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What we learned from Mizzou football's regular-season finale vs. Arkansas

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

It was a busy week for the Missouri Tigers football team, with Eli Drinkwitz inking a new contract extension through 2031 and the Tigers taking the field against Arkansas days later.

Kevin Coleman Jr.'s pivotal 67-yard punt-return touchdown in the fourth quarter sealed Mizzou's victory over Arkansas. This special teams play was a bright spot amid Mizzou's larger struggles in that area.

Missouri dominated with its ground game, amassing 322 rushing yards, while the passing game floundered with just 25 yards. The defense excelled once more, limiting Arkansas to only one offensive touchdown and shifting momentum in Mizzou's favor.

Jamal Roberts #20 of the Missouri Tigers signals first down in the second half during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Fayetteville. By Wesley Hitt

NO. 1: HOW KEVIN COLEMAN JR. LANDED KNOCKOUT BLOW IN MIZZOU FOOTBALL’S WIN AT ARKANSAS

Kevin Coleman Jr. landed the knockout blow on Saturday. | Published November 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Maddie Hartley

Head coach Eli Drinkwitz of the Missouri Tigers walks the Battle Line Trophy off the field after the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Fayetteville. By Wesley Hitt

NO. 2: ELI DRINKWITZ BLASTS COACHING CAROUSEL RUMORS AFTER SIGNING MIZZOU EXTENSION

The Missouri Tigers fell short of initial expectations in 2025, but a 31-17 Battle Line Rivalry victory Saturday gave head coach Eli Drinkwitz another positive reason to look back on the season. | Published November 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Maddie Hartley

The Missouri Tigers won their fourth straight Battle Line Rivalry game on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. By Photo collage

NO. 3: BATTLE LINE BULLIES: MIZZOU FOOTBALL RUNS WILD TO BEAT RIVAL ARKANSAS YET AGAIN

Missouri’s regular season concluded the same way it has the last four years. | Published November 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chase Gemes

Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy celebrates a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. By Wesley Hitt

NO. 4: MIZZOU FOOTBALL REPORT CARD: GRADING THE MISSOURI TIGERS’ REGULAR SEASON FINALE

The Missouri Tigers brought home another Battle Line victory on Saturday, rolling up 322 rushing yards in a 31-17 Southeastern Conference road win over the Arkansas Razorbacks. | Published November 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Maddie Hartley

Coach Eli Drinkwitz of the Missouri Tigers looks on after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Columbia. By Jeff Le

NO. 5: ELI DRINKWITZ SIGNS CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH MIZZOU FOOTBALL AMID COACHING RUMORS

Mizzou Athletics has announced a contract extension for head football coach Eli Drinkwitz, who now is set to remain in Columbia through the 2031 season. | Published November 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Scott Chasen

Jubilant Missouri Tigers football coach Eli Drinkwitz leaves the field after MU’s win over Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. By Kate Cassady

NO. 6: WHERE WILL MIZZOU TIGERS PLAY THEIR BOWL GAME? HERE ARE SOME UPDATED PROJECTIONS

Since our last story about bowl projections, Mizzou has lost to Oklahoma and beaten Mississippi State and Arkansas to finish the regular season 8-4. | Published December 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Quentin Corpuel

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.