Arkansas vs. Missouri 2016 final score: What we learned from the Tigers’ comeback victory

Evidently, Mizzou decided to save their best of the 2016 season for last.

The Tigers manufactured a startling comeback victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks on Friday afternoon. Mizzou scored 21 unanswered points in the second half, holding Arkansas to no points scored in the final 30 minutes, as the Tigers powered themselves over the Hogs by the score of 28-24.

Despite being outgained 503-3999 in total yards and by nearly 20 minutes in time of possession, Missouri’s valiant mindset pushed them to their second victory in SEC play in three weeks. Considering that they had gone over a year without a win prior to their victory over Vanderbilt, netting two out of three is a welcomed change of behavior.

Here’s what we learned:

Nate Strong is a pretty good third-stringer to have around

With Damarea Crockett suspended, the Tigers turned their attention to Ish Witter and Nate Strong. Despite Witter finding the end zone (and fumbling the ball prior to crossing the line in ghastly fashion), it was Strong who held his own and performed pretty well all things considered. Strong amassed 52 yards on the day but was able to find the end zone two times in the second half as he helped fuel the comeback, including the go-ahead score. Pretty good guy to have around, eh?

Arkansas’ defense was their Achilles heel again

The Hogs were ranked 77th in the country in S&P+ defense going into the game. Despite a wealth of experience on the roster, the defense never quite turned to form this year and wound up being on the receiving end of that 21-point second half effort by the Tigers offense. After being a problem all year, it came back to bite them in the finale which should surely leave a sour taste in the Hogs’ mouths.

A rough year for Mizzou is finally over

Though the woes don’t seem to be ending any time soon with allegations looming for academic infractions, the Tigers’ woes on the football field have finally been put down. Mizzou finishes the year at 4-8 which qualifies as their worst season since they went 4-7 in 2001, the first year of the Gary Pinkel era.