Missouri kicks field goal with seconds left to earn 48-45 victory over Arkansas

Missouri defensive lineman Terry Beckner Jr. (5) tackles Arkansas quarterback Austin Allen (8) in the second half during a football game on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.
Missouri defensive lineman Terry Beckner Jr. (5) tackles Arkansas quarterback Austin Allen (8) in the second half during a football game on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE — Tucker McCann made a 19-yard field goal with five seconds remaining, and Missouri extended its winning streak to six straight games with a 48-45 victory over Arkansas on Friday.

The win caps a remarkable turnaround from a 1-5 start to the season for the Tigers (7-5, 4-4 Southeastern Conference), who were led by quarterback Drew Lock's 448 yards passing and five touchdown passes.

Moments after the game ended, Arkansas fired coach Bret Bielema after five disappointing seasons.

Lock completed 25 of 42 passes and threw his 43rd touchdown pass of the season to set the SEC's single-season record for touchdown passes in the win. The previous record was 40 and set in 2007 by Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson.

Ish Witter rushed 39 times for 170 yards and a touchdown for Missouri, and J'Mon Moore added 10 catches for 160 yards.

David Williams accounted for three touchdowns for the Razorbacks (4-8, 1-7), who fell to 29-34 overall and 11-29 in the SEC under fifth-year coach Bret Bielema. Austin Allen was 14-of-29 passing for 313 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his final collegiate game.

THE TAKEAWAY

Missouri: The Tigers entered the game having won their previous five games by an average of 35.4 points per game. They fell behind 21-7 in the first quarter on Friday but rallied behind Lock and an offense that gained 696 total yards against the Razorbacks. Witter's 39 carries were a career best, topping the 31 he had against Tennessee two weeks ago and giving the senior 992 rushing yards for the season — well within reach of his first 1,000-yard rushing season heading into a bowl game.

Arkansas: After missing four games earlier this season with a shoulder injury, Allen appeared healthier than he had in weeks on Friday. His first-half completions of 57 and 65 yards were his two longest of the season, and he topped 300 yards passing for the first time since throwing for 348 yards in a loss to the Tigers last season.

UP NEXT

Missouri waits to find out its bowl destination.

The Razorbacks season is finished.

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