Chris Bahn: Losing Highlights Mallett's Strength as Leader for Razorbacks

Blame Ryan Mallett for Arkansas' 23-20 loss to Florida.

Quit focusing on the officials and the calls they blew. Forget about pointing your finger at placekicker Alex Tejada for those two missed field goals. Don't implicate Ramon Broadway and Tramain Thomas for their confusion on the play that allowed a 77-yard Gators' touchdown in the third quarter. Questions about certain play calls by the coaching staff should stop.

Mallett wants criticism directed at him. Not the refs. Not his coaches. Not his teammates.

So cast your blame upon the Razorbacks' sophomore quarterback. Get upset with the guy who wears No. 15.

Twice now, Mallett has publicly asked that responsibility for the loss to be placed on his 21-year-old shoulders. He requested it immediately after the game. Given a couple of days and couple of restless nights to think about it, and given the opportunity to change his mind on Monday, Mallett again said the loss was his bad.

Unhappy with his play Saturday against Florida, Mallett was highly critical of the passing game. He'd overthrown a wide-open fullback Van Stumon in the end zone. Another errant toss missed Jarius Wright on what could have been a touchdown.

Arkansas kicked field goals on both of the missed touchdown throws. Those are among the plays that still stick out in Mallett's mind as the Razorbacks turn their attention to Saturday's game with Ole Miss.

Those are the plays that left Mallett miffed he had completed just 12 of 27 passes for 224 yards and one touchdown. It was his second-lowest output of the season in terms of yards, touchdown production and completion percentage.

So, immediately after the game, Mallett took responsibility. It's not a move you usually see from a guy who has fewer than 10 career starts.

"The defense played great and the offensive line played great and the running backs played great. Myself and the receivers, we got a little work to do," Mallett said.