Pribula impresses, Horn hurt in Mizzou’s season-opening win
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mizzou Football has kicked off the 2025 season with a dominating win.
You can watch extended highlights of MU's routing of the Central Arkansas in the video player below.
The Tigers (1-0) cruised to a 61-6 victory over Central Arkansas (0-1) in their season opener, behind an impressive debut from quarterback Beau Pribula.
You can watch the full postgame presser from head coach Eli Drinkwitz in the video player below.
Pribula finished the game 23-for-28 with 283 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air. He also added 10 carries for 65 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
"You know, I think it was a fast start, but there is always things we can improve. So, we're gonna enjoy this one for a little bit, but there's definitely things to improve. I thought there was some situations today, like the two minute drill, there was some coming out situations. Just winning that middle eight, I thought that was big for our growth and I think the guys did a great job," Pribula said.
You can watch the full postgame press conference with Pribula in the video player below.
Pribula's first big connection as a Tiger came just minutes into the game. The Penn State transfer found receiver Marquis Johnson for a 49-yard touchdown with 11 minutes left in the first quarter. That kickstarted a big day for the junior wide receiver, as he ended with five receptions for 134 yards.
You can watch the full postgame press conference with Johnson in the video player below.
However, in the midst of MU's ongoing quarterback competition, Sam Horn suffered an apparent leg injury on his first snap of the game. The team ruled him 'out' for the remainder of the contest, and he was later spotted on crutches with a leg brace.
True freshman Matt Zollers took over at quarterback in the fourth quarter and made quick work of the Central Arkansas Purple Bears. On the very first drive of his college career, he led a four-play, 54-yard touchdown drive. Tight end Jude James caught the scoring pass in that drive to make it a 47-0 advantage for the Tigers.
Defensively, Mizzou just narrowly missed out on a season-opening shutout.
Despite allowing a garbage-time touchdown near the end of Thursday's game, defensive coordinator Corey Batoon's unit had a solid outing. Linebacker Josiah Trotter led his team with eight tackles, including one for a loss. Defensive end Damon Wilson II got home to the quarterback twice, registering two sacks.
You can watch the full postgame press conferences with Trotter and Wilson II in the video players below.
Up next - Mizzou will renew its rivalry with Kansas on the gridiron. The Border Showdown is scheduled to start on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2:30 p.m.
