Losing Streaks and Lingering Hope: Arkansas Search for Meaning in a Season Gone Wrong

Mississippi State (4-4, 0-4 SEC) will visit Arkansas (2-6, 0-4 SEC) this Saturday, with both teams still seeking their first conference victory. The Razorbacks, caught in a six-game losing streak, are desperate to salvage their season. After Bobby Petrino took over, there was a brief surge of optimism, but that energy faded following a disappointing performance against Auburn. Frustration among fans has intensified, and the call to end the skid has grown louder.

Another loss would bring a losing record for Arkansas and officially end its hopes of bowl eligibility. Their opponent, Mississippi State, has also struggled with four straight defeats, though the Bulldogs have looked slightly better statistically. When the two teams face off at Razorback Stadium, one will finally snap its losing streak.

Need to Revive a Disappointed Offense

Arkansas’ offense has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise difficult season. Even in a down year, the Razorbacks rank fifth in scoring offense in the Southeastern Conference and second in total offense, averaging 490 yards and just over 35 points per game.

That momentum, however, slipped in their last outing against Auburn, a team far from the SEC’s top tier. The Razorbacks struggled to find rhythm, and injuries have only deepened their offensive troubles.

Quarterback Taylen Green had his toughest outing of the season, completing 14 of 22 passes (63.6%) for 268 yards, one touchdown, and three fourth-quarter interceptions. He managed only 14 rushing yards on seven carries, including two sacks. Auburn’s shift from man-to-man to zone coverage proved decisive, as the Tigers frequently dropped eight defenders and capitalized on turnovers.

Green now has a chance to bounce back against a Mississippi State defense that ranks in the lower half of the SEC. The Bulldogs sit 12th in points allowed per game (23.4) and eighth in passing yards allowed (208.4). Green could also find success on the ground, as Mississippi State’s defense ranks 14th in the conference, giving up 152.5 rushing yards per game.

Turnovers continue to be a serious issue for Arkansas. The Razorbacks surrendered possession on each of their final four drives in the fourth quarter against Auburn, with three interceptions by Taylen Green and a fumble by wideout O’Mega Blake. It marked the fourth time this season that a Razorback skill player has lost a fumble in the second half of a tight game.

Despite leading 21-10 at halftime, Arkansas managed only three points after the break and ultimately fell 33-24.

Defense Shows Progress, but Work Remains

Usually, Arkansas’ offense carries the load while the defense struggles to keep pace. But against Auburn, the script flipped. Despite offensive struggles, the defense showed real signs of progress under new leadership.

“Defense, I thought, competed extremely hard. We were able to hold them to field goals and that gave us a chance to win late. The offense just didn’t do it,” Petrino said after the game.

Still, Auburn is not one of the SEC’s top teams, and the defensive numbers show plenty of room for improvement. The Razorbacks rank last in the conference in scoring defense, allowing nearly 33 points per game, and last in total defense, giving up 435 yards per contest. They sit second in rushing offense (205 yards per game) but last in rushing defense (194). In passing, Arkansas ranks fourth on offense (286 yards) and 14th on defense (242).

Simply put, the Razorbacks can move the ball but have struggled to stop opponents, especially in the fourth quarter.

The defense was also without its captain, Cam Ball, last Saturday. The veteran lineman missed the game due to a practice injury, and his status for the Mississippi State matchup remains uncertain. 

 Bulldogs Offense Presents a Tough Test

Petrino said Monday that he and Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby have never met or even shaken hands, but he respects the system Lebby runs and the results the Bulldogs have produced this season.

The Razorbacks will need to find a way to contain a Mississippi State offense built around inside-zone runs and run-pass option (RPO) plays, a scheme similar to what Tennessee used earlier in the year.

“There are different aspects to their offense,” Petrino said. “They like to spread their splits and play fast, running a lot of inside zone and RPO. They’re probably the No. 1 RPO team we’ll face all year, maybe tied with Tennessee. We’ve got to do a good job with our reads and eyes and understand their formations and alignment tendencies.”

Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen has thrown for 1,906 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions this season, showing flashes of one of the SEC’s more efficient passers. Petrino praised Shapen’s quick release and decision-making and pointed out that Arkansas offensive line coach Eric Mateos could provide valuable insight, having previously coached Shapen at Baylor.

For Arkansas, much of the outcome will depend on how well the defense manages Shapen and the Bulldogs’ balanced attack.

Meeting of Teams in Need

Arkansas’ last SEC victory came in Starkville a season ago, driven by a strong rushing attack that overpowered Mississippi State. Since then, both teams have undergone significant change. Zach Arnett did not finish the 2023 season with the Bulldogs, and Sam Pittman was dismissed from Arkansas earlier this year.

Now, the goals diverge but the urgency is shared. For Mississippi State, the mission is to regain bowl eligibility for the first time since 2022. For Arkansas, it is about redemption and stability. Interim head coach Bobby Petrino is still searching for his first win since returning to Fayetteville, eager to prove he deserves the permanent role after three straight losses. His second stint has been anything but smooth, yet Saturday’s contest provides a chance to shift the narrative.

Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. Saturday at Razorback Stadium, marking the final game of a three-match homestand.