Before the season began, this game was marked as the most winnable Arkansas had on its SEC schedule this year. After the first month of football, it was thrown almost into lock territory.
That isn’t the case after Mississippi State beat Texas A&M and Kentucky, the same number of Top 25 teams the Razorbacks have beaten. The Bulldogs’ losses have been closer, too, with two of their three being three points or less.
ESPN’s Football Power Index gives Arkansas only a 59.5% chance to win Saturday inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The Bulldogs are that good.
How? A dynamite, absolutely dynamite defense tops the list. Mississippi State is fourth in FBS in rushing defense. The usual Mike Leach passing attack is still around, too.
Let’s take a peek at which four players, two for Arkansas and two for MSU, could end up making the biggest difference when the teams collide Saturday afternoon.