While Razorback Nation remains split on Bobby Petrino’s offensive play-calling and quarterback Taylen Green’s performance, there’s one thing most Arkansas fans can agree on: frustration with the officials.
In what will go down as one of the most heavily penalized games in program history, Arkansas was flagged 18 times for 193 yards in last weekend’s loss to Mississippi State, shattering school records that had stood for 50 and 69 years, respectively. The Razorbacks blew a 14-point lead over the final 10 minutes and 16 seconds, with the penalty avalanche beginning midway through the third quarter.
It wasn’t just fans expressing disbelief. On the 4th & 5 Postgame Show hosted by former Razorbacks D.J. Williams and Grant Cook, the two alumni did their best to avoid pinning the entire loss on the officiating but even they acknowledged how heavily the flags influenced the game’s momentum.
In the end, whether fans or analysts believe the officials cost Arkansas the win, the result is final: a crushing conference loss that left the fanbase fuming and searching for answers.
Enter Walt Coleman: An Arkansas Native’s Perspective
If there’s anyone qualified to weigh in, it’s Walt Coleman. The Little Rock native and former NFL referee, who retired in 2018 after more than two decades on the field, has seen just about everything officiating can throw at you. Before his NFL career, Coleman cut his teeth officiating college and high school games across Arkansas and he’s no stranger to the scrutiny that comes with wearing the stripes.
Coleman joined Morning Mayhem on 103.7 The Buzz, a frequent stop for him, to share his take on the controversial Arkansas–Mississippi State matchup. Many Razorback fans, and even co-host and former Arkansas team captain David Bazzel, hoped Coleman might validate their frustrations. Instead, the 73-year-old provided a dose of reality that few expected.
"“I watched the game and fortunately with TV, they have replays and go back and show what the fouls were,” Coleman said. “And I don’t really have a problem with any of the fouls that they called against Arkansas.”"Walt Coleman
His comments immediately sparked conversation and, for some, even more frustration.
A Referee’s Objectivity or a Missed Opportunity?
It’d be easy to dismiss Coleman’s stance as a veteran official simply defending his peers. However, that narrative doesn’t quite hold up. Coleman has not hesitated to criticize officiating when warranted, including just last month when he called out questionable decisions during the Auburn–Georgia matchup, another SEC game that stirred controversy among fans and analysts alike.
This time, though, Coleman stood by the calls against Arkansas, suggesting that despite the staggering number of penalties, most were justified by the rulebook and video evidence. His perspective underscores a difficult truth: sometimes, perception and reality in officiating don’t align, especially when emotions run high.
Although maybe not every call was "right" in the end it's very possible that the Arkansas team just played sloppy and undisciplined football. Excuses can try to be made but sometimes the film says everything needed to know.
What It Means for the Razorbacks
For Arkansas, the loss is a painful one. Not solely because of the scoreline, but because of how it unfolded. The sheer volume of penalties disrupted rhythm, erased big plays, and drained momentum from a team that had been in control for much of the game. Whether fans agree with Coleman’s verdict or not, the record-setting penalty total raises broader questions about discipline, composure, and how the Razorbacks respond moving forward. The team had ample amount of opportunities to put Mississippi State away and didn't deliver.
Bottom Line
The Arkansas–Mississippi State game will be remembered less for its final score and more for its officiating drama. Walt Coleman’s calm defense of the calls may not be what fans wanted to hear, but it offers a veteran’s reminder that, fair or not, the only thing that matters when the clock hits zero is the scoreboard.