Missouri vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff Prediction: Can the Tigers Start Strong?
Fresh off the thrill of declaring itself the 1960 national champion, Missouri looks to keep the momentum going against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
The Missouri vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff game, set for Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN, will take place at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, who started the season with a 35-15 victory over Morehouse College, enters the matchup having faced only one FBS team last year and lost to Texas Tech 67-7. Missouri, however, has been preparing for this season by battling through three FCS opponents, compiling a combined score of 147-16.
The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Tigers have a couple of advantages. Garrison Davis threw for 182 yards and two touchdowns against Morehouse, and Demetric Whitlock contributed 160 yards and three scores on the ground. The team's passing game was solid, and the introduction of new players from the portal should provide a boost. On the other side, Missouri's defensive line should be able to dominate without having to worry about a pass rush.
However, Missouri's star back Ahmad Hardy is still recovering from a gunshot wound, leaving the ground game in capable hands with Jamal Roberts and Houston Christian transfer Xai’Shaun Edwards. Both teams are poised for a fun exhibition game, with Missouri's running game and Austin Simmons, a transfer quarterback from Ole Miss, expected to shine. The latest consensus line is Missouri -54.5, Over/Under 60.5, with a confidence rating of 1 out of 5.
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