Friday’s “Battle Line Rivalry” game between Arkansas and Missouri had a feeling of “let’s not and just say we did” heading into kickoff. The Tigers came into the game knowing that even with a win, they weren’t going bowling thanks to the NCAA’s decision to uphold the postseason ban. The Razorbacks, meanwhile, came into the game with an interim head coach electing to start the fifth QB of the season. On top of that, the Hogs had double-digit absences due to the usual bumps and bruises of 13 weeks of football – and a mumps outbreak. But Mizzou and Arkansas, both sporting home colors at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, still played for pride on Friday.

Without QB Kelly Bryant, Missouri snapped its five-game losing skid with a 24-14 win over Arkansas. The Tigers finish 6-6, but will not be heading to a bowl due to the NCAA ban. Arkansas finishes 2-10 for the second year in a row.

Interim Arkansas coach Barry Lunney Jr. decided to start former walk-on QB Jack Lindsey, citing what Lindsey did in mop-up duty against LSU. The Hogs weren’t alone in quarterback woes. Mizzou entered the day with starting QB Kelly Bryant out. Connor Bazelak got the start over Taylor Powell, but Bazelak left the game in the first half due to injury.

If you watched the game unaware of its lack of significance beyond Friday, you might have been entertained. Arkansas jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Lindsey to Trey Knox. It was the Hogs’ first lead in six games, dating back to Oct. 12 against Kentucky.

In fact, Lindsey’s first two completions were both touchdown passes. He found Grayson Gunter on a 10-yard pass in the third quarter.

But there was no rivalry upset magic for the Hogs. Mizzou managed to do just enough on both sides of the ball to come out on top in Little Rock.

A second-quarter Rountree touchdown run tied it at 7-7.

Mizzou took a 17-14 lead thanks to fellow RB Tyler Badie’s touchdown run.

Jonathan Nance has been on both sides of the rivalry as an Arkansas graduate who transferred to Mizzou. The Tigers WR hauled in a touchdown to extend the MU lead to 24-14.