It’s hard to imagine a scenario in which things could have gone worse for Arkansas than they did in the first half against Missouri State.
The visiting Bears, an FCS team, owned every facet of the game through the first two quarters. Making matters worse, the Razorbacks, ranked No. 11 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and No. 10 in the Associated Press Poll, were playing against former coach Bobby Petrino.
The game, which, on paper, should have been a rather easy Arkansas win, completely turned sideways. Missouri State took a 17-14 lead into the break.
Arkansas put together its first sustained drive after the Bears made it a 17-0 game midway through the second quarter. Rocket Sanders just off-tackle with 8:25 to give the Hogs a glimmer of hope.
Jadon Haselwood’s touchdown catch from KJ Jefferson the next drive provided even more.
Still, things are dicey inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium at the break.