Arkansas looks to build off its 35-14 win over Louisiana Tech and will finish the regular season on the road against No. 23 Missouri in the Battle Line Rivalry. Head coach Sam Pittman met with the media to discuss the rivalry with the Tigers.
Previewing Missouri
The Razorbacks have yet to win in Columbia, Missouri, and have only won twice since the Tigers joined the SEC in 2014, becoming Arkansas’ end-of-season rival. Pittman was asked about the significance of the rivalry.
“Well, I think Missouri is right up there at the top of rivals for us,” Pittman said. “Texas certainly would be one, LSU would be one, but I think Missouri ranks up there at the top.”
With the Razorbacks being winless at Missouri, Pittman has used this as added motivation for his players.
“On Monday you have a presentation of their football team, and I think that certainly is part of it,” Pittman said. “Anything that you think can be a little bit more of a motivator, which they shouldn’t need anything else. We’re playing for a trophy.”
Missouri has been led by senior quarterback Brady Cook, who has spent his entire college career with the Tigers and has found success against the Hogs.
“Obviously, he’s a veteran,” Pittman said. “He’s a really good player, but I think what he brings to the team with his legs, his arm and his leadership is important. He’s won a lot of games as a starting quarterback in Missouri, so certainly having him back for Missouri puts a lot more on his ability to run. We have to watch that, and of course, he throws the deep ball and play action about as good as anybody.”
Player Progression for Arkansas
During the offseason, Arkansas brought in several new faces, none perhaps as important as quarterback Taylen Green, who transferred from Boise State and has been a key piece for this year’s offense.
“I think Taylen is improving and doing a good job for us,” Pittman said. “Every quarterback in the country is going to miss a wide-open throw every now and then, but I think he’s improving, and I’m glad he’s our quarterback.”
Entering the season, one of the biggest question marks for the Razorbacks was the linebacker position. As the season winds down, offseason additions have paid off, and Pittman offered high praise for sophomore Brad Spence.
“The one that really sticks out is Spence,” Pittman said. “He’s proven to be a good pass rusher, he’s got a couple of sacks in the last two games. I like that room [linebackers]. We need them all back next year, and so we’ll go to work on that pretty soon.”
Arkansas will take on No. 23 Missouri on Nov. 30 at 2:30 p.m. CST in Columbia, Missouri.
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