The Arkansas Razorbacks are set to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a important Week 9 SEC game on Saturday. They’ll be playing on the road in Starkville, Mississippi, aiming to bounce back from a recent loss and keep their hopes alive for a bowl game. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. PT / 12:45 p.m. ET, with live coverage on the SEC Network.
Where to Watch: Fans can catch the game on the SEC Network. For those without cable, streaming options like Fubo and Sling are available, which offer free trials and promotional deals. Sling also has a low-cost plan that includes the SEC Network, making it a cheaper way to watch the game live.
Game Preview: Arkansas comes into this game with a 4-3 record and needs six wins to become bowl eligible. After a tough loss to LSU, head coach Sam Pittman is under pressure to win this game. The Razorbacks are currently favored, with a betting spread advantage of 6.5 to 7 points.
Mississippi State, sitting at 1-6, hopes to break a six-game losing streak under new head coach Jeff Lebby. They’ll need to play well to have a chance at winning, but they have been playing a bit better in recent weeks.
Arkansas’s offense has been more lively this season with Bobby Petrino, a former Razorbacks head coach, now leading them as the offensive coordinator. The team ranks in the top 25 offenses, with quarterback Taylen Green, a transfer from Boise State, playing a big role. Green is known for his dual-threat abilities and has helped Arkansas become one of the top rushing teams this season, with 20 rushing touchdowns. But the main running back, Ja’Quinden Jackson, has an injury, so Green might have to take on more work this weekend.
Despite a rough start, Mississippi State has shown resilience under Coach Jeff Lebby. Freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. has stepped up as the new starter and has kept the Bulldogs competitive in recent games.Van Buren has thrown the most touchdown passes among SEC quarterbacks in the past month, giving the Bulldogs’ offense a helpful boost.
Defensively, Mississippi State has struggled, ranking low nationally in tackling and pass coverage. Defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler has faced challenges in improving these areas, as Mississippi State has had a hard time stopping the run and creating turnovers.
Arkansas’s powerful offense could be the deciding factor. Their strong offensive line opens up big opportunities for Green and the rest of the running game, while Mississippi State’s defense ranks low in stopping the run and pressuring quarterbacks. Arkansas could use this advantage to control the pace and keep the Bulldogs’ defense on the field.
For Mississippi State, Van Buren will need to have a strong game to challenge Arkansas’s defense.But if Mississippi State’s defense can’t make some important stops, Arkansas’s offense could easily beat them.
With a well-rounded offense and more consistency in defense, Arkansas comes into this matchup with a clear edge. Mississippi State might put up a fight, but Arkansas’s offensive talent and Petrino’s experience as a coordinator make them a safer pick to win.
This game is important for both teams. Arkansas needs a win to stay on track for a bowl game, while Mississippi State is looking to end their losing streak. If Arkansas plays to their strengths and takes advantage of their offensive firepower, they should be able to leave Starkville with a key victory.