Arkansas defense answers Bielema’s challenge in Ole Miss win

Each team had the momentum for a quarter of the first half and was practically even statistically. He was erratic through the air, going 18-of-39 for 253 yards, one touchdown and one interception, and he added a team-high 89 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries.

There was still more than two minutes left on the clock, which would normally be plenty of time for these offenses to attack. Kelly fumbled while running to try to convert on fourth-and-16, sealing Arkansas’s upset.

The Rebels were held to season-lows in points (30) and scoring opportunities (5). Arkansas had no success with the run in league losses to Texas A&M and Alabama, but that didn’t change his game plan.

Ole Miss drops to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the SEC West. That wasn’t the case Saturday night. A Rebels win gets them back on a potential track for a New Years’ Day bowl date but a loss gives them a losing record so far. Twice Allen found Keon Hatcher to extend the drive on third and fourth down and both times Hatcher came up with the grab. But it ended up being a blown lead nonetheless, with the collapse just compressed into a few minutes.

Ledbetter said the defense knew they could play better football than they had in recent weeks, but that they had to prove it.

It was a challenge Arkansas (5-2, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) answered in a 34-30 win over No. 23 MS on Saturday, putting together its best all-around defensive performance of the season while winning its third straight over the Rebels.

That turned out to be the recipe for 0-2 start in division play.

The Razorbacks bounced back from a 49-30 whipping from No. 1 Alabama on October 8, to outduel then No. 12 Ole Miss, 34-30, last Saturday in an epic ballgame in front of what sounded like possibly the loudest crowd in school history. Alabama will only lose to a Tennessee team with its back against the wall, and Ohio State’s joyride will come to an abrupt end in Madison.

“We made way too many mistakes”, Offensive coordinator Dan Werner said.

“I thought our defense gave them cheap scores early on, which was frustrating”, Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze said.

What I really like about how Arkansas played defense is how Robb Smith took the pressure in pass defense off his weakest units (linebackers and safeties) and put more responsibility onto his best units (cornerbacks).

Ole Miss did not go away without a fight. Holding the Rebels to three-and-outs on their final two possessions was clutch.

The defense will have to take on the large offensive line of Arkansas, but should be up to the task. He produced 342 yards and three touchdowns, but it was considerably less than the 468 yards and six touchdowns he amassed against Arkansas last season. He also received better downfield blocking by the line and his receivers.

Baker, outstanding all season, was named the Crip Hall Award victor as Arkansas’ outstanding senior in the homecoming game.

A win over Arkansas makes Auburn a legitimate contender in the SEC West. Auburn next week, then back-to-back home games against Florida and LSU.

Ole Miss looked disengaged and distracted.. He was suffered a targeting penalty against Texas A&M.