5 keys for Arkansas to defeat Mississippi State

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas will try to get back on the winning track Saturday when they face Mississippi State in Starkville.

Arkansas (4-3, 2-2) is coming off a 34-10 loss to LSU. That was the first game the Hogs have lost by a one-sided margin. Mississippi State (1-6, 0-4) is still searching for its first SEC win. Jeff Lebby has his team playing hard, but just not able to get over the hump.

Here’s five keys for Arkansas to leave Davis Wade Stadium with a win.

Eliminate Turnovers, Keep Penalties to Minimum

In the three games Arkansas has lost there’s a common denominator. They have turned it over three times in each of the losses. Against Oklahoma State, Taylen Green had a Pick-6 and the Hogs had two fumbles. In the loss to Texas A&M, Arkansas had three turnovers including a fumble the Aggies recovered at the Arkansas 10. Last week, Green’s pass was tipped and intercepted at the Arkansas 5 and returned to the 2-yard line. LSU scored on the next play. In the win over Tennessee, Arkansas had no turnovers. It’s simple if the Hogs don’t turn the ball over they have a chance to beat anyone. If they give it up three or more times they simply can’t win. The Hogs had 10 penalties against Texas A&M. That can’t happen either.

Get Off Field on Third Down

Arkansas let LSU control the football last week. LSU was 8 of 15 on third down conversions. LSU had 72 plays to just 50 for Arkansas. LSU had the ball for 38 minutes, 53 seconds. Arkansas had it for 21:07. The Arkansas defense simply can’t let the opposing offense control the football like that. Arkansas contributed to the one-sided time of possession by turning the ball over on first down. Mississippi State has a high-powered offense and Arkansas has to not let the Bulldogs impose their will on them.

Run the Football

Early in the season, Arkansas was having great success running the football. The production has decreased in the losses to Texas A&M and LSU. Against LSU, Arkansas rushed for 38 yards on 19 attempts. The Razorbacks may be without leading rusher Ja’Quinden Jackson against Mississippi State, but Braylen Russell is ready for an increased workload and Rodney Hill is likely to return from injury after missing the past two games.

Don’t Waste Scoring Opportunities

Arkansas had another missed field goal against LSU. Matthew Shipley did redeem himself with a 51-yard boot, but the Hogs need points when they get into scoring position. Two missed field goals against Oklahoma State proved large in the loss. The Hogs didn’t even get into the Red Zone last week which is completely a recipe for disaster which it was.

Protect Taylen Green, Pressure Michael Van Buren

The Hogs have to do a better job of protecting Green. He was hit at OSU when he threw the interception for touchdown. Pressure coming at him led to the interception against LSU. They simply need to protect him better. Green has improved his passing the past two games and when he has time to throw he has hurt the opponent. On the other hand, don’t let Michael Van Buren sit back and have a clean pocket. The Hogs got no pressure on the quarterbacks in the games they lost. Yes many times the quarterback is getting the ball out fast and taking what the Hogs are offering, but they have to disrupt Van Buren and try to force him into mistakes.

Prediction: Arkansas 38 – Mississippi State 31