Arkansas vs. Mississippi State: Game Grades, Analysis for Razorbacks & Bulldogs
Mississippi State remains undefeated, as they got past Arkansas 17-10. The final box score can be found here, thanks to NCAA.com.
The Bulldogs did not play their best game, but they found a way to win, which is why they are the No. 1 team in the country. As for Arkansas, it was another tough loss for the Hogs, as they could not make that one play to get them over the hump.
It was a well-played game by both teams, but they will have a few things they need to work on as the season winds down.
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Here are game grades and analysis for the Razorbacks and the Bulldogs.
| Passing Offense | C | C | ||
| Running Offense | C | C | ||
| Passing Defense | B | D | ||
| Running Defense | B | B- | ||
| Special Teams | B | B | ||
| Coaching | B | B |
Passing Offense
The Hogs aren’t really known for throwing the ball downfield, but Brandon Allen made some big throws, especially in the fourth quarter. The problem was that Allen was not accurate and was constantly flushed out of the pocket. When a team like Arkansas has to throw over 40 times, that means the run game is not where it needs to be.
Running Offense
And that was exactly the case, as the Razorbacks only rushed for 163 yards on 38 carries. Alex Collins was the only running back that could do anything for the Hogs, rushing for 93 yards and one score.
Jonathan Williams did not have any big runs, and the same goes for Kody Walker. The Bulldogs defense did a great job maintaining their gaps and tackling at the point of attack. If the Hogs don’t run the ball for more than 200 yards, that’s a big problem.
Passing Defense
The Razorbacks defense knew that Dak Prescott could make plays with his arm and legs, but they did not expect him to go completely off in the passing game. Prescott threw for more than 330 yards because the secondary for Arkansas had miscommunication, which led to blown coverages. But then again, the front-seven for Arkansas didn't apply any pressure on Prescott, either.
Running Defense
One of the things the Hogs did well is not let the Bulldogs run wild. Prescott had a bum ankle, so he was not going to have a big night running the ball. But led by linebacker Martrell Spaight, Robinson only had 64 yards and one touchdown. That was one of the biggest reasons the Razorbacks were in the game until the end. The front seven never let Prescott and Robinson run over them.
Special Teams
The special teams could have been better for the Hogs. Adam McFain missed a key field goal in the second half, the punting game did not make a big impact and the return game did not make any big plays. This was a game when special teams needed to be a key factor. But while the group did not make any mistakes, they needed to make plays to help the offense.
Coaching
Brett Bielema has done a great job preparing his team each week. But they seem to be missing that one play, and that’s why they have not won an SEC game in their last 16 tries. The coaching staff had a great game plan, and they made all the right decisions. It’s up to the players to go out there and execute.
| Passing Offense | C | B+ | ||
| Running Offense | C | C | ||
| Passing Defense | C | B | ||
| Running Defense | B | B+ | ||
| Special Teams | B | B | ||
| Coaching | C | B |
Passing Offense
Prescott had his best game through the air as Bulldog. He threw for a career-high 331 yards and one score. However, he did throw two interceptions in the second half, which is another reason why the Razorbacks were able to hang with the No. 1 team in the country. Prescott was fighting an ankle injury all game long, but he looked really comfortable in the second half and was able to lead the Bulldogs to a win.
Running Offense
It was not the best of nights for the run game for the Bulldogs, as they had only 128 yards on 35 carries. Prescott had 61 yards while Robinson had 64. Both players were able to get off a couple of big runs, but the Razorbacks defense kept them bottled up most of the game.
Passing Defense
The Bulldogs had to force Allen to throw 43 times in the game, but the secondary did give up some big throws towards the end of the game. However, the Bulldogs did intercept Allen on the last play of the game to seal the victory. Mississippi State normally gives up a lot of yards in the air, but the group played well Saturday, as they kept everything in front of them and there was no breakdown in coverage.
Running Defense
The Hogs can run the ball, but they did not do a great job of it on Saturday night because Benardrick McKinney and company kept Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams bottled up. Collins did have 93 yards, but 42 of those yards came on one play. The Hogs rushed for more than 260 yards per game, but they did not come close to that because the front seven won the battle of the line of scrimmage.
Special Teams
Devon Bell was solid in the punt game, Evan Sobiesk made his lone field goal, and the return specialist did not have any big returns but did not put the Bulldogs in bad field position. So the special teams had a strong effort against the Razorbacks. But like Arkansas, the Bulldogs would have loved to have a big return or two, because that would help them get more points and not have to worry about a fourth-quarter rally.
Coaching
Despite the rally, Dan Mullen had a good game plan for the Bulldogs. One of the best things Mullen did was let Prescott continue to throw in the second half, even though he threw two picks in the first half. Mullen let Prescott do his thing, and it worked out in the end. But the coaching staff will need to learn from the mistakes they made in this game and come up with a better game plan, because Alabama and Ole Miss are right around the corner.
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