Missouri vs Central Arkansas Prediction, Game Preview & Betting Lines 2025

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 10:08 PM ET

Missouri gets its FCS tune-up game when it's best - to start the season. This gives the team a chance to get the timing down before diving into the border battle with Kansas.

It's the first of six straight home games to start the season. The Tigers don't leave Columbia until they take a trip down to Auburn on October 18th.

Central Arkansas has just enough talent to be more than a speedbump. It pushed Arkansas State in last year's opener, hung around with Oklahoma State to kick off the 2023 campaign, and ...

Missouri will likely use this as a scrimmage.

Missouri vs Central Arkansas Preview

Missouri vs Central Arkansas: How To Watch
Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Location: Memorial Stadium, Columbia, MO

Why Central Arkansas Will Win

The Bears were great against the run last year and should be solid again. They're missing the top playmakers from the nasty defense, but there are just enough veterans returning to be okay right away.

Mizzou has to replace longtime quarterback Brady Cook, Luther Burden and the top targets, and a few fantastic talents on the line. They're also starting new at running back - in other words, it might take a little bit to get everything to jell. However ...

Why Missouri Will Win

It's not like the Tigers are grabbing bodies out of psych class to fill the holes.

From quarterback Beau Pribula (Penn State) to running back Ahmad Hardy (ULM) on offense, and edge rusher Damon Wilson (Georgia) to safety Jalen Catalon (UNLV) on defense, they reloaded.

Central Arkansas has way too many parts to fill, and this isn't the defense to go against to figure it all out. Missouri needs to use this game to figure out how to get into the backfield on a regular basis, and it shouldn't have a problem against the Bear offensive front.

Missouri vs Central Arkansas: Who Will Win

Missouri has averaged close to 59 points in its last eight games against FCS teams. It won't roll that easily - like it did in the 51-0 opener to start last season - but it'll come out looking to prove a point right away.

The program is paying to come up with an easy win so the new skill guys can get up to speed. That won't be a problem.

Missouri vs Central Arkansas Prediction, Betting Lines

Missouri 48, Central Arkansas 6
Line: COMING
ATS Confidence out of 5: COMING
Must See Rating: 1

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

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