Sam Pittman answers where Missouri sits on Arkansas' rivalry list

Arkansas feels like they have a laundry list of rivalry games to get through each season. Especially since Texas is now back on the schedule, rekindling an old Southwest Conference showdown as members of the SEC. Last but not least in 2024 will be the Missouri Tigers, playing for the Battle Line Trophy.

Head coach Sam Pittman was asked where Mizzou falls on the program’s rivalry list. He believes they are right up there, if not at the top. Texas and LSU were mentioned by Pittman as well with one omission being notable — Texas A&M.

“I think Missouri is right up there at the top of rivals for us,” Pittman said. “I think if you ask our team — obviously, we have several trophy games. I would think Missouri one, Texas certainly would be one. LSU would be one. But I think Missouri ranks up there at the top.”

There is not too much history between Arkansas and Missouri. Saturday will be just the 14th-ever meeting between the two. When the SEC expanded back in 2012, they became cross-divisional opponents for each other, and the game was played over Thanksgiving weekend.

Pittman has not had too much success against Missouri. Just one of the four matchups has gone his way as the head coach. Two of the losses have been by a combined four points as Arkansas has come quite close on several occasions.

As for the other rivalries mentioned by Pittman, the LSU game has a trophy involved too. The Golden Boot goes to the winner each year, currently being held by the Tigers. Before Missouri came to the SEC, this was the season finale around Thanksgiving for both teams.

Texas is the old-school rivalry and certainly means a ton to older fans. Some juice might be needed before the pure hatred between them is back.

For now, Pittman is happy where Arkansas and its rivalry against Missouri stand. If he believes this is the Razorbacks’ top foe, Saturday is going to mean a whole lot to the players.