Missouri backfield shifts after fifth straight Arkansas win
Ahmad Hardy returned, Preston Hatfield earned a larger opportunity and right tackle Luke Work continued to struggle.
| Kickoff | 3:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Venue | Razorback Stadium |
| Spread | Missouri -4.5 |
| Total | 54.5 |
| TV | Not announced yet |
|---|
The TV network for Missouri at Arkansas is set by the conference's TV partners closer to game week. Each school's radio network carries the game.
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Follow the full play-by-play and box score →Missouri beat Arkansas 34-10 for its fifth straight Battle Line Rivalry victory, responding to a 28-point loss at Ole Miss with changes across the offense and a healthier running back rotation.
Demarion Fowlkes gained ground in the offensive plan. The sophomore carried 3 times for 18 yards and drew 2 targets from Simmons, extending a three-game rise in playing time. After averaging 5.8 offensive snaps from weeks 2-5, Fowlkes has averaged 18 per game over the past 3 weeks.
Blake Craig also delivered a needed rebound after recording a miss in 5 of the previous 6 games. In difficult weather at Fayetteville, Craig made a 31-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 53-yarder early in the second, helping Missouri take a six-point lead into halftime. It was the Tigers’ first game with a 100% field-goal rate since Troy.
Ahmad Hardy returned for 5 offensive snaps and carried twice for 5 yards. Eli Drinkwitz said Tuesday that Missouri plans to use more of a rotation between Hardy and Jamal Roberts. True freshman Preston Hatfield added 49 yards on 3 carries, including a 37-yard run down the right sideline, after previously receiving offensive touches only against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Hatfield’s emergence and Hardy’s return reshaped the depth behind Roberts. Xai’Shaun Edwards did not play an offensive snap against Arkansas after logging 3 against Texas A&M and 3 at Ole Miss, leaving his place in the rotation less certain as Hatfield earns opportunities.
The clearest concern remains at right tackle. Luke Work was penalized twice against Arkansas, including once on a play that erased a 12-yard Brett Norfleet gain. According to PFF data cited by Rock M Nation, Work has not posted an offensive grade above 55.6 over the past 4 games and allowed 10 pressures during that stretch. His 13 pressures allowed this season lead the team as he fills in for Josh Atkins, who is out for the season with an injury.
Why it matters
Missouri now has more options behind Jamal Roberts, with Ahmad Hardy back and Preston Hatfield making a case for additional carries. Luke Work’s recent pressure and penalty numbers leave right tackle as an ongoing concern.
What to watch next
Watch how Missouri divides snaps among Hardy, Roberts, Hatfield and Edwards after Drinkwitz said the Tigers plan to use more of a rotation.
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