Another issue: Arkansas Razorbacks had sad news..

admin | December 11, 2023 | Arkansas Razorbacks | No Comments

Insufficient Substance for Razorbacks Sam Pittman loses for the sixth time in a row despite having every chance to show off his talent. Dan Enos’ offense is lifeless.

Arkansas’s FAYETTEVILLENot exactly setting the world on fire, either offense. QB KJ Jefferson had 46 passing yards in the first half compared to QB Mike Wright of Mississippi State’s 45. Neither of the offenses ever displayed any life.

When the Razorbacks were down 7-3 with roughly four minutes remaining in the third quarter, Jefferson managed to muster enough yards, mostly with his legs, to give kicker Cam Little a chance to attempt a 51-yard field goal. In a play that perfectly captures the essence of the season, the Hogs were forced to punt for the tenth time on the day because the Razorbacks took too long to get the unit out there and the delay of game penalty kept them out of field goal range.

“I didn’t know what to do to be perfectly honest with you,” Pittman stated. “I believe I was eight seconds into the forty-second timer. We failed to get off the field goal kick in time when I decided to attempt one. That is the actuality. To be completely honest with you, at that point, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to kick a field goal, so I didn’t want to call a timeout. When we reduced it to just the two, the fans became really engaged.”

The play was called back due to a pre-snap penalty on the Bulldogs, which was a twisted curse. Later, on 4th & 1 in the fourth quarter, the Razorback defense seemed to have claimed its mandatory defensive touchdown to spark the team after a bad snap led to a fumble scoop and score.

The Razorbacks’ sixth straight loss was the result of bad play combined with bad luck. To be eligible for bowl games, the team needs to go unbeaten for the remainder of the season. Jefferson had the fewest passing yards of the day—97—since he had only 65 against the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in a 37-0 shutout loss in 2021.

Pittman remarked, “I thought we could exploit them in the secondary.” We simply ran out of time to complete it. However, it’s really annoying. Everything is exasperating. You’re frustrated, holy crap. You ought to be. Everyone is irritated. I have to find a way to complete the task assigned to me as the head coach. And it’s clear that I’m not performing well enough.”

The first pass that quarterback Baker Wright attempted was intercepted by safety Alfahiym Walcott while the late-arriving Arkansas crowd was still getting comfortable in their seats. Jefferson and company began their first drive at the Bulldogs’ 35-yard line, and the offense had everything they could have ever wanted on a silver platter. On Homecoming weekend, it was an opportunity to get into an early rhythm against a struggling Bulldog Defense.

However, none of that took place. Due to the Razorbacks offense’s persistent difficulties in the red zone, the Hogs were forced to settle for a 24-yard field goal. The offense managed one first down and 55 yards of offense for the remainder of the first quarter.

Razorbacks' quarterback KJ Jefferson didn't look like he's interested in another year - Sports Illustrated All Hogs News, Analysis and More

In the ultimate irony, Mississippi State flawlessly executed a tactic that Razorback supporters have urged offensive coordinator Dan Enos to employ the entire season. To score the game’s lone touchdown, Bulldog offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay employed a combination of screens to running back Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks and planned quarterback runs. Two 15-yard penalties helped Barbay along the way, and Marks’ two-yard touchdown catch was the end result.

The Razorback offense performed somewhat worse in the second quarter, managing just 23 yards. There was a small chorus of boos as the teams made their way to the locker room after a sack of Jefferson dashed any hopes that the two-minute offense would breathe life into the Hogs.

As for what I can pinpoint specifically, offensive lineman Brady Latham said, “It’s nothing.” “All I can say is that we should play every single snap as hard as we can. We must be proud of the work we accomplish. We must address the issue if we are to be proud to represent Arkansas as players.”

Into the second half went the punt-a-thon. Punter Max Fletcher pinned the Bulldogs at their own three-yard line following the disastrous field goal attempt, and for the first time all day, the announced home crowd of 71,505 based only on tickets sold became boisterous. Mississippi State was penalized for multiple pre-snap plays as a result of the commotion, but on third and eleven, Wright found his only deep pass of the day to save his team with a 30-yard completion to Justin Robinson.

The Arkansas Razorbacks prepare for life after K.J. Jefferson

As time slowly passed into the fourth quarter and neither team saw a chance to score, the defense managed to force another punt, but Jefferson answered with a pick not too long after.

Jefferson and the offense were consistently given opportunities by the defense to win the game. With 74 seconds remaining, Bulldog kicker Kyle Ferrie missed a 29-yard field goal, giving the Hogs a chance to try and win the game with a touchdown.

In order to inflate the stats, Jefferson moved the ball into Bulldog territory, resulting in a total offense of precisely 200 yards. Thankfully, his desperate Hail Mary attempt missed the end zone.

After its bye week, Arkansas will have lost their last nearly two months of games. The following took the field at Florida on Saturday, Nov. 4. The network and game time are unknown.