The Missouri Tigers and Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions are starting the season with this non-conference matchup in Week 1. The game kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET on Thursday in Columbia, Missouri.
The Tigers are listed as 54.5-point home favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at O/U 60.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction and best bet for this Week 1 matchup.
Missouri vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff prediction, preview
Missouri Preview
The Tigers are headed into year seven under Eli Drinkwitz. Drinkwitz has become one of the longest-tenured head coaches in the SEC and has built Missouri into a consistent winner. They have made a bowl game in all six seasons under Drinkwitz and have won double-digit games in two of the past three seasons.
However, this could be a tough season for Drinkwitz to maintain that success. Quarterback Beau Pribula transferred to Virginia, and Missouri brought in former Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons to replace him. Simmons is a talented player, but lacks experience. The bigger issue for Missouri is the health of Ahmad Hardy. Hardy tragically suffered a gunshot wound over the summer and is still working to get healthy enough to play. Last season, he was one of the best running backs in the country and Missouri’s offense won’t be the same without him.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Preview
The Golden Lions are an FCS team that plays in the SWAC. Arkansas-Pine Bluff is headed into year four under head coach Alonzo Hampton. It has been a struggle for Hampton to get things going at Pine Bluff. They have won four games or fewer in each of the three seasons under Hampton. This team has massively struggled against FBS opponents under Hampton as well. In 2024, they lost to Arkansas by an astonishing score of 70-0. In 2025, they lost to Texas Tech 67-7. It should be another tough trip to an FBS opponent for Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Missouri vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff Pick
My best bet for this game is for the teams to go over the total of 60.5 points. Last season, Missouri played Central Arkansas to open the season and won by a score of 61-6. Meanwhile, Arkansas-Pine Bluff has not been able to get any stops against FBS opponents under Alonzo Hampton. Eli Drinkwitz should use this opportunity to let Austin Simmons find a groove in this offense. It is also an opportunity to try out different skill position players while Ahmad Hardy is out. Missouri should let it rip and hang a big number in this game, just like they did last year in Week 1.
