MSU Visits Arkansas Seeking First SEC Win

Mississippi State (4-4, 0-4 SEC) visits Arkansas (2-6, 0-4 SEC) in Fayetteville on Saturday with a 3 p.m. CDT kickoff on the SSEC Network; both programs are still seeking their first SEC victory. Mississippi State’s offense under coordinator Jeff Lebby has improved — QB Blake Shapen has produced consecutive 300+ yard games including a 381-yard, four‑TD outing — and features playmaker Davon Booth, but the Bulldogs have struggled in short‑yardage, third‑down and late‑game execution and need more push up front despite the return of Albert Reese IV. Arkansas, coached by interim boss Bobby Petrino, has repeatedly squandered leads, struggled to run the ball (63 yards on 23 carries vs. Auburn) and been undone by multiple fourth‑quarter turnovers, a major concern against an MSU defense that ranks highly in forced takeaways. The series and last year’s 58-25 Arkansas win provide context, but the game will likely hinge on turnovers, Arkansas’s ability to re-establish the run and Mississippi State’s short‑yardage/red‑zone execution.