Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Ole Miss 30, Arkansas 27

Why Arkansas Lost
Mistakes doomed the Razorbacks, who put up big numbers on offense and made some critical stops on defense, but couldn’t seem to get out of their own way. Arkansas had a punt blocked which led to a touchdown and Tyler Wilson was intercepted twice, one of which led to an Ole Miss score. Arkansas held the Rebels to field goals on three drives, but couldn’t come up with stops when needed. Ole Miss ran its two-minute offense to perfection in the final 2:09, hitting a field goal as time expired to win the game and mark the first time since 1997 the Razorbacks lost two games in War Memorial Stadium. Arkansas now needs three victories in its next five games to become bowl eligible.

Turning Point
An illegal formation penalty — for five men in the backfield — wiped out a touchdown early in the fourth quarter for the Razorbacks. They would have tied the game at 24, but instead had to settle for a field goal and 24-20 deficit. While Arkansas would later tie the game at 27, the penalty changed the complexion of the second half.

Player Of The Game
Defensive back Charles Sawyer was all over the field for Ole Miss, making the afternoon difficult for Wilson. Sawyer finished with seven tackles, a sack, an interception and a pair of pass breakups. He also blocked a punt, which set up a Rebels’ touchdown.

Cobi’s Big Day
Maybe it’s just coincidence. But Cobi Hamilton just has big games in Little Rock.

Hamilton caught 12 passes for 146 yards against Ole Miss. He has 41 catches for 889 yards and eight touchdowns in eight career games at War Memorial Stadium.

Dennis  A Menace
Dennis Johnson turned in a career day against the Rebels. He ran for 161 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries, averaging 6.0 yards per carry.

Johnson had runs of 25, 21 and 5 yards on a fourth-quarter drive that helped tie the game at 27 with 2:09 left. Johnson’s 5-yard run was his fifth rushing touchdown and sixth overall in the last three games.

Injury Report
Running back Knile Davis and tight end Chris Gragg were injured in the first half and did not return. The extent of the injuries is unknown.

Speaking Out
“It’s going to be hard. Life is hard. Let’s get going. We’re going to battle. These guys are going to go to the field, get better and work, work, work.”
— Arkansas Coach John L. Smith

Up Next
Arkansas (3-5, 2-3) hosts Tulsa (7-1) at 11:21 a.m. on the SEC Network. It is the Razorbacks’ homecoming game.