Tag: arkansas

Dec 27, 2024; Memphis, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Dazmin James (83) runs after a catch during the second quarter against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Taylen Green, Arkansas overpower Texas Tech in Liberty Bowl

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Taylen Green threw for 341 yards and accounted for three touchdowns as Arkansas pulled away in the second half to earn a 39-26 win over Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis on Friday.

Green completed 11 of 21 passes, two for touchdowns, and added 81 yards and a score on 15 rushes. He led a big-play attack that saw the Razorbacks (7-6) pile up 559 total yards.

Will Hammond connected on 20 of 34 passes for 280 yards, a touchdown and two second-half interceptions for the Red Raiders (8-5), filling in for injured starter Behren Morton (shoulder surgery). J’Koby Williams rushed for 123 yards and a TD on 15 carries.

However, Texas Tech’s offense, which trimmed a 21-3 first-quarter deficit to 21-19 in the second quarter, couldn’t respond in the second half. The Red Raiders’ only score after halftime was Hammond’s 15-yard connection to Coy Eakin with 3:06 left in the game.

Arkansas led 24-19 at halftime but steadily tacked on to its lead via all three phases. Matthew Shipley converted a 34-yard field goal with 10:52 to go in the third quarter, and Green added a 47-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Tyrell Reed Jr. with 7:07 left in the third.

In the first minute of the fourth quarter, Anton Juncaj made it 36-19 when he sacked Hammond in the end zone for a safety. Shipley capped the Razorbacks’ scoring on a 43-yard field goal with 5:02 left.

Arkansas’ fast start set the game’s tone. Green scored on a 12-yard touchdown jaunt on the Razorbacks’ first possession, one play after Rodney Hill ripped off a 70-yard run.

After Gino Garcia toed a 37-yard field goal for the Red Raiders, the Razorbacks upped the advantage to 21-3 on Braylen Russell’s 1-yard scoring run and Green’s 94-yard touchdown pass to Dazmin James — his first career catch. James finished with three receptions for 137 yards, and teammate Isaac TeSlaa made three catches for 107 yards.

In the second quarter, Texas Tech bounced back with Isaac Smith’s sack of Green in the end zone for a safety. Williams added a 54-yard scoring run and Jalin Conyers got the Red Raiders within two points on a 2-yard touchdown run with 1:58 left in the half.

Shipley’s 40-yard field goal capped a wild first half that saw the teams combine for 687 yards.

–Field Level Media

Nov 16, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) rushes in the first quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Arkansas, Texas Tech enter Liberty Bowl after roster attrition

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With the transfer portal taking big bites out of its offense and certain spots on the defense, Arkansas will turn to some fresh faces to make key contributions Friday night when it meets Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn.

After going 6-6, a two-game improvement over 2023, the Razorbacks have experienced some roster turbulence since the transfer portal activated two weeks ago. Among their big losses on offense were second-leading receiver Isaiah Sategna, center Addison Nichols and guards Joshua Braun and Patrick Kutas.

In addition, leading rusher Ja’Quinden Jackson (790 yards, 15 touchdowns) and top receiver Andrew Armstrong, who led the Southeastern Conference with 1,140 yards, opted out of the bowl game. The defense waved goodbye to safety TJ Metcalf and linebacker Brad Spence.

However, the remaining players don’t intend to let the departures deter them from their task of sealing a winning season in front of what should be a huge contingent of Arkansas fans that figure to make a relatively short trip into west Tennessee.

“Going 7-6 with a winning record would be good,” linebacker Stephen Dix said. “At the end of the day, we know that we’re capable of so much more … look back at the games and the coaches showed us how small the margins was for our losses against really good teams.”

The Razorbacks figure to build their attack around quarterback Taylen Green (2,812 passing yards, 13 touchdowns). The Boise State transfer also rushed for 521 yards and seven scores. Isaac TeSlaa (25 catches, 439 yards) is his top returning receiver for the bowl game.

Texas Tech’s departures since finishing an 8-4 regular season are impactful if not quite as numerous. The chief hole on the depth chart is at quarterback as Behren Morton (shoulder surgery) and his 3,335 yards and 27 TD passes will be on the sidelines.

In addition, leading receiver Josh Kelly (89 catches, 1,023 yards) opted out in favor of getting an early jump on preparing for a potential NFL career. The status of leading rusher Tahj Brooks, who compiled 1,505 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, could be a game-time decision, according to coach Joey McGuire.

Brooks has been at every practice leading up to the bowl but has pondered opting out. McGuire said other players who have entered the portal are being allowed to play in the bowl since they have done a lot for the program this year.

“If he does play,” McGuire said of Brooks, “of course that’s going to be incredible. If he doesn’t, then we’re going to see (freshman running backs) J’Koby Williams and Cam Dickey.”

Freshman Will Hammond, who in limited duty has completed 15 of 23 passes for 191 yards with a touchdown, will start at quarterback. He will have the services of second-leading receiver Caleb Douglas, who caught a career-high 55 passes for 762 yards and six scores.

Arkansas is listed as a two-point favorite despite the Red Raiders boasting wins over CFP quarterfinalist Arizona State and Iowa State. The Razorbacks’ best win came in October against Tennessee, which reached the CFP but lost to Ohio State in the first round.

Arkansas owns a 29-8 advantage in the series of former Southwest Conference rivals, although Texas Tech won the last meeting 35-24 in 2015.

–Field Level Media

Nov 2, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbackswide receiver Andrew Armstrong (2) runs after a catch in the fourth quarter as Ole Miss Rebels linebacker Tyler Banks (34) defends at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi won 63-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Arkansas WR Andrew Armstrong declares for NFL draft, skipping bowl

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Arkansas receiver Andrew Armstrong said Tuesday that he is entering the NFL Draft.

Later in the day, a school spokesman told reporters that Armstrong will skip the Razorbacks’ bowl game. The destination isn’t yet known.

Armstrong led the Southeastern Conference in both receptions (78) and receiving yards (1,140) but caught just one touchdown in 11 games this season. His catches and yardage were both second-most in Arkansas history behind Cobi Hamilton, who had 90 receptions for 1,335 yards in 2012.

“It’s been a journey for the books and I wouldn’t trade it for anything because it has made me into the man I am today,” Armstrong said of his Razorbacks tenure in a social media post. “… I will never forget all the moments that were shared here in Fayetteville.”

Armstrong played two seasons at Texas A&M-Commerce before transferring to Arkansas ahead of the 2023 season. In two seasons with the Razorbacks, he caught 134 passes for 1,904 yards and six scores.

–Field Level Media

Nov 30, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Marcus Carroll (9) runs the ball as Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Stephen Dix Jr. (14) attempts the tackle during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Brady Cook’s late TD run lifts No. 21 Missouri over Arkansas

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Brady Cook ran for a 30-yard go-ahead touchdown with 1:53 remaining, lifting No. 21 Missouri to a 28-21 victory over Arkansas in a snowy Battle Line Rivalry matchup in Columbia, Mo.

Cook had a quiet day through the air (10-of-20, 168 yards), as the Tigers (9-3, 5-3 SEC) opted instead to lean on Marcus Carroll (22 carries, 90 yards, two TDs).

Taylen Green was 21-of-35 passing for 229 yards and added 53 rushing yards for the Razorbacks (6-6, 3-5). Ja’Quinden Jackson ran 18 times for 87 yards and three TDs to fuel the Arkansas offense, while Andrew Armstrong registered 128 yards on nine receptions.

Arkansas trailed by six with under 10 minutes remaining when Green and Jackson started to lead the Razorbacks down the field. Green found Armstrong for 25 yards on fourth-and-8, and two plays later, Jackson rushed up the middle for a 9-yard score as Arkansas slipped in front by a point.

However, the Tigers only needed about 2 1/2 minutes to get back in front, as Cook scrambled up the middle for the decisive score (and the Tigers tacked on the two-point conversion). The Razorbacks drove to the Missouri 32 in the final minute, but Green’s final three passes fell incomplete as the game ended.

Following a 7-7 first half, the visitors needed only six plays to find the end zone on their first possession of the third quarter, as Jackson found space on the right side and scampered for a 12-yard score.

Missouri then drove the ball inside the 10, but a false start penalty on fourth-and-1 scrapped any plans of a fourth-down attempt. Instead, the Tigers settled for a 28-yard field goal by Blake Craig, making it 14-10.

On the next play from scrimmage, Jackson fumbled and Carroll quickly made the Razorbacks pay with a 1-yard TD run with 13:45 remaining as the Tigers jumped ahead 17-14.

Following an Arkansas punt, Cook found Theo Wease for 70 yards to set up Craig’s 34-yard field goal, making it 20-14 with 9:39 to play.

Arkansas standout defensive lineman Landon Jackson was injured making a tackle in the first half. He was taken off on a stretcher and brought to a local hospital, where he reportedly had movement in all of his extremities.

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Brady Cook (12) drops to pass against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images

Arkansas eyes first-ever win at No. 21 Missouri

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On the road for five of their last seven games, No. 21 Missouri embraces home cookin’ when Arkansas comes to Columbia on Saturday for the annual Battle Line Rivalry game.

The Tigers (8-3, 4-3 SEC) are 6-0 at home this season, including one-possession victories in each of their last four contests at Memorial Stadium.

Adding to the atmosphere, the forecast calls for temperatures in the 20s with potential snow on Saturday.

“There are some things as a staff that we’ve already put in place to prepare for (the weather), but the reality is that’s just part of the game,” Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said.

The Tigers scored a 39-20 victory at Mississippi State in which Marcus Carroll ran for three touchdowns and Brady Cook completed 75 percent of his passes with a TD and no interceptions.

“He’s a really good player,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said of Cook. “What he brings to the team with his legs and his arm and his leadership – he’s won a lot of games as the starting quarterback at Missouri.”

Already bowl-eligible, Arkansas (6-5, 3-4) is focused on finishing the season with a winning record. The team disposed of Louisiana Tech 35-14 its last time out as Taylen Green threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more.

The Razorbacks are attempting to win at Missouri for the first time ever. They are 0-6 all-time, although their last two visits resulted in a pair of two-point defeats.

“I think Missouri is right up there at the top of rivals for us,” Pittman said. “Anything that you think of (like the Razorbacks’ record at Missouri) can be a little bit more of a motivator.”

In theory, Arkansas players should be able to use the memory of last season’s meeting as an incentive. The Tigers pounded the Razorbacks 48-14 in Fayetteville, although year-to-year motivation doesn’t always translate in the modern world of college athletics.

“They beat the hell out of us last year,” Pittman noted. “That should motivate us, but the problem is a lot of the kids that are on the team and playing weren’t here last year. So you have to find different ways to motivate (them). That’s my job.”

For his part, Drinkwitz isn’t particularly concerned with generating momentum with a win Saturday. He’s more interested in the bragging rights.

“I don’t know if it’s really that big of a deal – the momentum piece,” he said. “I think it’s more about a legacy piece for this senior class and for this year’s team.”

This will be Arkansas’ national-leading seventh game against a Top 25 opponent this season. The Razorbacks are 1-5 against ranked foes to this point, only defeating then-No. 4 Tennessee back in early October.

Arkansas held the Volunteers to 14 points, not to mention strong defensive efforts against Auburn (24-14 win) and Texas (20-10 loss) at various points this season. Even last week, the team allowed just 229 total yards of offense against Louisiana Tech.

“I do think the defensive identity under Coach Pittman has been consistent (over the years),” Drinkwitz said. “Relentless pursuit to the football.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) runs for a touchdown as Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive back Demarcus Griffin-Taylor (8) defends at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Taylen Green accounts for 4 TDs as Arkansas downs Louisiana Tech

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Taylen Green threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for two scores Saturday as Arkansas shrugged off a rocky first quarter to stop visiting Louisiana Tech 35-14 in Fayetteville in a nonconference matchup.

Green completed 20 of 37 passes with an interception as the Razorbacks (6-5) clinched bowl eligibility despite a spate of mistakes. They were flagged eight times for 78 yards, including a holding call on the opening kickoff that negated a 100-yard touchdown return by Rodney Hill, and committed three turnovers.

However, Arkansas controlled both sides of the scrimmage line. It outgained the Bulldogs 454-229 and permitted just 39 yards in 33 rushing attempts. The Razorbacks ran for 233 yards, getting 112 on only 15 carries from Rashod Dubinion.

Evan Bullock completed 26 of 43 attempts for 190 yards and two second half touchdowns for Louisiana Tech, which dropped to 4-7 and won’t be bowl-eligible. Bullock worked under steady pressure, absorbing three sacks and being harassed on other throws.

Arkansas snapped a scoreless tie with 14 second-quarter points to take a two-score lead to halftime. Green capped an 80-yard drive that lasted nearly six minutes with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Isaac TeSlaa with 5:49 left, followed by his 41-yard touchdown run just after the two-minute warning.

A failed gamble by the Bulldogs led to the Razorbacks’ first score after halftime. They tried to convert a fourth-and-one from their 30 but Jimmy Holiday was nailed for a 3-yard loss by TJ Metcalf. Green and TeSlaa hooked up for a 27-yard score on the next play.

Louisiana Tech got on the board on its next possession when Bullock flipped a 2-yard touchdown pass to Eli Finley. But that momentum was short-lived as Arkansas marched 75 yards in 12 plays, Green finishing the drive with an 8-yard scoring run 46 seconds into the fourth quarter.

Bullock’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Holiday with 5:58 left in the game pulled the Bulldogs within 28-14 but Ja’Quinden Jackson finished the game’s competitive phase on a 13-yard scoring jaunt with 3:01 remaining.

–Field Level Media

Nov 16, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) is tackled by Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) as linebacker Liona Leaf (18) defends during the fourth quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Texas won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Protect QB — and ball — top Arkansas’ to-do list vs. Louisiana Tech

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It’s been pretty simple to figure out the common denominator in Arkansas’ success this season.

When the Razorbacks avoid turnovers and sacks, they win. When opponents make them cough up the ball and get to quarterback Taylen Green, as Texas did last week in a 20-10 decision, Arkansas loses.

At 5-5 and needing a win to become bowl-eligible, the Razorbacks seek the mistake-free version of themselves Saturday in Fayetteville when Louisiana Tech visits for a non-conference contest.

Arkansas has allowed 20 sacks in four Southeastern Conference losses, including six last week. It also gave up a pair of crushing turnovers, including a fumble by freshman CJ Brown after his first career catch deep in Texas territory with 6:55 left. The Razorbacks never saw the ball again.

“That’s kind of been the story of all our losses and all our wins, you know, depending on what we do with turnovers,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said.

Green has thrown for 2,363 yards and 11 touchdowns but has also tossed eight interceptions and hung on to the ball too long at times.

“That’s one thing in my game that I have to be better at,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs (4-6) kept their bowl hopes alive with a 12-7 Conference USA win at Western Kentucky, which was 5-0 in the league. Buck Buchanan hit four field goals for Louisiana Tech and the defense held the high-powered Hilltoppers to just 215 total yards.

Third-year coach Sonny Cumbie said his team persevered after enduring adversity most of the season.

“I talked to our team about being uncommon,” he said. “They have an uncommon fight and grit. You see the belief they have in each other, that is the most important thing.”

The Bulldogs average just 112.2 yards per game on the ground but surprised Western Kentucky by coming up with 209 in 49 attempts, including 103 from Amani Givens.

Arkansas has won all four previous meetings including a 21-20 verdict in Fayetteville to open the 2016 season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 19, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) looks to pass against the LSU Tigers during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

No. 3 Texas expects fierce test against old rival Arkansas

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There will be plenty of bad blood and pent-up hatred let loose when No. 3 Texas squares off against historical rival Arkansas on Saturday afternoon in a Southeastern Conference dustup in Fayetteville, Ark.

The Longhorns moved from fifth to third in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, tying their highest ever spot in the poll. Texas also was ranked third in the CFP poll in advance of the playoff semifinal against No. 2 Washington in December 2023.

The Saturday clash marks first time Texas and Arkansas will battle as members of the SEC but the 80th time the Longhorns and Razorbacks line up on the gridiron. Texas holds a 56-23 all-time edge in the meetings, most of which were contested when the two schools were part of the now defunct Southwest Conference.

Arkansas has won the two most recent meetings, 31-7 at the 2014 Texas Bowl and 41-20 in the 2021 regular season at Fayetteville.

“I don’t know what (legendary Texas coach) Darrell Royal did to Arkansas back in the day, but they absolutely hate our guts,” current Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday. “And I think we learned that the first time around when we went there (in 2021).”

The Longhorns (8-1, 4-1 SEC) travel to Arkansas after a dominating 49-17 home win over Florida last week. Texas outgained the Gators 353-138 on the way to a 35-0 halftime lead while producing eight plays of 20-plus yards before the break.

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers passed for 333 yards and career-high five touchdowns over the game’s first 33 minutes and Jerrick Gibson rushed for 100 yards and a TD on 16 carries.

The Longhorns have won nine straight true road games since a 41-34 loss at Oklahoma State in 2022. Texas was 5-0 on the road in 2023 and is 2-0 this season at opponents’ home venues.

“Our culture, our connectivity, our love for one another has been a big piece of that puzzle,” Sarkisian said about Texas’ recent road success. “It takes great poise and composure on the road, and I think we’ve learned and grown into that aspect.”

The Razorbacks (5-4, 3-3 SEC) had a bye last week and likely needed it to refocus after a 63-31 loss at Ole Miss on Nov. 2. Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green finished 10 of 14 for 158 yards before exiting with a sprained knee. Backup Malachi Singleton was 11 of 14 for 207 yards with a touchdown pass to Luke Hasz. Andrew Armstrong gained 135 yards on six catches.

Green is good to go for the Texas game, according to Arkansas coach Sam Pittman. The Razorback could also get running back Ja’Quinden Jackson back on the field after he missed two games in a row with the recurrence of an ankle injury.

Pittman expects renewed effort by his team against the Longhorns — and he acknowledged that it would be needed to beat Texas.

“Like I said before, we tried so many different things against Ole Miss and none of them seemed to work,” Pittman said. “But it all goes down to that we didn’t play as hard as what we normally do, and we certainly have to get back to that to have a chance.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 19, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) passes as LSU Tigers defensive end Paris Shand (0) defends during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

No. 19 Ole Miss braces for Arkansas

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In the always dangerous Southeastern Conference — where seemingly easier, unranked matchups on paper become 60-minute battles on the field — coach Lane Kiffin and No. 19 Ole Miss understand what can happen one state to the west.

Ole Miss (6-2, 2-2) will face one of those situations Saturday afternoon when it meets Arkansas (5-3, 3-2) in Fayetteville, Ark.

Both teams are part of a glut of two-loss SEC teams, as the Rebels and Razorbacks join No. 14 Alabama and No. 25 Missouri as programs that cannot afford a third defeat if the College Football Playoffs remain the end goal.

Like Arkansas, Vanderbilt (5-3, 2-2), one of the season’s best stories, and Florida (4-3, 2-2) have two SEC setbacks. Their third losses overall — non-conference ones — are practically an eliminator when it comes to at-large CFP consideration, however.

Favored Ole Miss should be wary of the Razorbacks on Saturday, and Kiffin need look no further than the plight of one of the schools he coached, Tennessee.

Ranked No. 4, the Vols cruised down to Fayetteville and lost 19-14 on Oct. 5, destroying their top-five position nearly as soon as they achieved it.

Kiffin and Arkansas’ Sam Pittman have been in wild games against each other, including a 52-51 Ole Miss home win in 2021, when the Razorbacks missed a potential game-winning, two-point conversion on the final play.

The home coach has won all four meetings between Kiffin and Pittman.

“We’ve had a lot of really tough matchups over time with them since we’ve been here,” the Rebels’ coach said Monday.

Arkansas has eclipsed last season’s four-win total by winning every other week since opening conference play with a 24-14 win at Auburn in Week 4.

In its 58-25 blowout of host Mississippi State last Saturday, Arkansas was dazzling behind quarterback Taylen Green, who passed for five scores, ran for one TD and led an offense that gained 675 yards.

Green has 2,451 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns — 11 passing, five rushing — and has ignited the offense following the departure of three-year starter KJ Jefferson to UCF.

The Razorbacks rank seventh nationally in total offense — with an average of 482.5 yards per game — while Ole Miss grids second (538.1).

Pittman said these Rebels are different from the past: The defense might be better than the offense. Former Razorbacks linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr. has a team-high 58 tackles.

“I just thought he was physical and played so hard,” Kiffin said of why he added Paul in the offseason. “He got hurt in our game against them a year ago. It was just different when he was in there, a difference-maker. He’s been great for us.”

The difference in Ole Miss’ defense is noticeable.

“They’ve always played well on defense, but you’re looking at the No. 1 rush defense in the country and No. 1 in points allowed,” Pittman said. “Their front is deep, and they’re very good at every defensive position. (Paul) is their leading tackler. He’s playing extremely well. They’re just really good defensively.

“You think about Ole Miss, you (usually) think about offense.”

Pittman said top running back Ja’Quinden Jackson and defensive back Jaylon Braxton are doubtful for Saturday’s game because of injuries, while running back Rodney Hill is probable.

–Field Level Media

Oct 19, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. (0) throws a pass against the Texas A&M Aggies during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images

Arkansas tries to avoid overlooking struggling SEC foe Mississippi State

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Despite Mississippi State’s six-game losing streak, Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said he won’t take the Bulldogs lightly when the schools meet Saturday afternoon in Starkville, Miss., in a Southeastern Conference clash.

Following its 34-10 loss at home last week to No. 8 LSU — a 16-10 game in the third quarter — Arkansas (4-3, 2-2) will meet Mississippi State (1-6, 0-4). But Pittman said Monday that his squad needs to ignore the Bulldogs’ record and pay close attention to their freshman quarterback, Michael Van Buren Jr.

The Bowie, Md., product has replaced Blake Shapen, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against Florida on Sept. 21 and will seek a second redshirt.

Van Buren, a 6-foot-1, 200-pounder, has responded with strong performances and pocket poise in three straight starts. He has completed 61 of 114 passes for 792 yards and six touchdowns, with two interceptions, behind an offensive line that has allowed him to be sacked 11 times.

“They’re wide open (with Van Buren),” Pittman said of the Bulldogs’ offense. “If you press them, they’re going to throw deep. He can throw the deep ball … and make plays with his feet. He gives them opportunities.”

And the Razorbacks could face the Bulldogs without a key offensive weapon. Pittman said his top running back, Ja’Quinden Jackson (592 yards, 10 TDs), would be “very questionable” at best for the matchup.

“He’s been beat up, basically, in SEC play,” Pittman conceded.

The Bulldogs are 15-18-1 all-time against Arkansas but have won the past two meetings, including the lowest-scoring outing in the 34-game series last season – a 7-3 road win in Fayetteville.

First-year Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby does not have a victory over an FBS school yet — the Bulldogs beat FCS foe Eastern Kentucky 56-7 in Week 1 – and they sit with Auburn in the conference’s basement with 0-4 marks.

In a 34-24 loss to No. 14 Texas A&M last Saturday, the Bulldogs surrendered at least 30 points for the sixth straight game. At 33.3 points per game, their defense ranks third worst among Power 4 units.

“Our normal-down defense, first and second down, was as good as we’ve played all year long,” Lebby said Monday. “We created 16 third downs, (but) then not being able to get off the field after third down was the difference in playing really, really good defense.”

–Field Level Media