Arkansas defeats Mississippi State in Fayetteville

For the first time since 2016, the Arkansas Razorbacks will be playing in a bowl game at the end of this season. Arkansas gained bowl eligibility after their sixth win of the year Saturday, a 31-28 thriller against Mississippi State.

The Razorbacks came out firing on Saturday, scoring the game’s first 13 points behind two field goals and a Dillon Johnson one yard touchdown, as it looked like it would be a walk in the park for Arkansas.

Mississippi State answered, though, with a three yard touchdown pass to Jaden Walley right before the half to go into the break down 13-6. The script flipped in the second half, as both sides scored multiple times. With 2:22 to play, Will Rogers found Jo’Quavious Marks for a 15 yard touchdown to put the Bulldogs on top, 28-23. KJ Jefferson showed great poise and resolve, though, and led the Razorbacks down the field for a five yard Dominique Johnson touchdown with 22 seconds left. Johnson also pushed the two-point conversion in, so Arkansas led 31-28 with 22 seconds left.

After getting the ball at the 25, Rogers made three passes and got the Bulldogs into field goal range, but the 40 yard attempt sailed to the left to seal the Arkansas victory.

Will Rogers finished the day 36-48 with 417 passing yards and four touchdowns in the loss. KJ Jefferson went 19-23 for 191 yards and one touchdown.

Arkansas will hit the road next week to face LSU, while Mississippi State will head to Auburn.