Arkansas football: Projecting where the Hogs may land in the Top 25

The Arkansas football team pulled off a huge upset over No. 17 ranked Mississippi State yesterday to get their sixth win of the season.

It took every second to tick off the clock before the Razorbacks knew they won after the Bulldogs missed a field to tie the game as time expired.

Where does the Arkansas football team project to land in the college football rankings?

A quick recap of who the Razorbacks have defeated this season and their current records:

• Rice (3-6)
• Texas (4-5)
• Georgia Southern (2-7)
• Texas A&M (7-2)
• AR-Pine Bluff (2-7)
• Mississippi State (5-4)

The Hogs received 72 votes in the last AP poll, placing them just behind Pittsburgh, NC State, Wisconsin and Mississippi State on the outside looking-in.

At least eight teams lost that are ranked inside the AP Top 25 this week, meaning there is plenty of room for movement for the Arkansas football team to jump in.

Currently, only one three-loss team is ranked in the poll and that is Penn State. Could the Hogs join them as another second three-loss team to be ranked?

It’s certainly possible. No. 23 ranked SMU lost to Memphis yesterday, creating a likely open slot. Also, No. 25 Fresno State lost to Boise State, creating another likely opening for an outside team to claim a spot.

The Razorbacks would be an ideal fit for either spot, with plenty of room for movement and rise up the rankings if they enter near the bottom of the Top 25.

Of the teams that lost, Michigan State, Auburn, Baylor and maybe Kentucky seem like safe bets to remain in the top 25.

Auburn and Kentucky each have been handed their third loss of the season, so it’s not impossible to think a three-loss team could be ranked.

The Razorbacks have a better chance than not of landing in the rankings once they are revealed mid-day Nov. 7, 2021.

If the voters agree, it’s likely the Razorbacks will be ranked No. 23 in the latest college football rankings.