Eli Drinkwitz trolls Sam Pittman following Battle Line Trophy win

The Missouri Tigers survived a close one on Saturday against rival Arkansas, beating them at home 29-27 and capturing the Battle Line Trophy . With the victory, the Tigers are now officially bowl-eligible. It is the third consecutive year under head coach Eli Drinkwitz that Missouri has qualified for a bowl game. This marks the first time it has happened since they’re run from 2009 to 2011 when they were still a part of the Big 12 conference. After the game, in his post-game interview, Drinkwitz gave credit to his Tigers for a hard-fought season and even snuck in a slight jab at Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman to close.

“Tribute to our players. They made big-time plays when they needed it,” said Drinkwitz. “Our defense; our punter punted a great one; it’s a total team win. It’s been a hard-fought 12-round fight. I told them today that if we won the fight… hey, this is for you man, Barrett Banister, we did it. We did it. M.I.Z.”

Before closing the interview, Drinkwitz used Pittman’s signature “yes sir.”

Missouri won the battle doing something many other teams struggled to do this season, keep Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson from taking over and controlling the game. Against the Tigers’ defense, Jefferson completed twenty of his 27 pass attempts for 205 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Where Missouri really locked in on the razorback signal caller was limiting his dynamic dual-threat ability. Jefferson finished the game with just 38 yards rushing on 19 carries with one touchdown.

For the Tigers’ offense, quarterback Brady Cook showed off his dual-threat capability, going 16-26 through the air for 242 yards with one touchdown. On the ground, he carried the ball 18 times for 138 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Missouri now moves to 6-6 on the season end and finishes the year 3-5 in conference play. Now all the Tigers and Drinkwitz have to do is wait and see what bowl game they will be a part of to close their 2022 season.