re a team built on underdogs. We’re a team built on young men with something to prove.”
A fight erupted in the second quarter, resulting in ejections for players from both teams. Despite the scuffle, Missouri maintained control, with Cook running for a touchdown shortly after the incident.
Missouri’s win enhances its bowl resume, positioning the Tigers against Alabama and Ole Miss for a spot in the New Year’s Six bowls. Arkansas, on the other hand, concludes its season with fewer than five wins for the fifth time in the last seven years.
Missouri will learn its bowl destination and opponent after the SEC Championship, while Arkansas’ season has come to an end.
