Missouri Tigers (9-2) vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (4-7)
Missouri Tigers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks 11/24/23 – The Missouri Tigers (9-2) will square off against the Arkansas Razorbacks (4-7) in an SEC East vs SEC West rivalry clash on Friday, November 24th. This annual Battle Line matchup is always intense, and the Top College Football picks suggest another competitive showdown awaits.
The Tigers’ offense flows through quarterback Brady Cook, who distributes the ball efficiently to weapons like running back Cody Schrader and wide receiver Luther Burden III. Cook has thrown for over 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns by completing 67% of his passes. His decision-making and accuracy will be vital against Arkansas. Schrader has been a workhorse, racking up 1,272 rush yards and 12 scores on 5.8 yards per carry. Burden is a dynamite freshman receiver with 77 catches for 1,142 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging nearly 15 yards per reception.
The Razorbacks will rely on dual-threat quarterback KJ Jefferson, running back AJ Green and wideout Andrew Armstrong on offense. Jefferson has passed for 2,105 yards and 19 touchdowns this season, while adding nearly 500 rush yards. He is capable of monster games but has struggled with 8 interceptions and 3 lost fumbles. When Jefferson limits turnovers, his athleticism gives Arkansas a spark. Green averages 5 yards per rush attempt as the lead back. Armstrong leads the receiving corps with 52 catches for 724 yards and 4 touchdowns while averaging almost 14 yards per catch.
Missouri Tigers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks 11/24/23 Game Info
| When: | Friday, November 24, 2023 at 4:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Brady Cook QB vs. KJ Jefferson QB
Cook has taken his game to another level as a junior, completing 67% of his throws for 3,077 yards and 18 scores against just 6 picks. He has shown mastery running the Missouri offense with excellent decision-making and ability to spread the ball around. Cook displays nice touch and accuracy on his passes, able to thread the needle into tight windows. He also brings underrated mobility, chipping in over 400 rushing yards to diversify the offensive attack. Cook engineers long, methodical drives by converting third downs both through the air and with his legs. He has proven adept at making big-time plays late to salt away Tiger victories. His rapport with top receiver Luther Burden III has blossomed down the stretch as well. Cook’s savvy, mistake-free play and leadership must continue against the Razorbacks.
Jefferson has battled through injuries but remains one of the top talents in the SEC when healthy. He has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns with his powerful throwing arm and imposing dual-threat abilities. When his mechanics are sound, Jefferson can make any throw with ease. He excels attacking downfield off play-action and bootlegs thanks to elite arm strength. Jefferson also brings a physical rushing dimension (425 yards, 6 TD) that makes him a constant threat on zone reads and QB power runs. But he has been turnover-prone (8 interceptions) while working behind a porous offensive line. Jefferson’s decision making and ball security haven’t been up to his usual standards. For Arkansas to have a chance at pulling the upset, their senior leader must avoid the big mistake in his final Battle Line Rivalry showdown. Jefferson has the ability to erupt for a monster game if he’s disciplined.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Missouri Tigers -300, Total Odds: 54.5
The visiting Tigers open as 7.5 point favorites despite being on the road against their rival. Missouri has gone 4-1 against the spread (ATS) over their previous 5 overall. Meanwhile the total has trended over in Razorback games, going over the number in 10 of their last 14 matchups.
Missouri Tigers Betting Trends
The Tigers have excelled from a betting perspective recently, covering in 4 straight games. Missouri is a stellar 9-2 straight up in their last 11 contests overall as well. However, they have struggled against the spread when facing the Razorbacks, going just 2-4 ATS over the past 6 head-to-head meetings. Still, the Tigers have fared admirably away from home, covering in 6 of their previous 7 road tilts.
Arkansas Razorbacks Betting Trends
Arkansas has been dreadful down the stretch, losing 7 of their last 9 games straight up. Totals have still trended over more often than not, going over in 10 of the Razorbacks’ past 14 matchups. When facing Missouri specifically, under bets have cashed at a high rate (8 of the previous 11 clashes). Arkansas’ home field edge has also evaporated, failing to cover in their last 5 Fayetteville showdowns.
Missouri Tigers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks 11/24/23 Betting Picks
This is always a hard-fought rivalry battle no matter the circumstances. But Missouri seems to hold a clear edge on paper behind their efficient offense and lockdown defensive unit. Arkansas simply makes too many crippling mistakes to win a close game like this. Laying under a touchdown on the road seems like the savvy play for those who enjoy the leading handicapper predictions. Meanwhile, the over looms as the sharper total wager given these teams’ tendencies to play high-scoring affairs in rivalry games.
Free Pick and Prediction: Missouri Tigers 34, Arkansas Razorbacks 24