Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz on 1st half fights, ejections vs. Arkansas: 'We gotta control our emotions'

Missouri and Arkansas played a rough-and-tumble first half that featured a number of melees, including one that led to multiple ejections including players from both teams. And speaking with CBS Sports’ Amanda Guerra at half, Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz was displeased, despite a 20-0 lead.

While clearly upset with his team losing its collective cool, the coach also seemed frustrated with that carrying over into a lack of offensive execution. Drinkwitz left the impression that Missouri could’ve — should’ve — scored more in the first half, from his point of view.

“We gotta control our emotions and execute better in the red zone. Bottom line is we’re not doing what we need to do offensively to score touchdowns. And that’s going to be my key message to us at halftime,” Drinkwitz said.

After an eventful first half, @MizzouFootball leads Arkansas 20-0. Eliah Drinkwitz spoke with @AmandaGuerraCBS at the break. pic.twitter.com/ZB6SPlsyHD

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 24, 2023

It was the Cody Schrader show on offense for much of the first half for the Tigers, as the tailback carried more than 20 times for nearly 200 yards. He also tacked on a touchdown. But with only one other touchdown and a pair of drives that stalled out for field goals, Drinkwitz was left wanting more from the entire operation as the second half plays out.

And after 20 minutes to cool down and perhaps change tack on some offensive ideas, Drinkwitz is surely hoping the Tigers can keep it rolling — and keep their cool — in the second half.

Multiple players were ejected after a number of scraps came to a head in the 1st half

Emotions are running high on rivalry week, and that led to Arkansas and Missouri players getting in a fight during the second quarter of Friday afternoon’s game.

The matchup was already chippy, before Missouri offensive lineman Cam’Ron Johnson threw down Arkansas defensive lineman Zach Williams and was still going after him away from the play.

Arkansas defensive lineman John Morgan then rushed in and shoved Johnson, leading to punches being thrown and helmets being ripped off. You can watch the play unfold below.

pic.twitter.com/EAHOec6dGk

— wow that was crazy (@CowardlyDoggo) November 24, 2023

The two teams were eventually separated but not before Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou and Arkansas defensive lineman Eric Gregory and Williams were ejected.

Both teams were already heated, even before the fight broke out. Moments earlier, Missouri quarterback Brady Cook scrambled and took a late hit. That led to some pushing and shoving on the sideline. Soon after this play, things really escalated, leading to ejections.

Things got heated after Brady Cook took a late hit on the sidelines. pic.twitter.com/hzZeEp5X0q

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 24, 2023