Four Keys to an Ole Miss win over Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE — Ole Miss and Arkansas face off tonight at 6:30 in Fayetteville. The Rebels were firmly in the mix for the SEC West and gave Alabama everything the Tide could handle last week before ultimately coming up short, 30-24. But while Lane Kiffin’s team can no longer win the SEC, the Rebels are still 8-2 and sit inside the top 15 with a whole lot to play for. 

Here are our four keys to an Ole Miss win over Arkansas. 

Offensive Attack

Arkansas is giving up 28.9 points and 427.3 yards a game on defense, both are second-worst in the SEC. 

In the matchup against the Razorbacks, the Rebels’ offensive line will have to set the tone. Last week, Arkansas only allowed LSU to score 13 points and the Hogs sacked Tiger QB Jayden Daniels seven times. 

The Ole Miss rushing attack, featuring freshman phenom Quinshon Judkins, will look to set up the passing game for Jaxson Dart.

Last week against Alabama, the Rebels averaged 3.9 yards a carry, which does not force a defense to primarily focus on the run. But if Ole Miss can average five to six yards a carry, it would force Arkansas to load up the box which will open up some one-on-one matchups for Ole Miss receivers.

Judkins leads all SEC running backs in both rushing yards (1,171) and rushing touchdowns (15) — and his 15 rushing TDs are the most ever by any Ole Miss player in school history.

Stuff the Hogs’ Run Game

Arkansas has a very good run game. They have rushed for over 200 yards in all but three games this season.

The Razorbacks feature running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, who leads the SEC in scrimmage yards (rushing plus receiving). Stopping him should be the main priority as quarterback KJ Jefferson has been injured on and off this season with an injury to his throwing shoulder.

Take the Ball Away

In the last three games, Ole Miss only has one takeaway on defense. Conversely, Arkansas has committed five turnovers over its last three games.

On the season, the Rebels are plus 2 in turnover margin, having lost a total of 12 turnovers while gaining 14. Arkansas, on the other hand, is minus 2, having turned the ball over 14 times while gaining 12.

Whether it be fumbles or interceptions, winning the turnover battle will be a big key. Anytime you can give your offense extra possessions it’s a good thing.

Flush Last Week

After last week’s emotional loss to Alabama, the Rebs will have to show up as this Razorback team is trying to get its sixth win and become bowl eligible on Senior Night in Fayetteville.

More importantly, Ole Miss still has a 10-win season on the table within reach. A season is full of ups and downs, and you have to roll with the punches and keep fighting. 

Playing on the road in the SEC is not easy, but Ole Miss has already collected one road SEC win following a loss this season. There is no reason they should believe they can’t do it again. Just go 1-0 this week.

Hotty Toddy!