Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Arkansas Football: Ole Miss game last hope for Hogs in SEC West

By Andrew Miller

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - OCTOBER15: Devwah Whaley #21 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Razorback Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Rebels 34-30. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - OCTOBER15: Devwah Whaley #21 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Razorback Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Rebels 34-30. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

There would be some form of hope for Arkansas football if it was able to take down the Ole Miss Rebels in a Week 9 last place SEC West battle.

Arkansas football enters its matchup with the Ole Miss Rebels in a tough spot. Head coach Bret Bielema has his back against the wall and really needs a win to face a chance to become bowl eligible. Yet, the Razorbacks are a 3.5-point underdog on the road.

The point spread is even taking into consideration the season ending knee injury to star sophomore Ole Miss quarterback Shea Patterson. JUCI transfer Jordan Ta’amu will get the start for the Rebels.

Meanwhile, the Hogs are missing a starting quarterback of their own. Senior Austin Allen has missed the last few weeks because of injury and freshman Cole Kelley is staring under center. The last few games have not been easy for Kelley, either.

The toughest stretch of the season is now behind the Hogs. Three straight games against the South Carolina Gamecocks, Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide cause three consecutive Razorbacks losses. Yet, Ole Miss presents a chance to somewhat reconcile the last three defeats.

If Arkansas is able to defeat Ole Miss, the schedule is still manageable enough to win three more and make a bowl game. The Hogs still have Louisiana-Lafayette and Coastal Carolina on tap.

However, if the Hogs fall short against the Rebels pretty much all hopes of a bowl berth and not finishing in last place in the SEC West are gone. Arkansas is still without a win in the SEC. Florida A&M and New Mexico State gave the Hogs its only two victories of the 2017 campaign.

Next: Complete first round 2018 NFL Mock Draft after Week 8

Watch out for a strong response from Kelley and running back David Williams which could power Arkansas in a huge effort against Ole Miss. The defense need to stand much taller as well.

Home/Arkansas Razorbacks