While playoffs determine three of the remaining four DIAA national quarterfinalists, one regular-season game makes the decision in the Heart of America.

The University of Arkansas is 4-0-1 with 22 points in the standings. Missouri sits 4-1-1 with 25, and Kansas State is 5-1 with 25 points.

Both Missouri and Kansas State have completed their seasons, so it comes down to a simple equation: Arkansas beats Iowa State, the Razorbacks are HOA champions. 

This simplicity is brought to you in part thanks to K-State’s desultory 19-16 result over Kansas. But failing to garner a four-try bonus point, K-State opened the door for Arkansas to win the conference without worrying about tie-breakers. As it turns out, Arkansas has the tiebreaker over both teams, so even a tie with four tries on Saturday will do the job for the Razorbacks.

(One extra note on this conference - Oklahoma State forfeited their final game of the season, at Missouri, thus denying the Missouri seniors their last home game. The move, while not rare for a last-place team, was somewhat shabby.)

Arkansas club president Cameron Probst said his team is excited about getting to the playoffs, but first thing’s first.

“We are not sitting on Iowa State like it’s a done deal,” said Probst. “We know we need to win that game.”

The top of the HOA was very close. Kansas State’s defeat of Missouri was by a single point, and their loss to Arkansas was only 29-20. Missouri and Arkansas tied in their game.