Missouri racks up 24 points off turnovers in 34-10 win over Arkansas
Austin Simmons and Jamal Roberts led the Tigers to a decisive victory in Fayetteville, while returning star Ahmad Hardy made his season debut.
By David Almasi ·
No. 23 Missouri defeated Arkansas 34-10 on Saturday night in Fayetteville, Ark., converting four turnovers into 24 points to secure the win. The Tigers improved to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the Southeastern Conference, while the Razorbacks fell to 3-5 overall and 1-4 in conference play.
The game’s turning point arrived in the third quarter. After leading 13-7 at halftime without scoring an offensive touchdown, Missouri shifted the momentum. Austin Simmons threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Donovan Olugbode. Later in the same period, Jamal Roberts ran for two yards to score. These plays extended the Missouri lead to 27-7 with 9:47 remaining in the game.
Jamal Roberts finished with 158 total yards and two touchdowns. He rushed for 138 yards on 23 carries and caught three passes for 20 yards. Austin Simmons contributed 179 passing yards and two touchdowns. In the fourth quarter, Simmons connected with Roberts for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 7:19 left to close the scoring.
Missouri’s defense generated the majority of its points. The Tigers recovered three fumbles and one interception. Darris Smith recovered a fumble in the end zone late in the first quarter, giving Missouri a 10-0 lead. The team converted the other three turnovers for 14 additional points. Arkansas quarterback KJ Jackson completed 20 of 34 passes for 229 yards and added a rushing touchdown.
Ahmad Hardy, an All-American running back, returned to the field for his first action of the season. He missed the previous seven games after being shot in the leg during an outdoor concert in May. Hardy carried the ball twice in the first quarter for a total of five yards. Head coach Eliah Drinkwitz stated that Hardy looked good in practice and had no medical reasons to sit out.
Arkansas struggled to gain yardage on the ground, managing only 59 rushing yards on 36 carries. Missouri will host No. 11 Texas on Saturday, Nov. 7. Arkansas will travel to Auburn for its next game on the same date.
