Missouri

Missouri’s Versatile Newcomers at Linebacker Make Room More Flexible

Published

1 year ago

August 17, 2024

Missouri’s Versatile Newcomers at Linebacker Make Room More Flexible

Corey Flagg and Khalil Jacobs were on two opposite sides of the Missouri Tigers defensive coordinator switch.

Flagg, a transfer from Miami, was recruited by former defensive coordinator Blake Baker. Then the defensive coordinator at Miami, Baker helped recruit Flagg as an incoming freshman to the Hurricanes.

When Flagg entered the transfer portal, Baker came calling from Missouri. Flagg committed to the Tigers on December 21, 2023. 15 days later, Baker transferred his coordinating duties from one Tigers to another, accepting the job at LSU.

“What drew me was Baker,” Flagg said in a press conference during fall camp. “He ended up leaving, so it was a big thing on trusting (head) coach (Eli) Drink(witz), (linebackers) coach DJ (Smith), the staff here. Everything they’ve said they were going to do, they’ve done. They provided us opportunities to compete, and we’ve been competing.”

Flagg stuck with Missouri with the promised opportunity to compete. To earn his opportunities. He’s competing with the likes of South Alabama transfer Khalil Jacobs.

Missouri hired Corey Batoon from South Alabama to fill in Baker’s spot on January 26, 2023. Four months into the job in late May, he successfully lured his former linebacker away from Alabama and Ole Miss. The connection to Batoon played a role for Jacobs, rated as a three-star transfer, but was not the deciding factor.

“Obviously it played a part in it,” Jacobs said of Batoon in an interview. “But ultimately the reason I decided to transfer was to better myself and have a better opportunity for my career going forward. Obviously the dream goal is the league and I’m trying to do everything I can to get there.”

A deep room with heavy competition can be one of the best way for a player like Jacobs to improve his game. It was a selling point for Flagg after Baker left.

“They (the coaching staff) just told me they would give me an opportunity to compete,” Flagg said. “That’s just their culture. The biggest example they gave me was Cody (Schrader). … So (Drinkwitz) has just given everybody an opportunity to compete at at the starting spot. That’s what I love about playing here, what I love about coach Drink.”

The Missouri linebacker room is full of ultra athletic players. Through offseason practices, Jacobs is confident the group will be difficult to face this season.

“These guys here, we compete every day,” Jacobs said. “We got a thing that we do, we do our times for our speed and these guys flying, so I think we’re gonna be exceptionally well here. We’re gonna fly to the ball. We’re gonna get there and make plays. When we get there, we’re gonna make sure we got someone coming behind.”

South Alabama linebacker Khalil Jacobs lowers his shoulder.

South Alabama Athletics

With the skillsets of both Jacobs and Flagg, however, the competition in the linebacker room won’t necessarily be a one-on-one race to be a starter. The two transfers have the versatility to line up at multiple different spots over the field. In their college careers thus far, both can use their speed to hunt down quarterbacks, drop back in coverage or hunt through a scuffle to bring down a runner.

Jacobs is a light 218 lbs at 6’2″. In 2023 at South Alabama, Jacobs recorded 53 total tackles, three sacks and one interception. He might not have the frame to be the most powerful tackler but he is an agile defender that brings some of the same traits that former linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper brought to the table. Smith described him as a raw, talented, linebacker that can get downhill to strike people.

This offseason, Jacobs looked to become a better run defender to become a more well-rounded player.

“I think that’s what I lacked a lot last year,” Jacobs said, “was being able to get good run fits and so I’ve been really working on this offseason to be able to know where to fit and be able to have someone behind me when I get there.”

Flagg played all over the field in his four seasons at Miami, serving as a starter in 2021 and 2022. He is slightly heavier than Jacobs at 230 lbs and 6’0″ but still has the speed to patrol the middle of the field. He brings flexibility and injury insurance to the Missouri defense to play at multiple linebacker positions.

“It’s good that we all can play different positions,” Jacobs said. “We’re not going to be stuck at one. We can all move around and have different pieces. Injuries are gonna happen. Obviously we’re not, looking for them but they might happen and it’s good that we have players that can move around.”

With Miami, Flagg recorded 174 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. In his final year of eligibility, Flagg is not only looking to be a part of what he hopes to be a special team but also improve his individual game.

“I’ve been able to grow really well,” Flagg said. “Coach DJ has really helped me. … I’m really good at engaging blocks, but once I engage, it’s like, getting off of it. That’s something he’s seen in my game that I can take to another level.”

Both Jacobs and Flagg are still looking to find their roles as both players and leaders. It might take some time for the two to gel but the culture Missouri has built has stood out to the two.

“STP (something to prove) is not just something we say, it’s something we live out,” Jacobs said. “When I got here. everybody talking about ‘one more’ of everything. … All the workouts, we got one more, one more of this, one more of that.”

Flagg recognizes the special chance to jump on the ride and help finish the job for a team that has had to earn each step it’s made over the past few years.

“All these guys have been through so much adversity,” Flagg said. “(Quarterback) Brady (Cook) built this program up from where he was when he first got here. Coming in and finishing what those guys started was really key. I could feel that energy that they had. I just want to help finish it off.”

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for Dec. 19, 2025

Published

8 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 19, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Dec. 19 drawing

01-11-27-39-59, Mega Ball: 18

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 19 drawing

Midday: 4-3-1

Midday Wild: 3

Evening: 3-6-5

Evening Wild: 9

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 19 drawing

Midday: 4-5-1-4

Midday Wild: 0

Evening: 5-5-4-1

Evening Wild: 2

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 19 drawing

06-31-34-37-41, Cash Ball: 04

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 19 drawing

Early Bird: 08

Morning: 05

Matinee: 15

Prime Time: 07

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from Dec. 19 drawing

12-23-28-33-38

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.

To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.

For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Missouri reveals which Chinese assets it will target in $50bn row

Published

20 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

Missouri reveals which Chinese assets it will target in bn row

Missouri’s attorney general has revealed which Chinese assets the state will be targeting in a $50 billion legal row.

The Show Me State’s legal battle with China has intensified as both sides pursue multibillion-dollar claims related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

And now, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has explained what is on the table in terms of what assets will be targeted in the litigation.

“China caused extraordinary harm to our citizens and our economy,” she told Newsweek. “We are committed to holding them accountable and recovering every dollar we can. I’ve been asked if we will seize the pandas at the National Zoo. The answer is no, we are looking at other Chinese-owned assets, including farmland.”

Why It Matters

The confrontation highlights ongoing diplomatic rifts between the United States and China and raises complex questions about international law, sovereign immunity, and the ability of U.S. states to seize foreign-owned property. The outcome could set precedents for future pandemic-related litigation and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

What To Know

China recently filed a lawsuit in a Wuhan court against Missouri and several state officials, seeking more than $50 billion in damages and public apologies.

In response, Missouri is advancing efforts to enforce a $24 billion U.S. court judgment against the Chinese government and affiliated entities—by targeting certain Chinese-owned assets within the United States.

The current dispute stems from a 2020 lawsuit filed by Missouri, which alleged that China exacerbated the coronavirus pandemic by hoarding personal protective equipment (PPE) and failing to provide timely warnings regarding the virus.

Earlier this year, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office obtained a $24–$25 billion judgment against the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Communist Party, and related entities after Chinese officials declined to participate in the U.S. court process.

In response to Missouri’s legal success, China has now filed a $50.5 billion (356.4 billion yuan) lawsuit in the Intermediate People’s Court of Wuhan.

The complaint, jointly submitted by the Chinese government, Wuhan’s municipal government, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology, names the state of Missouri, Governor Mike Kehoe, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, and former Attorney General Andrew Bailey as defendants.

The Chinese lawsuit claims Missouri and its officials engaged in “fabricating enormous disinformation, and spreading stigmatizing and discriminating slanders” that impaired China’s economic interests and reputation.

Alongside financial compensation, China seeks public apologies in prominent American and Chinese media outlets, recovery of legal costs, and the right to claim further damages.

What People Are Saying

Hanaway said: “I find it extremely telling that the Chinese blame our great state for ‘belittling the social evaluation’ of The Wuhan Institute of Virology… We stand undeterred in our mission to collect on our $24 billion judgment that was lawfully handed down in federal court.”

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, who initiated Missouri’s original lawsuit, said: “I’ve been banned from Communist China, and now I am being sued and targeted by Communist China in a $50 Billion lawfare campaign, and I’ll wear it like a badge of honor… This novel lawsuit is factually baseless, legally meritless, and any fake judgment a Chinese court issues in this lawsuit we will easily beat back and keep from being enforced against the people of Missouri or me.”

Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, described the Missouri lawsuit as “a purely politically motivated maneuver [and] China firmly opposes it, will never accept it, and reserves the right to take strong countermeasures.”

What Happens Next

Missouri is in the process of seeking certification of its federal court judgment—a legal prerequisite for initiating asset seizures under U.S. law. If certification is granted, the state may move forward with efforts to identify and seize Chinese-owned assets, particularly farmland and financial interests connected to the Chinese government or its proxies.

Simultaneously, Chinese legal action in Wuhan courts is ongoing, with the plaintiffs demanding significant damages and public apologies.

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Missouri State vs Arkansas State Xbox Bowl final score, highlights

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

Missouri State vs Arkansas State Xbox Bowl final score, highlights

FRISCO, TX — Missouri State football ended a historic season, in which it qualified for a bowl game in its first season as an FBS program, with a loss in the Xbox Bowl.

The Bears made a late push, but came up short in a 34-28 loss to Arkansas State on Thursday, Dec. 18, in the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

Thus ends one of the best years in Bears football history, their first in Conference USA, where they went 7-6 and had their first six wins over FBS programs since 1990. Mo State won five one-score games, while reaching feats that were once thought impossible for a once-disastrous program.

Thursday night marked the end of the six-year Petrino family era for Missouri State, as news broke earlier in the day that the school was finalizing the hire of SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods as its next head coach. Woods will replace Ryan Beard, who didn’t coach in the Xbox Bowl after accepting the head coaching position at Coastal Carolina. Woods’ hiring is expected to be announced on Dec. 19.

The Springfield News-Leader is bringing you live updates from Frisco, Texas. Follow for live updates.

Watch Missouri State vs Arkansas State on ESPN+

Missouri State vs Arkansas State in Xbox Bowl live score

This section will be updated throughout the game

Team	1	2	3	4	F
Arkansas State	14	10	7	3	34
Missouri State	7	0	0	21	28

Final — Arkansas State 34, Missouri State 28

Jacob Clark to Jmariyae Robinson for a touchdown

Clark to Robinson for a 16-yard score with 1:54 left. Bears have to get the onside kick.

Missouri State has first-and-goal at the 16

A 59-yard pass to Dash Luke has the Bears in position to strike at the two-minute warning. Bears at the ASU 16.

Arkansas State misses field goal

The Bears have a pulse again? MSU ball at its 20 with 3:20 left.

Missouri State muffs punt when it just got a pulse

Dash Luke muffs a punt with 3:50 left, and the Red Wolves recover. Dang.

Jacob Clark throws pretty TD to Dash Luke

A dime down the middle of the field to Dash Luke goes for a 47-yard touchdown. Luke has 110 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions. Clark is up to 23-31 for 274 yards and three scores. Two-point conversion ruled short.

Missouri State forces Arkansas State punt

Bears ball at their own 48.

Arkansas State recovers strip-sack

From the ASU 34, Clark is hit and he fumbles. Red Wolves ball with 9:01 left and this one is ovah.

Arkansas State knocks in field goal

A 32-yard field goal with 12:43 left extends the Red Wolves’ lead back up to three scores.

Jacob Clark hits Ramone Green for TD to open fourth quarter

A beautiful ball from Jacob Clark to Ramone Green for a 15-yard touchdown pass. Bears cut Arkansas State’s lead to 31-15 with 14:52 left in the game. The Bears go for two and get it. It’s suddenly a two-score game.

Missouri State in scoring position

The Bears are at the Red Wolves’ 15, facing third-and-11, to begin the fourth quarter.

Missouri State takes over at its own 10

This game is sloooooooow. Bears need to make this score respectable or something on this drive.

Devin Spencer runs for 25-yard touchdown

Arkansas State went 65 yards in less than two minutes. Devin Spencer runs in a touchdown from 25 yards out. Bears down 31-7 with 10:23 left in the third.

Arkansas State, Missouri State trade punts

Red Wolves ball at their own 35.

Arkansas State takes 24-7 lead into halftime

Jacob Clark is 13-16 for 115 yards and a touchdown, but he’s been sacked four times, and there have been a pair of untimely penalties. Red Wolves have eight tackles for a loss. Defense is struggling to get stops and has been giving up big plays, allowing four passes of 21 yards or more.

Missouri State, Arkansas State trade punts

Bears ball at their own 24 with 69 seconds left in the half.

Arkansas State back in the endzone

This game is in danger of getting away from the Bears. Jaylen Raynor hit Hunter Summers for a 39-yard diving completion. The Wolves score two plays later on a four-yard touchdown pass. It’s 24-7 Wolves with 6:14 left in the half.

Missouri State penalty, sack allowed kills another drive

Jacob Clark scrambled for 15, but it was called back because of a hold. He was sacked for the second time right after. Arkansas State returns the punt 35 yards to the MSU 44.

Arkansas State boots 54-yard field goal

The Bears kept the Wolves out of the endzone for the first time tonight, but Clune Van Andel boots a 54-yard field goal. Wolves up 17-7 with 12:40 left in the half.

Jacob Clark to Dash Luke for a Missouri State TD

Jacob Clark rolls out to his left, gets a corner to bite and throws a 39-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Dash Luke to get the Bears on the board. Arkansas State up 14-7 with 17 seconds left in the quarter.

Arkansas State strikes with deep touchdown

A deep ball from Jaylen Raynor to Corey Rucker is perfect, and he goes 71 yards to the house. The Bears’ defense isn’t looking good. It’s 14-0 with 2:51 left in the first quarter.

Missouri State moved the ball, but Arkansas State got to Jacob Clark again

The Bears got to the Red Wolves’ 36, but were flagged for holding. Their drive stalls after Jacob Clark was sacked. Wolves ball at their five.

Arkansas State quickly drives down the field for a score

The Bears struggled to tackle, and the Red Wolves took advantage. They go 55 yards in five plays to take an early 7-0 lead just four minutes in.

Missouri State goes three-and-out to start the game

The pass rush is getting after Jacob Clark with his makeshift offensive line. They’re immediately forced to punt. Wolves ball at their 45.

Missouri State vs Arkansas State pregame notes

8:03 p.m. — Missouri State will receive the opening kick.

7:56 p.m. — Nick Petrino’s offensive line is expected to be pretty thin tonight. Cash Hudson is playing, despite it looking like he’s portal-bound. But they could be down a couple more with Ebubedike Nnabugwu and others expected to be out.

7:34 p.m. — Here’s your next Missouri State football coach, which I was able to confirm. SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods will be announced as head coach on Friday morning after a Missouri State Board of Governors meeting.

7:29 p.m. — Hello, Springfield. Nice to talk to you again. What a moment for Missouri State as it participates in its first bowl game. The joy on the supporters’ faces has already made this a special night.

What time does Missouri State vs Arkansas State start?

Date: Thursday, Dec. 18
Time: 8 p.m. CT
Location: Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas

The Bears and Red Wolves are scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. CT on Thursday, Dec. 18, from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

What TV channel is Missouri State vs Arkansas State on today?

TV channel: ESPN2
Streaming: ESPN+

Missouri State will take on Arkansas State on ESPN2 with Jorge Sedano, Rodney McCloud and Victoria Arlen on the call. Streaming options for the game include ESPN+.

Watch Missouri State vs Arkansas State on ESPN+

Missouri State vs Arkansas State predictions in Xbox Bowl

Wyatt Wheeler: Missouri State over Arkansas State
Matt Hayes: Missouri State over Arkansas State
Jordan Mendoza: Missouri State over Arkansas State
Paul Meyerberg: Arkansas State over Missouri State
Erick Smith: Arkansas State over Missouri State
Eddie Timanus: Arkansas State over Missouri State
Blake Toppmeyer: Missouri State over Arkansas State

Missouri State vs Arkansas State odds, spread for Xbox Bowl

Odds courtesy of BetMGM on the morning of Monday, Dec. 15

Spread: Arkansas State -1 1/2
Over/under: 56 1/2
Moneyline: ARST -115, MOST -105

College Football Playoff schedule 2025-26

First round: Dec. 19 and 20
Quarterfinals: Dec. 31 and Jan. 2
Semifinals: Jan. 8 and 9
National championship: Jan. 19

Wyatt D. Wheeler covers Kansas State athletics for the USA TODAY Network and Topeka Capital-Journal. You can follow him on X at @WyattWheeler_, contact him at 417-371-6987 or email him at wwheeler@usatodayco.com

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