Arkansas (5-4, 3-3 SEC) falls to No. 19 Ole Miss (7-2, 3-2 SEC) 63-31 in Fayetteville, Ark.
The Hogs couldn’t hold off the Rebels, committing 10 penalties, turning the ball over twice, and allowing eight sacks.
Game Summary
The Rebel defense forced Arkansas to a three-and-out on the first drive of the game. The Razorback defense would respond by stopping Ole Miss on fourth-and-goal, but three plays later, the Rebels forced a fumble on quarterback Taylen Green, resulting in a defensive touchdown. Arkansas answered with a seven-play drive resulting in a 55-yard field goal from kicker Matthew Shipley, bringing the score to 7-3.
In the second quarter, the Ole Miss offense hit its stride, and the Razorbacks struggled to keep up. The Rebels led 35-10 at halftime. Green, who suffered an injury in the first quarter, played through it but was sidelined in the second half. Backup quarterback Malachi Singleton led three touchdown drives in the second half, but the Rebels’ offense was too much for Arkansas in the 63-31 defeat.
Defensive Woes for Arkansas
Ole Miss‘ passing attack overwhelmed Arkansas. Rebel quarterback Jaxson Dart completed 25 of 31 passes for 515 yards and six touchdowns. With star wide receiver Tre Harris out, Jordan Watkins torched the Razorbacks’ secondary with 254 receiving yards and five touchdowns on eight receptions. The Rebels ended the game with 694 yards of total offense, with 562 through the air and 132 on the ground.
What it means
Arkansas heads into its final bye week of the season, providing a chance to regroup and recover. The Razorbacks need one win in their last three games to become bowl eligible. They will face No. 6 Texas at home, Louisiana Tech at home, and finish the season on the road against No. 25 Missouri.
Arkansas returns to action on Nov. 16, hosting No. 6 Texas at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark.