Earlier within the offseason we previewed what a doable schedule would appear like for Missouri in 2024 and 2025 when Oklahoma and Texas be a part of the convention subsequent 12 months.
In that article, we briefly touched on the groups that may doubtless make Mizzou’s three everlasting opponents within the 3-6 mannequin schedule.
Within 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.
Right here, we’ll broaden on the earlier article and provides a extra detailed case as to why Missouri-Arkansas ought to proceed to be a everlasting rivalry.
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Historic context, fan engagement and geography
In a historic context, this is likely one of the brisker rivalries with simply 10 video games being performed since Missouri joined the Southeastern Convention 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 time, particularly as they proceed to purchase into the rivalry as time passes.
Then again, this rivalry being discontinued would not be the identical as if Alabama-Auburn was discontinued. The previous 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 preserve 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.
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Ahead Trevon Brazile transferred to Arkansas this previous offseason and solely performed 9 video games resulting from a torn ACL. An harm 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.
If a soccer rivalry can translate to different sports activities then which means each fan bases care in regards to the rivalry.
Extra lately on the soccer aspect 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 residence.
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 top teaching place at UNLV.
What the colleges lack in historic context would not present up with regards 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 couple of four-and-a-half-hour drive.
That means not solely is it driveable however relying on when kickoff is, followers of whoever the street crew is may presumably make the journey and return residence all in in the future.
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A rivalry is that significantly better when followers of each packages can attend each residence and street contests.
Competitiveness and key performances
On this collection, 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 steadiness to the rivalry regardless of the Tigers popping out on high extra occasions than not.
One other a part of what makes rivalries nice is the stakes and who reveals up most when it issues essentially the most.
Final season, Missouri wanted to beat the Razorbacks within the regular-season finale if it wished to complete the season 6-6 and clinch a berth in a bowl sport and it did that with a 29-27 win.
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Quarterback Brady Cook dinner had one in every of his higher video games of the season (versus a Energy 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 vast 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, essentially the most high-scoring affair of the collection, 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.
4 completely different receivers had 5 or extra catches for 45 yards or extra with Keke Chism main the best way with six receptions for 113 yards.
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Kicker Harrison Mevis transformed all 5 of his area aim makes an attempt with a protracted of 51 and all 5 of his additional factors.
In the meantime, 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.
Working 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 area aim.
Throughout that contest, Missouri quarterback Drew Lock would full 25 of 42 passes for 448 yards 5 touchdowns and a pair of interceptions.
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Vast receiver J’Mon Moore would report 10 catches for 160 yards and a landing whereas fellow receiver Emanuel Corridor 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 aspect 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 best way 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 collection since Mizzou joined the SEC was most likely the sport with essentially the most at stake up to now.
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.
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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.
Working 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
Briefly, the groups’ pre-existing rivalry, fan engagement, proximity to one another and aggressive steadiness is the reasoning behind why this ought to be a rivalry that continues in a 3-6 mannequin schedule.
Under, is a five-star ranking system based mostly on historic context, fan engagement and geography and competitiveness.
Historic context: 2 out of 5
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Fan engagement and geography: 4.5 out of 5
Competitiveness: 4 out of 5
General: 3.5 stars out of 5
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With the dead period just a month away, the Arkansas Razorbacks will be conducting multiple official visits over the next few weeks.
The past weekend, head coach Sam Pittman and his staff hosted eight 2026 prospects that included current commitments Jayvon Gilmore, a three-star quarterback from South Carolina, and Hot Springs Lakeside three-star offensive lineman Tucker Young.
The other six are also names to watch who could possibly be the next to give their pledge to Arkansas for the 2026 class.
The Razorbacks plan to host prospects over the next three weekends (June 6-8, June 13-15, June 20-22) until the dead period kicks in on June 23 and it will not conclude until July 31.
Richard Davenport has covered recruiting for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and wholehogsports.com since 2007. He appears weekly on “The Morning Rush” with Tye Richardson and Tommy Craft on 95.3 FM in Fort Smith, 96.3 FM in Hot Springs, 104.3 FM in Harrison/Mountain Home and 99.5 FM in Fayetteville, and on “Out of Bounds” with Wess Moore and Joe Franklin on 103.7 FM in Little Rock.
Arkansas pours it on Creighton to advance to regional final
FAYETTEVILLE – The overall No. 3-seed Arkansas Razorbacks (45-13) took it to Creighton (42-15) in a 12-1 rout in the semifinal round of the Fayetteville Regional Saturday night at Baum-Walker Stadium.
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Junior southpaw Zach Root twirled a gem, posting six scoreless innings of three-hit ball with seven strikeouts while issuing only one walk.
SEC Player of the Year Wehiwa Aloy and Ryder Helfrick each went yard twice, while Cam Kozeal hit his third long ball in as many games and Logan Maxwell also recorded multiple hits. Every Arkansas hitter reached base safely at least once.
Arkansas will take on the winner of Creighton/North Dakota State in the Fayetteville Regional Final tomorrow night at 8 p.m. CT.
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RECAP
Top 1st:
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Charles Davalan worked a seven-pitch at-bat against Big East Freshman of the Year Wilson Magers for a leadoff walk. Creighton nearly turned two on a grounder by Wehiwa Aloy to short, Davalan was tagged out at second but Aloy reaches after first baseman Will MacLean mishandled the throw.
Bluejays record the second out on a pop out by Logan Maxwell, then Aloy attempted to steal second and the throw was too high. Aloy hesitated and sprinted towards third, but is not able to beat the tag.
Bottom 1st:
Junior lefty Zach Root started the bottom of the frame with his first strikeout on a 1-2 count, getting Tate Gillen looking on a nasty breaking ball. Matt Scherrman knocked a single up the middle past Wehiwa Aloy, he reached first but the second Bluejay is put away at on a fielder’s choice tagging Scherrman at second. Ben North grounds out to end the inning.
Top 2nd:
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Helfrick grounded out down the third base line but a red hot Cam Kozeal continued his tear with a one-out solo oppo bomb to left field, his 15th long ball of the season and third in as many games. Magers got Kuhio Aloy swinging on a full count on the ensuing at-bat before Brent Iredale barreled a single into left and the Hogs got two runners on via a four-pitch walk that was issued to Reese Robinett.
9-hole hitter Justin Thomas Jr. knocked a single to deep short and the throw to second is bobbled resulting in the bases loading up with Hogs. Iredale comes home after Davalan is plunked on a two-pitch at-bat. The bases are left stranded after Magers got Wehiwa swinging on a full count.
Bottom 2nd:
Connor Capece nearly got Creighton on the board, but Davalan is able to get under the deep fly ball to left with the sun in his eyes. Teddy Deters took first after Root dinged hm on the foot then the Hogs almost got out of the inning, but the 6-4-3 comes up just short as MacLean beat the throw to first after Wehiwa recorded the out at second. Maxwell emphatically ends the frame on a Superman catch on the right field line.
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Top 3rd:
Right after his web gem play, Maxwell knocked a leadoff single up the middle and Ryder Helfrick lines a single through the left side to put two runners on with no outs. Kozeal tattooed a two-RBI double to right at nearly 100 MPH off of the barrel to give the Hogs a 3-0 advantage with two runners in scoring position. Magers got Kuhio swinging on an off-speed low in the dirt for the first out.
Iredale grounded out to third and Scherrman throws home in time to get a sliding Helfrick out. However, a single to right by Robinett on the next at-bat brought Kozeal home.
Bottom 3rd:
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Root completes his first 1-2-3 inning of the night, finishing the frame getting Scherrman looking for his second strikeout.
Top 4th:
Shea Wendt relieved Magers, who allowed seven hits with four strikeouts through three innings. Charles Davalan chopped to second on a first pitch swing and is out at first on the throw. Wehiwa drew a one-out, full count walk and advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch.
Maxwell went down swinging, but Wendt issued two his second and third free pass of the inning to Helfrick and Kozeal to juice the bases. Kozeal is out at second on a fielder’s choice and the Hogs leave the bases juiced for the second time.
Bottom 4th:
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Root has really settled in and starts the inning with a strikeout swinging against Nolan Sailor and then punched out the third consecutive Creighton batter on a 96 MPH 2-seamer. After sitting down six straight batters, Root issues a 3-1 walk to Capece and then Deters singled to right putting runners on first and second for the Bluejays prompting pitching coach Matt Hobbs to visit the mound. Root rebounded and got MacLean looking on a breaking ball to escape.
Top 5th:
Iredale flied out to right on a first pitch swing and the Hogs continued the streak of getting a runner on safely in each inning as Robinett jogged to first after being issued a walk. Robinett stole second after Thomas fouled out the third, then Davalan was issued a four-pitch walk with two away.
Wehiwa extended the Arkansas lead to 7-0 with a three-run bomb to left for his 19th homer of 2025 and second of May.
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Bottom 5th:
Dakota Duffalo hits back to the mound and, in a juggling act, Root collects and throws to first for the out. Kyle Hess grounds out to third then Root got Gillen looking for his sixth strikeout of the evening to sit down the side in order for the second time.
Top 6th:
Helfrick leads off the inning with a bang by smashing the Hogs’ third long ball of the night.
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Wendt retired the next two batters but issued his sixth walk to Iredale to keep the inning going. Iredale advanced to second on a wild pitch, then Robinett got a free pass to first on another walk issued by Wendt. A deep flyout to right by Thomas stranded Iredale and Robinett.
Bottom 6th:
Root records his seventh strikeout getting Scherrman looking on a 2-2 count. Wehiwa stumbled, but completed the out at first on a grounder by Sailors, but Ben North tagged Root for his first extra base hit of the night. Damage was avoided when Capece grounded right to Kozeal.
Top 7th:
Anthony Unga came on to pitch and Davalan worked a full count to draw yet another walk, then stole second. Wehiwa launched his second rocket of the evening nearly 400 feet for a two-run shot to make it 10-0, then Maxwell continued the offensive momentum with a single up the middle.
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Not to be outdone, Helfrick smacked his second long ball, also to left, for two more RBI prompting Creighton to bring Shane Curtin to the mound, who got Kozeal swinging on three pitches to record the first out.
Working around a runner on first, Curtin issued a four-pitch walk to Kuhio and struck out the rest of the side as the top half mercifully ended.
Bottom 7th:
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Fresh out of stretch time, Ben Bybee relieved Root, who tossed six scoreless innings and struck out seven. Bybee began his outing issuing a full count walk, then responded with a strikeout against McLean with a 94-MPH fastball up in the zone.
A single by pinch hitter Jack Torosian got something going for Creighton, putting runners on first and second, then a walk issued to Hess juiced the bags. The Bluejays got their first run on the board via a fielder’s choice to make it 12-1 with two away, but a flyout to Thomas in center completed the frame.
Top 8th:
The Bluejays sat down the first two Hogs before Curtin issued Creighton’s 11th free pass to Wehiwa on a four-pitch walk. At the plate pinch hitting for Logan Maxwell, Kendall Diggs went down looking.
Bottom 8th:
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Freshman Steele Eaves, a Lonoke native, takes over on the mound and struck out Sailors on five pitches. Eaves completed the 1-2-3 inning with consecutive groundouts to third.
Top 9th:
Helfrick leads off the inning with a full count walk, but the Bluejays turned two on a Kozeal groundout to second. After reaching base twice previously via walks, Kuhio records his first hit on a single to left-center. A sprinting Deters gets under an Iredale fly ball in right for the final out.
Bottom 9th:
Colin Fisher is on the mound to finish off the Bluejays. A Jaxon Goldberg single through the right side was sandwiched between two flyouts to center field. Fisher got Hess swinging to end the game.
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Box Score
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