Claws Out: Central Arkansas Bears to Take on Missouri Tigers
Week One of the 2025 college football season features a non-conference matchup between the Central Arkansas Bears and the Missouri Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri, on August 28th. While the Tigers enter as heavy favorites, both teams will use the opener to evaluate talent, build early-season rhythm, and set the tone for what lies ahead. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs and one of several SEC vs. FCS matchups featured in the 2025 season opener. So, who will start the season with a win? Let’s dive in!
Central Arkansas Looks to Stay Competitive
Central Arkansas enters 2025 with a battle-tested roster and momentum carried over from a strong 2024 campaign. The Bears finished in the upper tier of the United Athletic Conference and brought back a core group of returners on both sides of the ball. Head coach Nathan Brown has turned Central Arkansas into a program that thrives on speed and balance. The Bears will look to use tempo and quick passing concepts in an attempt to neutralize Missouri’s size advantage and keep the Tigers’ defense on its heels. Wide receiver depth and pre-snap motion could play a key role if the Bears can string together sustained drives. This is also an opportunity to test the program’s depth and poise. Playing in front of a Power Five crowd, Central Arkansas must limit penalties and avoid self-inflicted mistakes if it wants to remain competitive into the second half.
Missouri’s Preparation Plan
After a breakout 2024 season, Missouri enters 2025 as a legitimate contender in the SEC East. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz returns with a roster full of experienced starters, strong recruiting depth, and expectations for another winning season. The Tigers will look to establish the run early and use their offensive line to control the pace of the game. The Tigers’ training regimen includes early discipline and focuses on elevating their defense, and early mistakes could derail the team’s efforts to control the pace and set the tone. The matchup also provides an opportunity for the Tigers to rotate personnel and get a look at younger contributors across all three phases. While Missouri’s focus will be on execution and health, the team knows a slow start could give Central Arkansas confidence. Expect Drinkwitz’s squad to come out sharp and disciplined.
