Razorbacks’ Report Card against Mississippi State

Mike Leach got his first win against Sam Pittman thanks to a productive day in the air.

We wrote earlier in the week about how the Mississippi State passing attack could damage Arkansas pass coverage, and it did, but we can’t blame it solely on the secondary.

Will Rogers felt comfortable in the pocket, leading to a three-touchdown day by the best – most accurate, anyway – passer in the country. The Razorbacks allowed 395 yards in the air and 173 yards on the ground.

Surprisingly, Mississippi State only outgained Arkansas by 32 yards in their 40-17 victory. Arkansas’s offense didn’t have problems with moving the ball, but it didn’t result in many points, which can be blamed on the decision.

The grades from this game won’t be pretty, but let’s jump into the report card.

Arkansas Quarterback

Oct 8, 2022; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Malik Hornsby (4) moves in the pocket against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Malik Hornsby held it down for injured starter KJ Jefferson. Hornsby finished with 348 total yards but only one touchdown with two interceptions. While the offense moved with Hornsby in the game, the offense looked lost with the initial starter, Cade Fortin.

Grade: C+

Arkansas running back

Oct 8, 2022; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim Sanders (5) runs the ball while defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive end Jack Harris (15) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Rocket Sanders was a workhorse today, with 20 carries while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. The team accumulated 241 yards, but most came from Hornsby. Rashad Dubinion and AJ Green saw a good amount of snaps but no big plays.

Grade: C+

Arkansas Wide…