ARMOGeddon Rivalry

ARMOgeddon Rivalry
Sport	College football
Teams	Missouri State Bears; Arkansas State Red Wolves;
Next meeting	2027
Trophy	ARMOgeddon Trophy

The ARMOgeddon Rivalry is a college football rivalry between the Missouri State Bears and the Arkansas State Red Wolves. The rivalry is rooted in the shared border between Missouri and Arkansas, defined by the 36°30′ north latitude line, and is symbolized by a fan‑created trophy known as the ARMOgeddon Trophy. Although the two programs have met only intermittently, supporters from both schools have collaborated to establish the matchup as a long‑term, geography‑driven tradition.

History

Early meetings

Missouri State and Arkansas State first met in the 21st century, with their initial matchup producing a competitive, one‑score game that sparked interest among fans of both programs. While the teams do not share a long historical series, their proximity and cultural overlap made the matchup a natural candidate for a formalized rivalry.

Creation of the ARMOgeddon Trophy

The ARMOgeddon Trophy was conceived, designed, and funded entirely by fans and alumni from both universities. Unlike many college football trophies created by athletic departments or conference offices, ARMOgeddon emerged from grassroots supporter culture.

The trophy's name blends "AR" (Arkansas), "MO" (Missouri), and the word "armageddon," reflecting the intensity and pride associated with border‑state competition.

The design incorporates:

A clear acrylic upper section
A wooden base
Engravings referencing the Ozarks of southern Missouri and Crowley's Ridge in northeastern Arkansas
A geographic nod to the 36°30′ line, the border that defines the rivalry's identity

The trophy is intended to be presented postgame without ceremony, emphasizing authenticity and player ownership rather than pageantry.

Geographic significance

The rivalry draws heavily on the natural and cultural geography of the region:

The Ozarks, a highland region covering much of southern Missouri, represent Missouri State's home environment.
Crowley's Ridge, a unique geological formation running through eastern Arkansas, symbolizes Arkansas State's regional identity.
The 36°30′ north latitude line forms the literal border between the states and serves as the conceptual anchor for the rivalry.

Trophy series

Because the rivalry is newly formalized, the ARMOgeddon Trophy series is in its early stages. The series is scheduled to continue with future matchups beginning in 2027, with both fan bases expressing interest in making the game an annual or semi‑regular fixture.

Cultural impact

The ARMOgeddon project has been noted for:

Its fan‑driven origins, unusual in modern college football
Its emphasis on regional pride rather than institutional marketing
Its potential to grow into a long‑term tradition as the programs continue to schedule games

Supporters from both schools have described the rivalry as a celebration of shared geography, mutual respect, and competitive spirit.

Game results

Date	Score	Trophy Winner	Location
December 18, 2025	Arkansas State 34–28 Missouri State	Arkansas State	Xbox bowl, Frisco Texas

References

1 2 3 "Fans push to establish 'ARMOgeddon' rivalry game as Arkansas State and Missouri State gear up for Xbox Bowl". KARK. December 2024.

[KARK2024-1] 1 2 3 "Fans push to establish 'ARMOgeddon' rivalry game as Arkansas State and Missouri State gear up for Xbox Bowl". KARK. December 2024.

v t e Arkansas State Red Wolves football
Venues	Kays Stadium (1937–1973) Centennial Bank Stadium (1974–present)
Bowls & rivalries	Bowl games Memphis: Paint Bucket Bowl Missouri State: ARMOGeddon Rivalry
Culture & lore	Howl "ASU Loyalty Song" Sound of the Natural State
People	Head coaches NFL draftees Statistical leaders
Seasons	1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942–1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
National championship season in bold

v t e Missouri State Bears football
Venues	Robert W. Plaster Stadium (1941–present)
Bowls & rivalries	Bowl games 2025 Xbox Bowl Arkansas State: ARMOGeddon Rivalry
People	Head coaches NFL draftees Statistical leaders
Seasons	1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943–1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026