The excitement was palpable as Missouri opened up its season tonight against Central   Arkansas. A multitude of stories had fans zoned in, whether it be the quarterback competition between Penn State transfer Beau Pribula, and redshirt junior and former 4-star recruit, Sam Horn. The offensive line left many wondering, as Cayden Green made the transition to left tackle, Curtis Peagler, a former walk-on , plugged into right guard, and Keagan Trost and Dominick Giudice were plugged in as well.

Central Arkansas won the toss to open up the game and elected to receive, which gave Missouri fans a chance to see this Tiger defense that has been hyped up by many. Blake Craig would send it to the back of the end zone. Central Arkansas got a six yard rush to start the game. Missouri forces a three and out on the first drive, thanks to a holding call. 

Q The offense would take the yield and Beau Pribula would make his presence felt, as he got a first down carry. After a run from Ahmad Hardy, Pribula would connect with Marquis Johnson on a long ball for a TD. Johnson ran a go and it was a tremendous ball from Pribula, giving the Tigers a 6-0 lead to start the game with 11:06 to go. 

The first half continued on this trend, with Pribula impressing. The first year QB would lead Missouri down the field, but unfortunately the drive stalled, which resulted in Blake Craig seeing his first piece of action. Craig would knock down a 49 yarder to put the score at 9-0. 

On Missouri’s next drive, Pribula would lead his offense down the field, but after a Central Arkansas sack, Craig would nail a 55 yarder to put the score at 12-0. Something of note during this drive was Pribula’s chemistry with Donovan Olugbode. Early in the drive, Pribula connected with the talented freshman for two receptions in a row, both on curl concepts. 

The next drive was the shortest, but one of the most impressive. Missouri would start at the Central Arkansas 33, due to a 44 yard punt return from Kevin Coleman Jr. Pribula would open the drive with a two yard completion to Coleman Jr, and then sparks would fly. On 2nd and 8, Pribula would drop back, evade the rush, step up, pump fake a defender, and then proceed to take it to the house for a 31 yard TD run. 

The Missouri defense would put a stop to Central Arkansas yet again, however it was capped off by a very impressive punt that pinned Missouri at the 1 yard line with roughly 3:40 on the clock in the half to go. Missouri would open up the drive with a few short runs and on 3rd and 2, Pribula would get the first on an 11 yard scamper out of bounds. Pribula would then connect with Joshua Manning three consecutive times for three first downs, which put the Tigers at the opposing 38. After an 8 yard completion to Brett Norfleet, as well as a Norfleet injury scare that ensued, Pribula would find his rhythm with Marquis Johnson, combining for 30 yards on two plays, putting the Tigers at the two yard line. Ahmad Hardy would run for one yard and after a failed tush push (yes they tried that), Pribula would find Brett Norfleet for his first touchdown of the season. 

On the Tigers starting quarterback’s last drive, he would lead the Tigers on a 7 play, 85 yard drive, marked by a 44 yard deep ball to Marquis Johnson, ending in a 1 yard Ahmad Hardy TD run. 

True freshman Matt Zollers would get some game time later on, even throwing his first college touchdown pass to tight end, Jude James. 

Marquise Davis would get his first touchdown run as well. 

What did we learn?

• Beau Pribula could be better than anticipated: Heading into today’s game, this was Beau Pribula’s first ever college start. While many expected a decent outing given the opponent, Pribula impressed, and then some. After all, his first ever pass as a Tiger was a 49 yard touchdown bomb to Marquis Johnson.

Despite an offensive line that largely struggled, Pribula looked comfortable in the pocket, as he posted an impressive stat line of 23/28, 283 yards, and two passing touchdowns. Pribula also added 65 yards on 10 carries, with an impressive 31 yard TD run and a walk-in touchdown from the one yard line. Pribula showed that he can share the ball with a multitude of receivers, displaying solid chemistry with the likes of Kevin Coleman, Marquis Johnson, Joshua Manning, and Donovan Olugbode. If Pribula can continue this, maybe not to this magnitude however, Missouri could be set for a terrific season.

• This offensive line needs work: Early in this game, this offensive line showed that it’s a very new unit and one that has been moved around. Early into this game, Curtis Peagler notched a false start penalty, Cayden Green a holding, Giudice with a holding, etc. In short, the flags were flying. Pribula was sacked only once, but was hurried numerous times and definitely suffered one too many hits in the pocket. In the second half, the offensive line improved, which is a good sign heading into week two. If this offensive line looks poor against the Bears, it’s hard to have optimism for how they could hold up against better competition.

• Missouri has so many weapons: Before I share the much deserved love to the wide receiver group, let’s give love to Ahmad Hardy. Despite receiving a limited amount of carries, Hardy made his presence felt. Hardy rushed only 10 times, but amassed 100 yards, as well as one touchdown. Hardy was as advertised. For the receivers, I was thoroughly impressed by the well-roundedness and target share. Marquis Johnson led the room with 5 receptions for 134 yards, as well as one touchdown. Joshua Manning had 4 receptions for 53 yards, Kevin Coleman had 6 for 48, and Donovan Olugbode had 4 receptions for 37. I think it’s clear that this receiver room is deep and talented. 

Overall, it’s what you would have expected, but I was impressed. Good win from the Tigers tonight.

The Tigers would win 61-6.