Mizzou Tigers Dominate Central Arkansas 61-6 in Season Opener

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Missouri Tigers opened their 2025 campaign with a resounding 61-6 victory over the Central Arkansas Bears at Faurot Field on Thursday night.

Missouri struck early as quarterback Beau Pribula connected with wide receiver Marlon Johnson on a 49-yard touchdown pass but missed the two-point try, giving the Tigers a 6-0 lead in the first quarter. Kicker Blake Craig added field goals of 49 and 55 yards to extend the margin to 12-0 by halftime.

In the second quarter, Pribula scored on a 31-yard keeper and later threw a 1-yard touchdown to tight end Brock Norfleet, pushing the score to 26-0 before the break. Running back Anthony Hardy broke the century mark with 100 rushing yards on 10 carries, including a 4-yard touchdown in the third quarter that made it 33-0. Pribula added another rushing score and third-quarter touchdown run, capping a 99-yard drive to make it 40-0.

Missouri’s offense continued to roll in the fourth quarter. Matt Zollers found Jude James for a 40-yard touchdown, and slotback Maurice Davis punched in a 3-yard score to push the advantage to 54-0. The Tigers’ defense contributed when cornerback Dante McClellan returned an interception 83 yards for a touchdown, setting the final margin at 61-0 before Central Arkansas avoided the shutout with a late 3-yard touchdown pass from Luther Richesson to Manny Smith. Richesson finished 13-for-23 for 73 yards with one interception, while Missouri outgained the Bears 583-190 in total yardage.

The emphatic win improves Missouri to 1-0 on the season and provides a statement performance as the Tigers prepare for a road trip to Kansas on September 6.