| MATCHUP | Central Arkansas Bears | Missouri Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-1 | 1-0 |
| Where | Memorial Stadium, Columbia, MO | |
| When | Thursday, August 28, 2025 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | SEC Network | |
The Central Arkansas Bears and the Missouri Tigers meet in week 1 college football action from Memorial Stadium on Thursday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Central Arkansas Bears vs. Missouri Tigers prediction.
Central Arkansas Bears Team Preview
The Central Arkansas Bears come into this game looking to rebound from an average 2024 season, finishing 6-6 overall including 3-5 in UAC conference play. Malachi Henry is the top returner for Central Arkansas after making the preseason all-UAC team in 2024 and finished with 41 grabs for 683 yards while the Bears have to replace a strong running back duo in ShunDerrick Powell and Darius Hale who combined for over 2,000 rushing yards and 26 rushing TDs. Dillon Williams is back after leading the Bears in tackles with 80 tackles last season.
Why the Central Arkansas Bears will win
- Missouri has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four August games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Missouri Tigers Team Preview
The Missouri Tigers come into this season looking to keep the roll going after a 10-3 mark in 2024, resulting in a trip to the Music City Bowl where the Tigers knocked off Iowa 27-24. The Tigers have a QB battle at the top, with Sam Horn biding his time but now has to battle with Penn State transfer Beau Pribula for the #1 gig. Marquis Johnson is back after finishing second on Mizzou with 352 receiving yards while Ahmad Hardy transfers in from Louisiana-Monroe to lead the running backs after rushing for 1,351 yards and 13 scores last season. On defense, Damon Wilson transfers in from Georgia to anchor the defensive line as does Nate Johnson who comes in from App State. Josiah Trotter transfers in from West Virginia after logging 92 tackles last year and Triston Newson’s back after finishing second in tackling. Marvin Burks Jr. and Daylan Carnell return to lead the way and provide continuity in Missouri’s secondary group.
Why the Missouri Tigers will win
- Missouri has won each of its last 19 games against non-conference opponents at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium.
- Missouri has covered the spread in each of its last six games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Five of Missouri’s last six games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Central Arkansas Bears vs. Missouri Tigers Prediction
I’m on the Missouri Tigers here laying the bundle. This just feels like a case of the haves vs. the have nots, and I just want no part in what’s going to be a clearly overmatched Central Arkansas team in this matchup. Missouri may have a fair bit of turnover, but I’m fairly high on the new pieces being brought in, and I think that this is going to be a lot to a little with Missouri coming out on the right side of the win and cover in this one. Give me Missouri in a rout.