Missouri defeats Arkansas-Pine Bluff in season opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 4:12 PM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Missouri opened its season with a 54-14 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Memorial Stadium on Wednesday night. The Missouri defense held the Golden Lions to six total yards and negative rushing yardage during the first half. While the offense produced the bulk of the scoring, the defense prevented the opponent from crossing midfield until the second half. Defensive back Elijah Dotson recorded three tackles and a tackle for loss, while the defensive front focused on neutralizing the rushing attack. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz noted that the team must continue to improve its pass rush and shed blocks in future matchups. The Tigers now move forward with a focus on refining communication within the secondary.
- •Missouri beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 54-14 in Columbia on Wednesday.
- •The Tigers allowed only six total yards throughout the first half.
- •Arkansas-Pine Bluff did not cross midfield until the second half.
- •Elijah Dotson recorded three tackles and forced a fumble.
- •Coach Eli Drinkwitz identified pass rush and block-shedding as areas needing improvement.
- 4:12 PMYahoo Sports — Mizzou Football: Death Row Defense Alive and Well in Season Opener
"MU’s offense will grab most of the headlines from Thursday’s win. The defense’s first half might be just as important.
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