Missouri vs. Arkansas: Game Grades and Analysis for Tigers and Razorbacks

The Arkansas Razorbacks cruised to a 28-3 win over the Missouri Tigers Saturday in soggy Razorback Stadium. 

Alex Collins and the Arkansas running attack spoiled Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel’s likely final game on the Tigers’ sideline. Missouri falls to 5-7 with the loss, but could possibly still be offered a bowl bid depending on the remaining results from this week across the nation. Arkansas finishes its regular season at 7-5. 

Here is a look at how each team graded out by unit: 

Unit	First-Half Grade	Final Grade
Pass Offense	C-	D
Run Offense	C-	D+
Pass Defense	C+	B-
Run Defense	D+	D+
Special Teams	B	B
Coaching	C	C

Pass Offense

True freshman quarterback Drew Lock has struggled greatly since taking over for the suspended Maty Mauk halfway through the season and Saturday was more of the same. After getting a very minor rhythm going to end the half with a big throw to Wesley Leftwich, Lock was ineffective for the rest of the game. He finished with a measly 83 yards and an interception on 9-of-27 passing, which is just abysmal. It was not all on the quarterback, as the receivers had a tough time getting open all game. Lock is a talented player and many, including KTGR Sportswire's Brandon Kiley, are hoping he remains Missouri's quarterback: 

Run Offense

In order to have any success on offense, Missouri needed to establish a running game to take the pressure off of Lock, especially in the rainy conditions. The Tigers have the talent to do so with Russell Hansbrough and Ish Witter, but the unit only amassed 88 yards on the ground. The entire offense was anemic and the rush offense faded as Arkansas’ lead grew. 

Pass Defense

Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen entered the day among the SEC’s leaders in passing, and the Missouri pass defense had some mild success against him. Arkansas only totaled 102 passing yards with a pick, but that was largely due to the Razorbacks focus on the ground game. Still, this unit was at least respectable for the Tigers. 

Run Defense

Missouri entered the game in the top 30 nationally in rush defense, but it was gashed by Arkansas. Collins was able to burst through open holes and carry defenders for extra yards with ease as the Razorbacks averaged more than four yards per carry. Arkansas’ advantage in this aspect of the game gave the Razorbacks complete control as they milked the clock and held the ball for long stretches of time. Given Missouri’s lackluster offense, the Tigers had no chance once Collins got going. 

Special Teams

It was a busy day for the Missouri punting unit, as most of the Tigers’ drives ended in this fashion. As a result of Missouri’s offense, punter Corey Fatony was able to set a record for most punts in a season, per Austin Kim of ABC 17: 

Fatony punted eight times and kicker Andrew Baggett was good from 35 yards away. While the special teams’ contributions were rather insignificant, it was still solid. 

Coaching

It is tough to lay any criticism on Missouri on Pinkel’s final game, but the Tigers’ game plan was not too strong. The offense had its most success when the ball was spread out to the perimeter to give the Tigers’ playmakers space to run. However, Missouri continued to run dives and clog the middle of the field with receivers. A greater emphasis on zone reads and screen passes could have created more explosive plays. On defense, Missouri was simply outmatched by Arkansas’ massive offensive line and there was not much the coaching staff could do about it. Regardless, Pinkel still received praise for a great coaching career: 

Unit	First-Half Grade	Final Grade
Pass Offense	B	B-
Run Offense	A	A
Pass Defense	B+	A
Run Defense	A-	A-
Special Teams	C	B
Coaching	A-	A-

Pass Offense

Allen was quiet on the day, but he only threw 17 passes as Arkansas pounded the ball on the ground. He did not add to his 29 touchdown passes on the season and his lone interception came late in the game when Arkansas was in total command. However, Allen would have liked to play a better second half, as he only completed three passes. 

Run Offense

Collins proved his dominance Saturday, finishing with 130 yards and three touchdowns, with all of the scores coming before halftime. He also climbed the school record book with his performance:

Head coach Bret Bielema implied after the game that Collins may leave for the NFL following this season, per Sports Talk With Bo's Bo Mattingly:

He certainly showed all of the qualities of a great NFL running back with his quick burst through the line of scrimmage, deft footwork and powerful running style. Arkansas’ rushing unit established the tone of the afternoon and carried the offense to victory. 

Pass Defense

Missouri struggled immensely to move the ball through the air. Much of that was due to Lock’s inaccuracy and the Tigers’ inability to create separation from the Arkansas secondary. The wet conditions also played a role. Regardless, this unit did its job against a shaky passing attack. 

Run Offense

Against a veteran offensive line, Arkansas controlled the line of scrimmage and severely limited Missouri’s rushing attack. The Tigers came in with one of the worst ground games statistically in America and Arkansas continued that trend. It was a solid effort that forced Missouri to throw often with an inexperienced quarterback on the road. 

Special Teams

With no field goal attempts and not many punts, Arkansas did not have much to show for on special teams. This is generally a good sign of a team’s performance. However, the unit got away with a major blemish as a first half punt from Missouri bounced off of Santos Ramirez’s leg, but no call was made. The ensuing drive then turned into the game’s first touchdown, but it was a major break for the Razorbacks that cannot happen again. 

Coaching

It became apparent early on that Arkansas was the better team and Bielema and his staff took advantage of Arkansas’ strengths. The offense continued to feed Collins in the rainy weather to control the game while also pressuring Lock and deploying a simple defensive game plan. Credit Bielema for a strong SEC season that resulted in five conference wins.