The Arkansas Razorbacks are set to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday at 11:45 AM CST on SEC Network. Here are 3 Razorbacks that are primed to have breakout games this upcoming week.
1.) Arkansas Running Back Braylen Russell
The standout true freshman is in an excellent spot to have a breakout game against the Bulldogs as starter Ja’Quinden Jackson is doubtful for this game as he suffered an ankle injury in the LSU game this past weekend.
So far this season Russell has gained 127 yards on the ground and has also tacked on 2 touchdowns. Throughout the season the Razorbacks have only primarily used Russell as a 3rd down back and also used him in short yardage situations. Following a stellar performance against the Tennessee Volunteers Russell only had 3 touches for 3 yards in the LSU game.
With Jackson being doubtful the Hogs will turn to Russell to have massive success on the ground as the Bulldogs have the 114th Rushing Defense allowing over 193 rushing yards a game which also ranks them dead last in the SEC. Since this is the best chance per statistics for Russell to have a massive game Offensive Coordinator Bobby Petrino will dial up many different run types and packages to get Russell involved.
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2.) Arkansas Wide Receiver Tyrone Broden
Following a game where Broden finished the game with 3 receptions for 24 yards the Arkansas Razorbacks will turn to Tyrone Broden to help lighten the load of Andrew Armstrong and the rest of the receiving group.
On the season Broden has tallied up 12 receptions for 162 yards and 1 touchdown as the receiver has had his struggles with drops this year. With Broden struggling with drops he has seen his snap count shrink and shrink over time; however, this is a prime game for Tyrone to have his best game of the season and help contribute to the struggling receiving core.
As stated above Offensive Coordinator Bobby Petrino will dial up some plays to get Broden involved early to help relieve some of the pressure off of Andrew Armstrong who has been the safe bet at Wide Receiver this season.
3.) Arkansas Linebacker Stephen Dix Jr.
The Arkansas linebacker has seen his snap count skyrocket as he has been Mr. Reliable over the last few games as he has tacked on at least 6 tackles in the last 2 consecutive games. His total numbers this year consist of 33 tackles and also has 1.5 sacks on the year.
Prior to this season Dix spent his 2023 campaign at Marshall where he tallied up 66 total tackles and he also finished his season with 2 sacks last year.
Arkansas Defensive Coordinator Travis Williams has dialed up special looks for Dix whether that be dropping him back into coverage or him rushing the passer. The talented linebacker has incredible speed for his size and frame and that allows him to keep up with both receivers and also allows him to get pressure on the quarterback at a quick rate.
Whether it be one of these players or all three these players are prime to have a true breakout game and help lead the Hogs to a victory against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.