Report card: It's all A's for Arkansas football except for offense vs Missouri

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas finished the regular season with its first victory over Missouri in six years with a 34-17 win Friday.

Here's how the Razorbacks (8-4, 4-4 SEC) performed in all phases of the game against Missouri (6-6, 3-5).

Offense

Arkansas' first half didn't look good. Quarterback KJ Jefferson's 49-yard run in the first quarter accounted for about two-thirds of the team's total rushing yards from the half. Arkansas went three-and-out three times in the half, and running back Trelon Smith coughed up a fumble.

The second half was different, however, with Arkansas scoring 24 points and making chunk plays.

Grade: B-

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Defense

As has been the case in recent games, Arkansas' defense kept it alive while the offense tried to find its stride. It didn't allow a touchdown until what amounted to garbage time, when Tyler Badie scored from 5 yards late in the fourth quarter. Senior linebackers Hayden Henry and Bumper Pool each had double-digit tackles.

Grade: A

Special teams

Arkansas played a clean game on special teams, including two field goals by Cam Little and a 34-yard punt return by Nathan Parodi.

Grade: A

Coaching

Sam Pittman and his staff avoided controversy against Missouri. Aside from a busted trick play, play-calling was effective and the game was clean. Arkansas struggled with penalties again, something Pittman has taken responsibility for in the past, but Missouri had penalty trouble of its own.

Grade: A

Overall

Arkansas finished the regular season on a high note, making up for a slow first half with fireworks in the second and a defense that held up well. For the first time since 2015, Arkansas has eight wins and a Battle Line Rivalry trophy.

Grade: A

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Report card: A's for Arkansas football except for offense vs Missouri