Missouri dominates Central Arkansas, with Beau Pribula scoring 4 touchdowns, driving the team to victory.
Missouri Tigers Dominate Central Arkansas in Season Opener
In a lopsided victory, the Missouri Tigers defeated Central Arkansas 61-6 in their season opener, held in Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers' star of the game was Beau Pribula, who accounted for an impressive 348 total yards and four touchdowns.
Pribula's impressive performance began early, as he threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to Marquis Johnson just 3:54 into the game. He added a 31-yard rushing touchdown at 6:48 in the first half, and led a 99-yard touchdown drive, ending with a 1-yard pass to Brett Norfleet for a 26-0 halftime lead. In the third quarter, Pribula capped another 99-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.
Pribula completed 23 out of 28 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed 10 times for 65 yards and two scores. His performance in the season opener may have secured him the starting quarterback position for the game against Kansas on September 6, as no decision has been made on a permanent starting quarterback.
Matt Zollers threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Jude James in the fourth quarter, and Blake Craig made field goals of 49 and 55 yards. Marquise Davis had a 3-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, and Ahmad Hardy scored a 4-yard touchdown run on the second half's first possession.
Unfortunately, the game was marred by an injury to quarterback Sam Horn, who suffered a right leg injury on a 6-yard run early in the game. He was seen on crutches with a leg brace and did not play again in the game. After halftime, Horn was seen on the sideline with a leg cast and crutches.
The Bears were outgained 560-232 in total yards, and were unable to mount a serious challenge against the Tigers' dominant offense. As Missouri moves forward, they will be looking to build on their strong start to the season, with Pribula potentially leading the way at quarterback.
