Arkansas vs. Mississippi State: Preview, time, how to watch, odds

The Arkansas Razorbacks and Mississippi State Bulldogs square off on Saturday in an SEC West matchup. Arkansas has been trending down since their big-time win over Texas A&M last month. The Razorbacks only have that win to hang their hat on in SEC play thus far. Meanwhile, Mississippi State has played feistily. They’re one win away from bowl eligibility and stand 3-2, good for third in the SEC West right now. A win will propel either team to bowl eligibility as Arkansas is 5-3 on the year, too.

How to watch Arkansas vs. Mississippi State

Time: 4 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
Watch Online: ESPN App

Betting Odds

(via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Spread: Arkansas -5.5 | Mississippi State +5.5
Total: 55.5
Moneyline: Arkansas -210 | Mississippi State +175

Arkansas and Mississippi State should be locked in a pretty intense battle. The Hogs have one of the best pass defenses in the country. You already know that State leans heavily on their passing attack, and it shouldn’t shock you that they’re in the Top 5 in passing yards. This will be the biggest battle of the game and whichever team wins will probably end up winning the game.

Arkansas certainly proved themselves worthy defensively but they did struggle against Auburn and Ole Miss. They gave up over 1,000 combined yards to those squads in games where they ate losses. They have been able to feast otherwise and did only give up just 151 passing yards to Texas A&M. State’s passing attack obviously will put up numbers solely because it’s how they run their offense. The game within the game will be to see what Will Rogers can do himself. He set an SEC record last week in the win over Kentucky, going 36 for 39 on his pass attempts. Does he stay red hot or will Arkansas make it too hot for him?

For Arkansas, it shall prove interesting to see how they fare. They have been running roughshod on teams lately. Despite going 1-2 in their last three games, they’ve rushed for over 200 yards in each of the last three games. That includes a 350-yard performance against Auburn and then 291 yards last time around against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Now, which Mississippi State run defense will show its face? Will it be the one that gave up 162 and 195 to Texas A&M and Alabama? Or the one that’s given up 100+ yards only one other time this season (LaTech)?

I tend to think the home team should be leaned to in a game seemingly as close as this one could be. But I think this feels like a toss-up.