What the Hogs Need to Do Against Ole Miss

The Hogs head to Oxford, Miss., to take on No. 17 Ole Miss in their SEC opener. ESPN’s matchup predictor gives Arkansas just a 26.3% chance of winning, but there are areas the Razorbacks can focus on to give themselves a chance.

Need to Limit the Ole Miss Passing Attack

In the first two games of the season, Ole Miss has shown once again under head coach Lane Kiffin an impressive offense. Quarterback Austin Simmons is listed as probable on the injury report, but his 576 passing yards rank among the best in the SEC. Wide receiver Harrison Wallace III leads the conference and is fourth in the country in receiving yards.

That means the Hogs’ defense will need another performance like last week against Arkansas State. Pressuring Simmons, or backup quarterback Trinidad Chambliss if called upon, will be crucial in forcing plays to break down and not allowing routes to fully develop. Simmons has thrown four interceptions, giving the Arkansas secondary an opportunity to make him pay for mistakes.

Don’t Forget the Rebels’ Running Game

Kiffin’s offense is often known for its passing attack, but the Rebels’ running game has helped them keep defenses honest. Running back Kewan Lacy leads the SEC in rushing yards with 246 and has scored four touchdowns on the ground.

The Hogs’ defensive line and linebackers will be crucial in slowing him down. Like most games, this matchup will be won in the trenches. Last week, the defensive front and linebackers took a big step forward from Week 1 to Week 2. They seemed to knock the rust off, and if they can repeat that performance, it will give Arkansas a chance to slow the Rebels.

Hogs Need to Win the Turnover Game

Quarterback Taylen Green has looked strong in his second year under offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, but he threw two interceptions last week. While those mistakes did not change the outcome of the Arkansas State game, they could against the Rebels.

Simmons has also thrown two interceptions in each of his first two games. Last week the Razorbacks had five pass breakups and two interceptions. Replicating that type of defensive disruption in Oxford could allow Arkansas to control the pace and stay in the game.