Arkansas is heading to Starkville to take on Mississippi State. The Razorbacks are coming off a tough loss to LSU after the high of beating No. 4 Tennessee two weeks before.
With winnable games running low, a win against the Bulldogs and moving to 5-3 makes reaching a bowl game much easier. It'll also take some pressure off Sam Pittman, whose hot seat reignited after last week's embarrassing loss to the Tigers.
But Mississippi State is desperate for an SEC win, and it's getting better as the season goes on. Freshman Michael Van Buren Jr. provided a spark for the Bulldogs after starting quarterback Blake Shapen went down with a season-ending injury. Arkansas will have to contain the rising star and State's improving offense to have a chance to leave with the victory.
Razorbackers staff predictions: Arkansas football vs Mississippi State
Matthew
Coming off of a disappointing showing against LSU, Arkansas has a golden opportunity to rebound against one of the worst teams in the S.E.C. Yes, Mississippi State hung around against Georgia and Texas A&M but that was likely as much of a case of those ranked teams playing down to their competition rather than MSU showing signs of being able to beat good opponents.
Michael Van Buren Jr. has given the Bulldogs a spark at QB since taking over but Arkansas hasn’t allowed a passing TD in the month of October. Look for the Hogs to grind out a win thanks to its defense and its offensive line which will control the pace of play on the ground.
Arkansas 34 – Mississippi State 24
Sam
Arkansas should win this game relatively easily, barring that they play down to their competition. Behind a breakout performance from Braylen Russell, Arkansas runs over the Bulldogs.
Arkansas 30 – Mississippi State 20
Austin
The Razorbacks have lost all the momentum from their win against Tennessee. Now, they're on the road against a Mississippi State team that's getting better every week. The Bulldogs have played to within 10 points of Texas A&M and Georgia in back-to-back weeks, and with their schedule, Arkansas is the easiest SEC opponent left. You can expect Miss St to throw everything but the kitchen sink at Arkansas to get this win.
However, Arkansas is the more talented team — especially in the trenches — with more to play for. Expect this game to be dominated up front. The Bulldogs are one of the worst at pressuring and protecting the quarterback. The Hogs will bounce back after their loss to LSU.
Arkansas 28 – Mississippi State 17