Mizzou looks to clinch 10-win season in rivalry game against Arkansas

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Mizzou football team's annual rivalry meeting with Arkansas will come with a different set of stakes, in 2023, as the Tigers will look to capture the program's first 10-win season since 2014.

Just one year ago, when the Razorbacks visited Faurot Field in 2022, MU was fighting for bowl eligibility. However, one year makes all the difference. If head coach Eli Drinkwitz and company can secure a win in Fayetteville, it will all but guarantee a trip to a New Year's Six bowl game.

It will be Coach Eli's fourth time coaching in the rivalry between the Tigers and the Hogs. He said he enjoys the fact that other people don't think it's a rivalry because his team sure does.

"Just based off reading my Twitter mentions, I'd say it's pretty strong," he said. "It means a lot to us. I think anytime you play for a trophy, as a competitor, it means something to you."

You can watch the full press conference with Drinkwitz, as well as quarterback Brady Cook in the video players below.

Drinkwitz is 2-1 against Arkansas in his time in Columbia and over all of those years he's had to deal with standout quarterback KJ Jefferson. He said he feels like they've been playing him forever, but Coach Drink has known Jefferson for even longer, as he recruited him in his time at NC State.

Defensive lineman Kristian Williams said Jefferson is a player that is, straight up, just hard to tackle.

"He's a very big dude," Williams said. "He has a great arm. I mean, he's the powerhouse of the offense, so it'll be an exciting game going against him."

You can watch the full press conference with Williams, as well as offensive lineman Connor Tollison and wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. in the video players below.

Drinkwitz and the Tigers will kick off against Arkansas on Friday, Nov. 23 at 3:00 p.m. in Fayetteville..