3 Keys that helped lead to Arkansas’ 58-25 win

By Drake Priddy

The Hog’s win 58-25 in road SEC play against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Bulldog’s season has been less than ideal so far because before today’s match they were 1-6 (0-4 SEC), and who’s lone win came over Eastern Kentucky. It is hard to believe that the same team put up 471 yards of total offense on the Razorbacks and were picked by some for the upset. Even the bottom of the SEC teams can be sneaky good and proves why record does not always matter in the SEC.

Here are three keys to Arkansas’ win 

Get the run game going and score often 

During last week’s loss to LSU, the Hogs ground game was almost non-existent. As a team, the Hogs only generated 38 yards on the ground, today they had 359 rushing yards. With starting senior running back Ja’Quiden Jackson out today, it was up to freshman Braylen Russell to lead the ground attack.  

Early this week Head Coach Sam Pittman talked about Russell’s increased role for this week with Jackson out. Russell finished the day with 16 carries for 175 yards and a long of 75 yards. Junior back Rashod Dubinion also had a nice day on the ground with 11 carries for 98 yards and one touchdown. Junior quarterback Taylen Green rushed eight times for 79 yards and one touchdown.  

The Hogs were burning up the field on the ground attack, but also set fire to the air with Taylen Green’s arm. Green finished the day with 23-29 completions for 314 yards, 5 touchdowns, and one interception. The talented quarterback completed passes to nine different receivers. Senior receiver Andrew Armstrong led the skill group with four receptions for 76 yards followed by sophomore Luke Hasz with four receptions for 59 yards and two touchdowns.  

The early success of the ground attack opened the Hog’s playbook up to become that multi-talented two-dimensional offense that the fans have seen. The Razorbacks were able to do about anything offensively and scored on ten of their 13 possessions. It was nice to see the offense get some of their swagger back after last week’s home loss.  

Win the turnover battle 

The Hog’s three losses this season come from game changing turnovers in those games. This team has shown if they can win the turnover battle, then they have a better chance of winning. The Hogs reigned in the turnover game today. The Hogs only coughed up one measly interception versus the Bulldogs two interceptions, two turnovers on downs, and three fumbles. Of Mississippi State’s 13 possessions the Razorbacks forced seven turnovers. The first came from defensive end Landon Jackson’s strip sack on the second play of the game.  

Most notably the Razorbacks forced two turnovers on the Arkansas three- and one-yard line. The first came from a turnover on downs from the Arkansas three where the Arkansas defensive line Nico Davillier stopped the quarterback keeper. The Hog’s achieved their other redzone turnover with a forced fumble by senior back Anthony Switzer and recovered by Hudson Clark on the Arkansas one yard line. The Razorback defense also forced another game changing turnover on downs at the Arkansas 22-yard line. 

The defense may have given up almost 500 yards but contributed greatly to the outcome of the game through turnovers and limiting the full capabilities of the Bulldog offense. 

Protect Taylen Green 

The offensive line gets better and better each week, but undoubtedly it had a few holes in last week’s loss. In the loss, the big men up front gave up three sacks and seemed out matched against the Tiger’s defense. Today, the offensive line did not allow a single sack and protected the back field very well. In their efforts it allowed the offense to collect 673 yards of total offense and kept Green out of harm’s way. 

The offensive line is drastically better than last season’s unit, and it is nice to see them continue to improve as the season progresses. Today the linemen were fast and violent off the ball in run blocking. They were able to open wide play side gaps and climb to the next level of the defense. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage contributed largely to the success in the running game.  

Their pass blocking also sees significant improvement. The O-line and running backs did a superb job at picking up extra rush defenders off the edge, buying Green a little more time to go through his progressions. Overall, the pocket was well protected, and the trench mob unit were able to manhandle their opponents into submission.  

Onto Next Week 

The Razorbacks leave Starkville with another mark in the win column and a record of 5-3 (3-2 SEC). The Hog’s will head back to Fayetteville in preparation for a gritty home match up against the No. 18 Ole Miss Rebels. This is a flex game so kickoff will be either 11:00 or 11:45 am.