Glenn Coleman
Oct 22, 2023 - 12:05

Mississippi State football defense excels with A+ while offense disappoints with F in win against Arkansas

Mississippi State's win against Arkansas signals improvement in their defense and a chance for a bowl game.

Mississippi State football secured a 7-3 win against Arkansas during their homecoming game, leaving the Razorbacks fans feeling defeated. The Bulldogs' victory was a testament to the changes made by head coach Zach Arnett and defensive coordinator Matt Brock during the open week. These adjustments resulted in Mississippi State delivering their best defensive performance of the season, putting pressure on Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson and minimizing secondary breakdowns.

While the offensive coordinator, Kevin Barbay, faced challenges without starting quarterback Will Rogers, backup quarterback Mike Wright proved himself to be a valuable asset. Wright, who previously started 11 games at Vanderbilt, showcased his skills with strong performances, including a 63-point outing against Hawaii last season. Despite the offensive struggles, the win marked Arnett's first SEC victory as head coach, earning him a passing grade.

However, the special teams showed room for improvement, particularly in the punt unit. Freshman punter Keelan Crimmins averaged just 37.7 yards per punt, while Andrew Osteen averaged 34.5 yards. This performance raises concerns for the team moving forward.

Despite the challenges faced by the coaching staff, the win brings Mississippi State back into contention for a bowl game. With a nonconference game against Southern Miss still on the schedule, securing one more SEC win should guarantee a bowl game appearance in Arnett's first year as head coach.

Overall, the Bulldogs' victory showcased their ability to adapt and overcome obstacles. While there were areas that require improvement, the win serves as a stepping stone towards success. The team's performance leaves fans hopeful for future victories and a promising season ahead.

For more information and updates on Mississippi State football, please contact Stefan Krajisnik, the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger, at [email protected] or follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, @skrajisnik3.