Report Card: Arkansas near-perfect in 30-0 win over Ole Miss
Here’s how Arkansas graded after its 30-0 win over No. 8 Ole Miss:
Offense: B+
The offense was very balanced and came out punching early. On its first drive, Arkansas went 52 yards in three plays to take a 7-0 lead. Offensive coordinator Jim Chaney scripted a beautiful first drive with a reverse to wideout Keon Hatcher than went for a first down, followed by a long run by Alex Collins, then capped off with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Allen to Hatcher on a post route. That drive set the tone for the Razorbacks.
Arkansas rushed for 159 yards and passed for 152 against a very good defense that got put in some difficult positions on Saturday afternoon. Backup quarterback Austin Allen played well and made some nice throws for two and a half quarters after Brandon Allen went down with a lower back injury.
Defense: A+
Ole Miss has no offensive identity without its star wide receiver Laquon Treadwell, but make no mistake, a great Arkansas defense had its way with the Rebels offense. “Bad Bo” surfaced for the first time in SEC play this season, and things snowballed. Wallace accounted for five of the six turnovers Arkansas forced. The Razorbacks held Ole Miss to three-of-11 on third downs and notched two fourth down stands. Saturday afternoon marked the first time in more than 20 years Arkansas shut out conference opponents in two consecutive games.
Special Teams: A
Adam McFain made three of his four field goals on a wet, sloppy weather day in Fayetteville, and Sam Irwin-Hill again had a nice day punting the football averaging more than 40 yards per kick. The Hogs controlled field position all day, and outside of a 21-yard return on the opening kickoff, Arkansas had a solid outing on special teams.
Coaching: A
Bret Bielema has done a great job the past two weeks of getting his team prepared after a string of devastating losses in which Arkansas was tied or led late. Robb Smith is building a defensive juggernaut and Jim Chaney has added some nice wrinkles to the playbook during the past three weeks that have added an extra element to a balanced Razorbacks offense. This staff has done a great job. Can they make it three in a row?
Overall: A
Bielema said following the win he feels his team could play with anyone in the country right now, and the Hogs are certainly backing that claim up on the field. Ole Miss traveled to Fayetteville with its goal of an SEC West title still in tact, and those were demolitioned by a confident Razorbacks team. Arkansas, right now, is as hot as any team in the country and will provide a challenge to Missouri — a team looking to lock up an SEC East title next week — and whomever the Hogs face in their bowl game.