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Arkansas report card | Grading the Hogs after Missouri loss

FAYETTEVILLE — Any midseason momentum from a rare SEC victory did not carry over into the Battle Line Rivalry for Arkansas football

The Razorbacks (3-5, 1-4 SEC) lost their fifth consecutive game to No. 23 Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 31. The Tigers (6-2, 3-2) never trailed in a 34-10 road victory. Arkansas native and Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz continues to own this rivalry series.

Here are our grades for the Razorbacks following the blowout loss to the Tigers:

Offense grade: D

Arkansas did not own the ball against Missouri, and it came at a costly price. Four turnovers led to 24 points for the Tigers, and a botched fourth-and-1 in the first quarter turned into a fumble recovered in the end zone for Missouri. Chris Marshall was once again sidelined, and the Hogs missed his presence. Even without factoring in the giveaways, the Arkansas offense was lethargic with 288 total yards and 1.6 yards per carry.

Defense grade: C+

The defense consistently got put into unfavorable situations by its offense. For the most part, the secondary held up against quarterback Austin Simmons. The lefty finished with 179 passing yards, but the Razorbacks also failed to maintain their first-half form across. A pair of quick Missouri scores in the third period put the game out of reach.

Special teams grade: C-

Max Gilbert missed another 50-yard field goal, and the Tennessee transfer continues to disappoint. Otherwise, there weren't many big special-teams moments. Punter Jesse Ehrlich was solid.

Coaching grade: D

Going for it on fourth-and-1 inside their own 35-yard line proved to be an aggressive and incorrect decision. There was also some questionable clock management before the conclusion of the first half, but Arkansas got away with it. The biggest indictments are the penalties and turnovers for a staff that prioritizes those two categories.

Game MVP: Joker Johnson

There aren't many options for this, but Johnson had seven tackles and one tackle for loss. He was also sharp in pass coverage. Most of Missouri's damage came on the ground or off Arkansas giveaways. Wide receiver Antonio Jordan is another nominee with seven catches for 106 yards, but he also had a fumble in the fourth quarter.

Overall team grade: D

This was a slog. Arkansas didn't handle the rainy conditions, and Missouri played as if it was in cruise control. Bowl eligibility was always slim, but this loss is likely the dagger.

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