Arkansas football vs Missouri State, Bobby Petrino: Scouting report, score prediction

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas football's matchup with Missouri State has plenty of off-field intrigue with the return of former coach Bobby Petrino. But as far as on-field performance goes, the Bears represent one of the tougher teams in FCS.

The No. 11 Razorbacks (2-0) take on Missouri State (2-0), ranked No. 5 in FCS, on Saturday at Razorback Stadium (6 p.m. CT, SECN+). The Bears have made the playoffs each of the last two seasons under Petrino. Last season, Missouri State threatened eventual Big 12 runner-up Oklahoma State in the season opener but lost after a botched final drive.

Here's what to know about Missouri State — and our final score prediction — before Saturday's game.

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Star quarterback Jason Shelley

Missouri State quarterback Jason Shelley is back for a second season with the Bears. The senior spent time at both Utah and Utah State before landing in Springfield, and he has quickly become one of the best passers the Bears have ever had. He set a school record with 3,347 passing yards in 2021 and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which honors the best offensive player in FCS football.

With safety Jalen Catalon out for the season and nickelback Myles Slusher questionable, Arkansas' secondary is having to shuffle players around in the defensive backfield. Shelley and the Missouri State passing game will be a good test for players taking on varying roles.

Offensive line struggles

The Missouri State offensive line is one of its biggest weaknesses. Last season, Missouri State allowed 47 sacks. Through two games in 2022, the Bears have given up nine.

Missouri State has offensive talent in Shelley, running back Jacardia Wright and receiver Ty Scott. But if the offensive line can't open things up for them, the Bears can only go so far. Arkansas' defensive front is bigger, stronger and faster than any Missouri State will face in FCS. The Razorbacks have rotated a number of talented linemen in on defense, and they present a key mismatch for the Bears.

Transfers galore

Part of Missouri State's success under Petrino has come thanks to his work in the transfer portal. More than two dozen of his players have FBS playing experience, and his 2022 roster includes 10 first-year players from FBS programs.

One of those is Wright, a running back from Kansas State. The sophomore put up 120 rushing yards on 23 carries last week against UT Martin, plus 42 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Arkansas fans might recognize receiver Jordan Jones, who spent three seasons with the Razorbacks and started six games. He transferred to Cincinnati after the 2019 season, where he played 15 games in two seasons. Jones is one of three Arkansas natives on the Bears' roster.

Score prediction

Arkansas 45, Missouri State 20: Although Missouri State is a strong contender in FCS, Arkansas shouldn't have too much trouble against the Bears. The Razorbacks' defense will overpower a struggling Missouri State offensive line, and quarterback KJ Jefferson will lead the offense against an undersized opponent.

Christina Long covers the Arkansas Razorbacks for the Southwest Times Record and USA Today Network. You can follow her on Twitter @christinalong00 or email her at clong@swtimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas football vs. Missouri State: Scouting report, score prediction