FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas Razorbacks played host to the Mississippi State Bulldogs for an 11 O'Clock showdown at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. But the offense couldn't get anything going in this must win game for the Razorbacks.
The game got started in the right direction as Razorback DB Alfahiym Walcott picked off Mississippi State back up Quarterback Mike Wright on just the second play of the game, giving the Hogs great opening drive field position. After a couple first downs, the drive stalled out and Cam Little came out to kick a short field goal. He drilled it and the Hogs went up 3-0 early.
Both teams traded punts the next couple of possessions, until MSU was able to drive into plus territory. However, a delay of game on 4th and 1 stopped the drive and once again was forced to punt. The Hogs were unable to capitalize and punted the ball right back to Mike Wright.
The Hogs lead 3-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Mississippi State's strong rushing game along with a couple of big penalties by the Razorbacks aided their 70 yard touchdown drive capped off by a 2 yard Touchdown catch from Wright to MSU RB Jo'Quavious Marks to give the Bulldogs a 7-3 lead early in the second quarter.
The Razorbacks got the ball back but went three and out after KJ Jefferson was sacked for a big loss. The Razorbacks would get a sack of their own forcing Wright out of bounds behind the line of scrimmage and getting the ball right back.
After a nice start to the drive, a holding call derailed the Hogs and they weren't able to comeback from it as they were forced to punt once again.
The Hogs we're able to force a fumble the next drive, but the Bulldogs were able to recover the fumble. After a defensive Pass Interference call on Arkansas, the Bulldogs were called for one of their own, and couldn't make up the yardage.
Arkansas got the ball back with 2:12 left to go in the half looking to get some points on the board before halftime.
The Razorbacks got the ball to start the second half, and on 4th and 1, the Hogs tried a sneak with KJ Jefferson, but KJ fumbled on the play and it was recovered by the Bulldogs. They took over on Arkansas' 47 yard line.
Like they have the majority of the game, the Razorback defense held strong forcing a 3 and out. The Hogs would take over at their own 11.
The Hogs finally got a good drive going but eventually stalled out and was gearing up to kick a field goal. But a delay of game forced them back and Pittman elected to punt the ball much to the home crowds displeasure. The crowd changed their mind however when the punt landed inside the 3 yard line, which is where MSU took over.
Three false starts by the Bulldogs made it hard for them to get out of the shadow of their own end zone. But on third and long, MSU WR Justin Robinson made an incredible catch over two Hog to defenders for a 30 yard gain.
That's where the third quarter would end and no score change. Hogs still trailed 7-3.
On the first play of the 4th, Mike Wright thought he had a 65 yard touchdown run, but fortunately for the Hogs, an illegal blindside block brought the Bulldogs back and forced another punt. Arkansas took over at their own 29 yard line.
After a few first downs, a third in long forced KJ Jefferson to throw it up into coverage and it was picked off by Shawn Preston Jr. MSU took over at the 31.
On 4th and 1, what appeared to be a scoop and score for Arkansas to give them the lead, turned into a false start giving the Bulldogs a chance to punt with just under 7 to go in the game. The Hogs took over at their 24 yard line.
Nothing came of it and they were forced to punt once again, but got the ball back after a Bulldog punt with just over 3 minuets to go in the game. But just like the rest of the game, Arkansas couldn't do anything with it and they turn it over on downs.
The Bulldogs faced a crucial 4th and 2 with the game on the line. Arkansas was out of timeouts and a conversion would end the game. MSU elected to go for the field goal but missed, giving Arkansas one last shot to win the game with 1:14 left to go ball at their own 20.
Arkansas got the ball to midfield with 37 seconds left, looking like a Hail Mary could be in the cards, and that's what it came down to.
On the final play of the game, KJ Jefferson dropped back, threw it as far as he could and it came up incomplete. The Razorbacks fell to Mississippi State 7-3.
