Missouri QB Sam Horn’s night came to a heartbreaking halt against Central Arkansas. He left the game with a lower-body injury and later appeared on the sidelines in crutches and a full leg cast. A team spokesperson confirmed he would not return. “First off, my heart goes out to Sam. What a great competitor. I’m disappointed for him,” a MU coach told SEC Network after the 3rd quarter. Although “Beau has played a very good, efficient game and taken care of the football, so that’s exciting to watch. But there’s a part of you that’s just sick.” So, what was Eli Drinkwitz’s plan at quarterback?

Here’s the thing: originally, Sam Horn was set to take over in the second half after Beau Pribula ran the first. Instead, Horn checked in during the middle of the second series. On his first play of the season, he powered up the middle for a six-yard gain. But it was short-lived. An injury forced him straight to the sidelines, throwing a wrench into Drinkwitz’s QB strategy. Now, as the Tigers’ quarterback plan falters, Eli Drinkwitz issues an emotional statement.

On August 28, Missouri insider Zach Sweet shared Eli Drinkwitz’s reaction to the sudden injury news. “Football is a great game, but it’s just a game,” said the Mizzou coach, his voice heavy with emotion. Although Drinkwitz didn’t dive into details, the weight of the moment was clear. On top of that, Sweet shared a photo of Horn on crutches, sporting a full leg cast, just before halftime. Now, it is yet to be seen how the QB play unfolds over the season. However, Horn’s impact on the program has been significant.

As a true two-sport standout at Mizzou, Horn has worked hard for his spot. He backed up Brady Cook in 2023 before sitting out 2024 to recover from Tommy John surgery. Now, the recent Los Angeles Dodgers draft pick faces another tough setback. So, missing more time would be a major blow to the rising star. But how did Pribula perform in the first half against Central Arkansas?

Beau Pribula torched the first half, going 19-for-23 for 204 yards and tossing two TD passes. On top of that, he added a rushing score and 51 yards on the ground. So, the Tigers dominated, rolling to a 26-0 lead by halftime. But it’s not just the QB, Eli Drinkwitz faces another injury update.

Eli Drinkwitz’s early-season setback

Missouri’s season opener came with highs and lows, as injuries stole some of the spotlight. We already know QB Sam Horn went down on his first carry of the game. Not long after, kicker Blake Craig also exited in the third quarter after a hard hit on a kickoff, being helped off the field by the support staff. Following that, HC Eli Drinkwitz confirmed Craig would undergo further evaluation, including an MRI on Friday. But before leaving, Craig had been perfect.

He racked up both field goals from 49 and 55 yards and went 3-for-3 on extra points. Now, with Craig sidelined, true freshman Robert Meyer stepped in, making all three of his extra point attempts in his first career appearance, giving the Tigers a steady replacement in the kicking game. Despite the injuries, Missouri dominated on the field.

Quarterback Beau Pribula led the charge with 283 passing yards. Then, Ahmad Hardy rushed for 100 yards and a TD, while Jamal Roberts and true freshman Marquise Davis contributed to the ground game. Moreover, the defense was solid as well, with transfer Josiah Trotter recording eight tackles, sophomore Jeremiah Beasley with seven tackles, and former Georgia Bulldog Damon Wilson adding two tackles. So, Missouri’s win highlighted their depth, resilience, and potential, even with Horn and Craig sidelined.