“We really just recommitted ourselves that it was a six-game season and we’re taking it one day at a time trying to win games and have been able to do that so far”.
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If you fell into a Rip Van Winkle-like sleep in August, and awoke to find Arkansas sporting a 6-4 record and favored in remaining home games against Mississippi State and Missouri, you might be inclined to think that the season went about as planned.
The Odds: Arkansas is a 3.5 point favorite against Mississippi State. 1 Bulldogs – who were led by quarterback Dak Prescott’s 331 yards passing.
After a disappointing start to the season, including a shocking loss to Toledo, Arkansas enters this week having won four straight games – including back-to-back road wins over ranked opponents MS and LSU.
“This group is a very hungry group”, said Arkansas coach Bret Bielema.
“That’s not a very common thing for quarterbacks”, Bielema said of Prescott’s size and strength.
“The first thing you think about when you think about Arkansas is the physical challenge of the running game, and that doesn’t disappoint when you watch them on film”, MSU defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said.
“Just an incredible player, puts a lot on his shoulders, a tough, tough kid”.
“For the young guys, I don’t think they’ll notice any difference because they haven’t been to Arkansas, either Little Rock or Fayetteville, but for the older guys, I do think it will be a little different since they’re in a new stadium for the first time”, Mullen said.
Chip away at Mississippi State’s pass-game advantages.
After suffering a double-break in his left arm on a 34-yard reception in week three against Texas Tech, Cornelius remarkably returned after missing only four games and has 10 receptions and two touchdowns in three games. “I’m amazed he’s not talked about more in the Heisman Trophy race, to be honest with you”. Prescott couldn’t remember being held without a touchdown as a starter.
“I told him after our game thank goodness he’s done, because I’m exhausted of playing against him”, Stoops said.
Prescott rushed for 117 yards against the Wildcats, but passed for 348.
“I think he’s more comfortable in the pocket”, Stoops said.
MSU’s defense has played well as of late, even in the loss to Alabama.
Prescott has completed 222 of 343 passes for 18 touchdowns with 2 interceptions this season along with rushing 112 times for 432 yards and 7 touchdowns. The 64.7 completion rate is the highest of his career. They don’t give up the big play.
But Mississippi State fans all saw how much total yards isn’t as important as we once thought.
“He’s 70 percent of their offense when you look at their total numbers, so obviously they try to get a lot of mileage of him”, Segrest said.
Arkansas has weapons all over the field on offense which has made them one of the most risky teams offensively in the SEC. But once again, total yards is not always an indicator of real success. “He might not make as many highlight level plays as in the past, but he’s going to be a more efficient player with his decision-making”.
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“We are rolling right now and the mentality of the team is that everyone feels like that”.
