OXFORD, Miss. — A year after suffering what Sam Pittman called an “embarrassing night” on its own turf, Arkansas will look to flip the script in Saturday’s SEC opener against No. 17 Ole Miss at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
The Razorbacks (2-0) and Rebels (2-0, 1-0 SEC) kick off at 6 p.m. in Oxford, where Arkansas is aiming to correct several of the issues that led to a 48-14 blowout loss in last year’s matchup.
That night in Fayetteville saw Arkansas give up 562 yards of total offense, including 49 points across the second and third quarters.
“You find different things that have extra motivation,” Pittman said this week. “Certainly, the way we got beat last year in that game, it has to have some motivation.
“The problem with that is, a bunch of our kids that are playing on our team weren’t here for it. Now, it should motivate the guys that were embarrassed.”
Slowing Lacy, Diggs and the Ground Game
Ole Miss brings in one of the most productive rushing attacks in the SEC behind breakout running back Kewan Lacy, the league’s leading rusher through two games.
Lacy has posted 246 yards and four touchdowns while averaging over five yards per carry. He’s complemented by veteran LSU transfer Logan Diggs, giving the Rebels a two-headed threat that thrives in Lane Kiffin’s tempo-based offense.
Arkansas has matched Ole Miss in rushing yardage at 257.5 yards per game, but it’s done so with fewer attempts and more explosive plays.
Defensively, though, the Razorbacks will face their toughest test yet trying to contain Lacy and Diggs — especially with quarterback Austin Simmons recovering from a leg injury suffered in the Kentucky win.
“They do it a little bit like we do, with different guys getting different carries,” Pittman said. “You’ve got to make sure that you don’t lose contain and turn [Lacy] back inside and see if you can get him on the ground.”
Creating Chaos for Austin Simmons
Simmons, a redshirt freshman, is listed as probable after exiting late last week against Kentucky. Even at full strength, Simmons has shown early-season volatility.
He’s thrown four interceptions — two in each game — and has struggled in first quarters.
Two of his interceptions came on plays where pressure forced errant throws or off-target reads.
Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams will look to apply early heat with edge rushers Quincy Rhodes Jr. and Phillip Lee, both of whom have flashed through the first two weeks.
“We’re going to need [pressure] Saturday because we can’t let Simmons sit back there and throw the football,” Pittman said on his radio show. “We’ve got to go after him, and we’ve got to hit him.”
Arkansas will also need improved production from its interior defensive line. Pittman called out that unit after the win over Arkansas State.
“We’ve got to get better in the middle if we’re going to hold up against SEC teams,” he said
Linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. and corner Julian Neal each have an interception, and the secondary has held its ground. But without a stronger push from the front, Simmons could find open windows — even if banged up.
Protecting Taylen Green and Possessing the Ball
Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green has been mostly efficient, but his two interceptions against Arkansas State — one on a misread, one on poor protection — were reminders that the Razorbacks can’t afford turnovers in SEC play.
Ole Miss has several pass rushers capable of creating havoc.
Princewill Umanmielen and Suntarine Perkins both earned preseason All-SEC nods, and 6-foot-8 defensive tackle Zxavian Harris has already logged two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss.
“I don’t know if we can simulate Harris. I mean, he plays inside, 3-tech, nose — and plays them all really well,” Pittman said. “He’s a really a good player.”
Green’s ability to extend plays with his legs will be crucial. He’s averaging over 8 yards per rush attempt and is often at his most dangerous when improvising outside the pocket. But protection will have to hold up to give him that chance.
“We got it corrected with his eyes and where to go with the ball after the second quarter,” Pittman said of Green’s mistakes last week. “But we can’t give them free possessions.”
Fixing Special Teams Missteps
Special teams have been an early sore spot for Arkansas. A 98-yard kickoff return touchdown by Arkansas State last week exposed potential gaps in contain and speed on coverage units.
Punt returner Kam Shanks also took a big hit after failing to call for a fair catch against Alabama A&M, and Arkansas had a 12-man penalty on a field goal try.
“We just lost contain. We missed two tackles in there,” Pittman said. “Whether that be personnel-wise or we just need to do a better job coaching, it’s concerning.”
Pittman hinted at personnel changes on special teams, particularly on kickoff coverage.
The battle between kicker Blake Ford and punter Devin Bale for kickoff duties continues, but the issues seem more about execution and assignment than who’s handling the ball.
For a team that may find itself in a tight fourth-quarter battle, cleaning up these mistakes could make the difference.
Three Key Takeaways
• Arkansas must contain Kewan Lacy and force Ole Miss to throw, especially if Austin Simmons isn’t at full strength.
• Taylen Green needs better protection to avoid turnovers and keep Arkansas’ offense efficient against a talented Ole Miss front.
• Special teams miscues must be corrected after giving up a return TD and committing multiple avoidable penalties in the first two games.