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A game that some figured, or at least hoped, could be a possible victory for Arkansas played out as anything but. The Razorbacks turned in another poor performance, and on Homecoming they were defeated soundly by a Mississippi State team that will struggle the rest of the season to become bowl-eligible.
In the context of building a program, it was a step backward. Saturday’s 54-24 loss to the Bulldogs had little to feel optimistic about and much to hang heads over. Here are five things that I didn’t like about the lopsided loss, and three others that I liked about it.
Things I liked
1. Rakeem Boyd
Regardless of the score or the situation, you know what you’re going to get with Rakeem Boyd. The guy has only one speed, and that’s all-out. On Saturday, he carried only 11 times but made the most of his opportunities. From his first carry, a 22-yard gain, to his last, a 6-yard pickup, Boyd ran with authority and enthusiasm. His 114-yard game also included 52- and 9-yard runs. It was his fourth 100-yard game of the season and seventh in his two-year career at Arkansas.
2. QB Jones
Well, we know what backup quarterback J.S. Jones can do in mop-up time. Is he ready for prime time? That remains to be seen. But Jones did provide somewhat of a spark for the Razorbacks on Saturday when given his opportunity. He completed 4 of 9 passes for 25 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown pass to Mike Woods on his final pass of the game.
3. Jefferson debut
If there is a silver lining in a blowout, it’s that many players get to see the field. KJ Jefferson made his debut under center at Arkansas. He completed his first pass, a 32-yarder to Treylon Burks, then completed a four-play, 75-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run. His presence brought an even higher level of enthusiasm to the team and the Arkansas faithful who stuck around for his first appearance.
Things I didn’t like
1. Hicks’ ineffectiveness
Ben Hicks was just 4-for-13 for 44 yards and an interception. Hicks has simply never acclimated to the speed of the SEC. Jumping between starter and backup throughout the season, Hicks has never really gotten into any sort of rhythm. He was well off target Saturday and did little to move the team down the field.
2. Defense can’t get off the field
The Arkansas defense allowed 640 yards to Mississippi State. Much of that could have been avoided had the Razorbacks just been able to hold the Bulldogs on third and fourth downs. But they couldn’t. The Bulldogs converted on 8 of 13 third downs and were successful on their only fourth-down attempt. That’s a lot of extra time on the field for a tired defense.
3. No answer for Bulldogs QB
The Razorbacks could not corral Mississippi State QB Tommy Stevens and made him look like former Bulldogs QBs Nick Fitzgerald or even Dak Prescott. Stevens threw for 172 yards on 12-for-18 passing and rushed for another 76 yards on 15 carries.
4. More missed tackles
Something that has haunted the Arkansas defense all season is missed tackles. They piled up again on Saturday, with Mississippi State breaking tackle after tackle at the line of scrimmage to gain sizeable yardage and keep drives alive. The Hogs have to do a much better job of wrapping up before they can improve as a unit defensively.
5. No O’Grady?
Arkansas’ best playmaker was not available for the game.
Beyond blessed to say I had the privilege and opportunity to be a Razorback. I was actually given the chance to live my dream and I will forever be thankful for it. ??
— ☀️ (@MistuhSunshine) November 2, 2019
Without Cheyenne O’Grady, its best and most productive player, the Arkansas offense struggled mightily. He made a statement on Twitter sounding like his playing days are done at Arkansas. If so, the Razorbacks will limp to the finish line with giant shoes to fill.
Glenn Sattell is an award-winning freelance writer for Saturday Down South.
