Three questions, one prediction for Arkansas football vs Missouri
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Arkansas football has one chance left to end a miserable losing skid.
The final opportunity comes against a new rival it hasn’t beaten since 2021.
The Razorbacks (2-9, 0-7 SEC) will host Missouri in the regular-season finale on Saturday, Nov. 29. Arkansas is still searching for its first win under interim coach Bobby Petrino, with the Hogs blowing fourth-quarter leads in three consecutive games before last weekend’s blowout defeat at Texas.
The Tigers (7-4, 3-4) are coming off a 17-6 road loss to Oklahoma. After beginning the year with five straight wins, Missouri is 2-4 in its past six games.
Here are three things to watch and a score prediction for this weekend’s contest between Arkansas and Missouri.
Can Arkansas football’s offensive line protect the quarterback?
The Tigers rank 15th nationally with 31 sacks on the season. Edge rushers Damon Wilson and Zion Young are the biggest threats, combining for 14.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss.
Arkansas’ offensive line has been solid throughout the year, but it ranks 95th in the country with 25 sacks allowed. It’ll face one final challenge to close the campaign. Tackles Corey Robinson II and E’Marion Harris must have strong showings, protecting whoever starts under center between Taylen Green and KJ Jackson.
Will Hogs’ defense cash in on Beau Pribula’s risks?
The Missouri quarterback returned from injury last week against Oklahoma. Pribula has been solid in his first full season as a starter, but costly turnovers have played a key role in the Tigers’ sputtering finish.
In his past four games, Pribula has thrown three interceptions. Missouri is 1-3 during the stretch, with its lone win coming in a double-overtime triumph over Vanderbilt.
Forcing turnovers has been a chore for Arkansas’ defense this season. Pribula should give them some opportunities.
Can Bobby Petrino finish Arkansas career on a high?
Petrino all but confirmed this would be his last game on the Arkansas sideline with a letter on social media in which he expressed his gratitude to Razorbacks’ fans.
The Hogs stuck together throughout a long losing skid, nearly pulling off dramatic upsets against Tennessee and Texas A&M. Can they give their interim leader a game to remember and finally end the winless drought? If not, it will be the third two-win season in the past eight years.
Arkansas vs Missouri prediction
Regardless of who starts at quarterback for Arkansas, it’s hard to believe the Razorbacks defense will slow down Ahmad Hardy. The Missouri running back is poised for a big game, and the Hogs will finish the season without a victory since Sept. 6. Missouri 38, Arkansas 31.
Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas football vs Missouri prediction, questions to watch
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