There weren’t too many high-profile games in the SEC this weekend; in fact, the clash between Arkansas and Mississippi State was the only meeting of two ranked teams on the conference schedule. But the two teams made the most of the conference-wide stage, with a back-and-forth, 38-31 Arkansas win in double overtime.
Arkansas Vs. Mississippi State: Arkansas Survives Improving Mississippi State, 38-31, In Double Overtime
After some struggles to start the second half, Ryan Mallett came alive with 2:18 left in the third quarter. From that point forward, he was 8-of-9 for 181 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner. Overall, he was 17-of-26 for 306 yards, three touchdowns and a pick.
Knile Davis also continued to reinvigorate the once-dormant Arkansas running game, gaining 191 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries. Jarius Wright’s 89-yard touchdown catch helped him to a game-leading 105 yards receiving.
In his best passing game of the year, it was the throw Chris Relf didn’t make that helped cost his team the game. It was third-and-7 at the Arkansas 12 when Relf fired the ball toward Arceto Clark — but just led him a bit too far — setting up the game-winning sack by Arkansas.
All of this after Relf set a season-high for completions (20), attempts (30) and yardage (227). His passer rating and completion percentage were his best in a month and a half. Relf also had 97 yards and a touchdown on 30 rushes.
In fact, if you had told Mississippi State fans before this game that they would outgain Arkansas (granted, it was only by a yard, 489-488) and have 11 more first downs (32-21) and a nearly 13-minute edge in time of possession, anyone with any sense would have taken that in a heartbeat.
For the Razorbacks, the win keeps the hope of an at-large BCS berth alive. If they can defeat LSU next week, and Auburn can win against Alabama and South Carolina in the SEC Championship Game, then Arkansas will be well-positioned to get an invitation to the Sugar Bowl.
For Mississippi State, the loss is one of the few disappointing things about Dan Mullen’s second season in Starkville. After all, they could win an eighth game against Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl next week and will be headed to a bowl for the first time since 2007. Improvement might not be easy to see in the middle of a two-game losing streak, but it’s certainly there.
Tonight, the Bulldogs just came up a few inches short — or too long, as the case may be. That they were even in the game is a sign of how far they have come.
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