Razorbackers Staff wrestle over Arkansas football vs Ole Miss

Last week's win over Mississippi State was a shot of adrenalin after Arkansas's loss to LSU. Not only does the fan base believe the Hogs are moving in the right direction offensively, but the rest of Arkansas's schedule is looking winnable week after week.

However, Arkansas has Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels coming to Fayetteville. They're fighting for their college football playoff lives. History is on Arkansas's side, as Lane Kiffin hasn't beaten Sam Pittman in Razorback Stadium since he was hired at Ole Miss.

Can Arkansas sustain its success, or will it falter yet again? Here, the Razorbackers Staff predict the outcome of Saturday's game:

Razorbackers Staff Predictions: Arkansas football vs Ole Miss

Matthew

Arkansas’ offense exploded last week against Mississippi State but to keep that momentum alive this week will be tough. That’s because the Ole Miss defense is one of the best in the S.E.C. The Rebels rank 11th nationally in total defense and first nationally against the run.

That will put the emphasis on QB Taylen Green’s ability to throw the football. The Hogs are 23rd nationally in passing offense so if they can move the ball through the air this week, they could pull off the upset. In the end, though, the Rebels will make Arkansas too one-dimensional by taking away the ground game and that will be the difference.

Ole Miss 28 – Arkansas 20

Antonio

Although the Arkansas Razorbacks are coming off an impressive offensive performance against Mississippi State in Starkville, Mississippi, winning 58-25, the Razorbacks’ defensive performance was poor. As revealed by ESPN, the Hogs’ defense surrendered 471 total yards to the worst team in the SEC, currently with a 1-7 (0-5 SEC) record. Yes, Mississippi State played competitively against No. 2 Georgia, losing 41-31, frustrating Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, and Mississippi State is better than its record suggests. Still, it is the worst team in the SEC.

However, the Razorbacks’ defense deserves credit for generating five turnovers, which limited Mississippi State to 25 points. No. 19 Ole Miss is far more talented than Mississippi State. Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams must have his defense focused and ready to play disciplined football against the Rebels’ high-powered offense.

While Lane Kiffin was pleased with the team’s overall performance against the Oklahoma Sooners last Saturday, as reported by John Macon Gillespie, Ole Miss beat writer at Sports Illustrated, the Rebels’ offense struggled for most of the game. Arkansas has a much better defense than the Sooners.

The true difference in the game will be the Hogs’ fans. Expect the home crowd to cause Ole Miss to make some costly penalties, giving Arkansas a slight edge. The Razorbacks’ balanced offense, led by quarterback Taylen Green, will make enough plays, as will the Hogs’ solid defense, to come away with a close victory in another classic game between these two teams.

Arkansas 34 – Ole Miss 30

Sam

Arkansasand Ole Miss have played plenty of close games over the years, and this one will be no different. This game will be an early morning shootout, and Arkansas will pull an upset over No. 19 team in the country.

Arkansas 34 – Ole Miss 30

Austin

The Razorbacks dominated Mississippi State in every aspect of the game last Saturday. However, the other Mississippi school is a completely different animal. Ole Miss has historically had a great offense under Lane Kiffin. But this year, the transfer portal gifted the Rebels a bevy of talent to pick from, including former Arkansas linebacker Chris "Pooh" Paul.

Taylen Green has progressed this mightily through the last few games, but can the offensive hold up to Ole Miss' front seven? And if they don't, can Green make enough play with defenders in his face to win? I just don't see it right now. Arkansas's defense does enough to keep the game close against Ole Miss.

Ole Miss 24 – Arkansas 17