Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Arkansas-Missouri is no longer a possibility.

Now the SEC foes are officially cross-division SEC rivals for basketball and football. Matching up the two schools from bordering states had been discussed as a possibility since the Tigers joined the league.

They’ll begin playing in 2014, following a vote from league members at the SEC’s annual meetings. Cross-division opponents were approved as part of a 6-1-1 scheduling model.

“I believe that the Arkansas and Missouri series will develop into a competitive rivalry in all sports for both institutions,” Arkansas AD Jeff Long said. “With our close proximity, both schools will have the opportunity for fans to travel to events and help spread the reach of the Southeastern Conference within the region.”

Missouri replaces South Carolina as the Razorbacks’ permanent cross-division opponent. Tigers AD Mike Alden told the Columbia Tribune that Arkansas and Missouri might explore playing at a neutral site.

Long did not respond to a request for comment about the possibility of a neutral site meeting.

Also approved by the SEC was an 18-game schedule for men’s basketball. Teams will face 12 rotating opponent and one permanent opponent. Missouri and Arkansas will be permanent opponents.