NFL
By: Randall Slifer
Hello Darkness, my old friend. Arkansas loses to Auburn after a 2nd-half crumble that looked like a promising game and a potential big-time win for Bobby Petrino. Last week’s game was certainly the biggest test for Bobby Petrino in his goal to win the head coaching spot for the future.
Arkansas played very well until the turnovers began, and the rest was history. Was that the final nail in Petrino’s chance for the head coaching spot? Probably not because the college football coaching circuit is an absolute madhouse right now, and nothing can be determined yet.
The final games on Arkansas’ schedule are Mississippi State, LSU, Texas, and Missouri. Weirdly enough, all four games could be winnable. Mississippi State and Texas have been wildly inconsistent in their play, and you do not know what you will get each game. LSU is in its 30-day window in the transfer portal since it fired Kelly, and it seems like an absolute dumpster fire right now. Missouri may have lost Beau Pribula for the year with a dislocated ankle, but he could be back for the final game.
If I were Bobby Petrino, I would have to do my best goldfish impression, wipe out this whole year, start 0-0 this week, and work on going 3-1 in the final four games. Let’s take a look at how Arkansas can take down Mississippi State:
Both Teams do not handle 2nd halves well
Mississippi State’s competitive losses were against Florida, Tennessee, and Texas. Florida held a lead, and Mississippi State could not mount a comeback in the 4th quarter, throwing an interception down two with 23 seconds left in the game.
Mississippi State had an opportunity to win the game against Tennessee with 1:45 left on the clock and could not get it done. The game ultimately went to overtime, and Tennessee took the win. Mississippi State allowed Texas to score 24 points in the 4th quarter, sending the game into overtime, which Texas won.
As you can see, there is a similar trend in 2nd halves when it comes to Arkansas and Mississippi State. Petrino’s goal would be to outcoach Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby. Keep the game close in the first half by trying certain things and changing coverages, then adjust at halftime and attack their weaknesses from that game and from what they have shown throughout the season.
You can attack their weaknesses often and see what works.
Arkansas should stick to its offensive formula, aside from turning the ball over. Bobby Petrino is successfully running a top-2 SEC offense while being 15th in the SEC and holding a 2-6 record. Mississippi State allows 152 rushing yards per game, and Arkansas rushes for over 200 yards per game. This will be an easy way to control the clock while scoring a lot of points.
Taylen Green, Mike Washington Jr, and Braylen Russell should rush for over 200 yards, and they should make it a goal to break 250 yards. Opponents facing Mississippi State have controlled the clock more on average. Mississippi State, on average, controls the clock for 27 minutes per game while its opponents possess the ball for 33 minutes per game. Running the ball and explosive plays should be the name of the game.
Mississippi State’s defensive line has had a tough time getting to the quarterback, only averaging two sacks per game. Mississippi State’s sack leader is tied with three players at two, with about 10 players with only one sack. Taylen Green should operate with a clean pocket, and the offensive line should be able to create holes for explosive run plays.
There will be multiple ways to exploit their weaknesses, and it is up to Bobby Petrino to determine which weakness is being exploited correctly when the first-half whistle blows. Bobby Petrino should be in the mood to kick a kid when he is already on the ground, because a close win will not cut it to earn the head coaching position.
Arkansas takes on Mississippi State in Fayetteville this Saturday at 4:00 EST/3:00 CST. Vegas has Arkansas as a 4.5-point favorite entering the game. Not only do they give them an extra point for being home, but they also believe Arkansas can win this game. The total points for the game are 67.5, and you know me —you always have to hammer that over when Arkansas and Bobby Petrino play. As always, go Razorbacks.
