Missouri State Football News Update

Team Readies for Season Opener

The Missouri State Football team is gearing up for their season opener against the University of Central Arkansas on August 27th. The Bears are coming off a successful 2021 season, in which they finished 8-4 and made their first appearance in the FCS Playoffs since 2014.

Head coach Bobby Petrino is entering his fourth season at the helm of the Bears program. Under Petrino, Missouri State has shown steady improvement, finishing 1-10 in 2019, 2-3 in the spring of 2021, and 8-4 in the fall of 2021.

Key Players to Watch

Jaden Johnson, QB

Johnson, a junior, is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the FCS. He passed for 2,103 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2021, while also rushing for 510 yards and six touchdowns.

Jacardia Wright, RB

Wright, a senior, is a powerful running back who led the Bears in rushing in 2021 with 1,193 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Eric Johnson, LB

Johnson, a junior, is a tackling machine who led the Bears in tackles in 2021 with 101.

Season Outlook

The Bears have a tough schedule in 2022, but they have the talent and experience to make another run at the FCS Playoffs. The team's strength is its offense, which is led by Johnson and Wright. The defense will need to improve in 2022, but it has some talented players, including Johnson.

The Bears open the season on the road against Central Arkansas on August 27th. They will then host UT Martin on September 3rd before traveling to Kansas State on September 10th.