Three reasons Missouri will beat Arkansas in Battle Line Rivalry

Missouri isn’t favored, but the Tigers’ defense gives them a good chance against Arkansas on Friday.

The Battle Line Rivalry hasn’t had a ton of stakes in most iterations since Missouri joined the SEC.

It does Friday.

Arkansas would feel better about its season with a 7-5 record as opposed to a 6-6 one. Missouri needs a victory over the Razorbacks to reach bowl eligibility at 6-6, itself.

The Hogs have more momentum, if that’s such a thing, coming off a massive victory over Ole Miss in Week 12. Missouri has dropped two straight SEC games, but beat New Mexico State last week to put itself into position qualify for the postseason with a final win.

The Tigers may only have two SEC wins, but every loss they’ve had but one (Tennessee) was by a just a single possession. And armed with one of the best defenses in the conference, Mizzou could surprise and pull an upset Friday.

Here’s how.