Arkansas Razorbacks Football: Expectations for Mississippi State
By Tommy Tabler
The Arkansas Razorbacks are on the road this Saturday against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
After the first game of the season, Arkansas fans now have an idea of what the Razorbacks are facing this season. Arkansas fans now realize the defense has taken several steps forward. The defensive line was able to contain the run and put pressure on the passer. Linebackers Bumper Pool and Grant Morgan proved that the defense could play well for an extended period. Putting pressure on Mississippi State quarterback KJ Costello will be key for the Razorbacks forcing the Bulldogs off the field.
The defensive unit that is going to be tested the most this weekend is the secondary. Arkansas is going to need solid efforts from Montaric Brown and Jalen Catalon. Brown picked off a pass last weekend against the Georgia Bulldogs. Containing Mississippi State’s running back Kylin Hill will be something the secondary and defense need to make a priority. Hill was lethal against the LSU Tigers last weekend and is looking to continue to produce in an impressive fashion.
Meanwhile, the Arkansas offense is going to face a challenge from a quick Mississippi State defense. The Mississippi State Bulldogs are not as loaded with NFL draft talent as Georgia was, but this unit is not to be underestimated. Arkansas must establish the running game, or it could be an awfully long Saturday for the Hogs. Kendall Briles must find a way to get Rakeem Boyd going.
The Arkansas passing game will need to continue to evolve. Feleipe Franks has the targets in Trey Knox and Treylon Burks to stretch the field. Arkansas will need to open up the passing game especially if they get behind early. The Arkansas Razorbacks will need to avoid getting into a shootout with the Bulldogs. Mississippi State simply has too many weapons and it would be an intelligent move for Arkansas to shorten the game by rushing the football when possible. Game predictions and which players Arkansas needs to step up will come later on Thursday.