The Razorbacks are just a touchdown underdog at home this weekend against Ole Miss. Here are a few Arkansas players to watch this weekend.
This game may be watched on ESPN or heard on the Ole Miss Radio Network, with kickoff scheduled at 11 a.m. CT.
“This is a really really well-coached team,” Lane Kiffin said about Arkansas on Wednesday. Being on the hot seat and having Arkansas stick by him during the hardship last season is a testament to a great coach. It’s paying off. They play excellent defence and have a powerful offensive attack. They might go undefeated this year if they don’t lose one game.
“We are aware that we will face an extremely talented Ole Miss team. competently coached. A fantastic football coach is Coach Kiffin. “There’s a lot of talent on his staff, and we’re excited to have them here at home,” Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman added on Wednesday.
The Razorbacks rank in the top four in the SEC in both offensive metrics, averaging 33 points and 482.5 yards per game. They are averaging roughly 283 yards of passing and 200 yards of running per game, which puts them third in the SEC. The Hogs’ defensive performance has been below-to-middle of the league in both run and pass defence, giving up an average of 22 points and 350 total yards per game.
Ahead of this matchup, here are a few Arkansas players Ole Miss fans need to look out for and the Rebels need to account for…
Taylen Green – QB (No. 10)
Arkansas needed a quarterback after dual-threat KJ Jefferson transferred to UCF over the offseason. Mission accomplished. They got another dual-threat in Boise State’s Taylen Green. Aside from Jaxson Dart and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, Green is the SEC’s most productive offensive player. So far, he’s completed 61 percent of his passes for just north of 2,000 yards and has thrown 11 touchdown passes to seven interceptions, while carrying the football 95 times for 395 yards and five scores.
“Definitely (will take) discipline,” Ole Miss linebacker TJ Dottery said about facing Green. “Just everybody doing their job and staying on their assignment, rather than getting antsy getting a sack so just being able to stay disciplined and doing our job… He can run really well. Once he’s out of the pocket, he’s really good at making defenders miss and getting extra yards.”
Andrew Armstrong – WR (No. 2)
Although Tre Harris is still far and away the SEC’s leading wide receiver, Armstrong is right behind him in that pecking order. He’s proven to be Green’s favorite passing target by far. He’s second in the league in both receptions (49) and yards (772). The production underneath Armstrong takes a nose-dive on the stat sheet.
“He’s a good player, a big guy. He has some similarities to Tre, so we receivers like that typically,” Ole Miss safety John Saunders said of Armstrong. “We’re just going to work our technique, do our jobs, work our assignments and limit him.”
The Razorbacks will likely be without their top rusher in Ja’Quinden Jackson on Saturday. Though Taylen Green is a dual threat, he’ll need some help. This is where Russell comes into play. He’s a big, physical back. He’s shown that he’s deserving of the rock, particularly in last week’s game at Mississippi State, where he had 175 yards and averaged almost 11 yards per carry in the process. That total is second for a freshman only to Darren McFadden.
Arkansas has to have balance to have success against Ole Miss’ defense, so a lot will be riding on his legs.
Xavian Sorey Jr. – LB (No. 10)
The Georgia transfer linebacker has slotted in and immediately picked up where current Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr. left off after leaving. Through eight games, the 6-3, 235 pounder is leading the way in tackles (60)and four tackles for loss.
Landon Jackson – EDGE (No. 40)
Jackson has had a tremendous career at Arkansas and is well on his way to becoming an NFL Draft pick. Let’s just say at the beginning of the season, he was given the following honors: Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist, Chuck Bednarik Award watchlist, Lombardi Award watchlist, Second-Team Preseason All-American (Walter Camp), First-Team Preseason All-SEC (Coaches)… and more.
Jackson is a unique build for a defensive lineman, particularly an edge rusher, standing at 6-7 and 280 pounds. He has 30 tackles (18 solo) with 5.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks and six quarterback hurries.
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