Mississippi State hits the road again this Saturday to face Arkansas in Fayetteville in a battle of teams both in search of their first SEC win this season.
To preview the matchup and gather an understanding of MSU’s opponent, The Dispatch exchanged questions with Tom Murphy, a beat writer covering the Razorbacks for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
The Dispatch: Both MSU and Arkansas have had close calls in getting their first SEC win, which do you see as the unfortunate but defining moment of the season so far for the Razorbacks?
Tom Murphy: I’ll give you two moments: Jalen Brown’s lost fumble at the Ole Miss 24 in the two-minute drill and Mike Washington’s lost fumble at the Memphis 7 inside two minutes. The Razorbacks were on the move in both instances and could have won either game, but the turnovers and inability to stop the next opponent’s possession led to losses. Had they won both games, Arkansas would have been 4-0 heading into the Notre Dame game and Sam Pittman would probably still be the coach.
Dispatch: What has been the biggest difference, if any, to the performances under Petrino compared to Pittman this season?
Murphy: This is a nuanced response. The restructured defensive staff has changed a few things while trying to keep the calls close to what they had been with Travis Williams as coordinator. There has been marginally stronger play from that unit, though Auburn still scored on seven possessions last week.
Dispatch: Taylen Green is well known, but who else on the Arkansas offense do MSU fans need to know about?
Murphy: Tailback Mike Washington Jr. has been a great addition as the lead back. He’s averaging 6.59 yards per carry, third in the SEC and is also third in the conference with 712 rushing yards. Tight end Rohan Jones has 12 receptions for 408 yards, a robust average of 34 yards per catch. Jones has four touchdowns, including one on a tight end end-around.
Dispatch: What about on defense?
Murphy: It has been a below-average season for standout defenders at Arkansas. However, junior end Quincy Rhodes Jr. has had a breakout season with seven sacks, tied for second in the SEC.
Dispatch: What about MSU has been the focus from coaches and players this week?
Murphy: Certainly, the coaching staff has stressed Mississippi State’s pace of play and their effectiveness in the Run-Pass Option game on offense. On the other side of the ball, the Hogs’ turnover-prone offense will face one of the best takeaway units in the league, which is a problem.
Dispatch: What has to happen for Arkansas to lose this game?
Murphy: In a nutshell, another turnover calamity like the four the Razorbacks suffered, including three interceptions by Taylen Green, in last week’s loss to Auburn.
Dispatch: What has to happen for Arkansas to win this game?
Murphy: Taylen Green needs to get back on track for one. I also think they’ll need to re-establish their running game and be very close to even in turnover margin. Finally, the defense will need to get off the field a few more times than they did last week. Without Mississippi State’s raft of turnovers and a couple of missed opportunities at the Arkansas 1-yard line, last year’s game would’ve looked a lot differently than the final score.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
