Arkansas Football: 3 takeaways from Razorbacks loss to Mississippi State

3 of 3

CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 29: Head coach Bret Bielema of the Arkansas Razorbacks watches on against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium on December 29, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

1. Bret Bielema missed an opportunity

This game was a prime opportunity for Bret Bielema to impress his new boss and win a big home game against a ranked opponent. It looked like he was doing just that when the game started, seizing the opportunity with a 14-0 lead and his sideline beaming with confidence, but the tide quickly turned.

The Razorbacks let Mississippi State get back into the game and tie things up before Arkansas regained the lead until the fourth quarter. Arkansas allowed another tying score by the Bulldogs despite an inaccurate day passing the ball by Nick Fitzgerald and they would go on to win in the final seconds.

Bielema’s tenure in Fayetteville is likely over after this defeat, if it wasn’t already. A win over Mississippi State may have bought him a little more time, but with the fourth-quarter collapse, the Razorbacks will likely have no choice but to move in a new direction.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: First round after Week 11 edition

It was an interesting ride with Bielema at the helm, but it will likely come to an end next weekend with the conclusion of the regular season. He missed an opportunity to hang on to his job.

Home/Arkansas Razorbacks