FWtCT Staff Predictions for Mississippi State Versus Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Week 10 of the college football season is upon us, as the Bulldogs are in Fayetteville to face the Arkansas Razorbacks at 3 p.m. CT at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium during the Razorbacks’ homecoming game.

Mississippi State (3-5, 1-4 SEC) is coming off a 49-30 loss at Texas A&M and is currently on a four-game losing streak, while Arkansas (2-6, 0-5 SEC) is coming off a 48-7 loss to No. 2 Alabama and is on a five-game losing streal.

Arkansas has historically owned this series, winning 15-of-17 between 1995 and 2011 and currently leads the all-time series 16-12-1, but State has won six out of the last seven meetings with the Razorbacks. This is the 28th straight year the two teams are playing each other.

Freshman quarterback Garrett Shrader threw a career-high three touchdown passes last week against the Aggies. He finished with 194 yards passing and 64 yards rushing. Junior running back Kylin Hill, who leads the Southeastern Conference in rushing with 793, was back to form last week as he exploded for for 150 rushing yards and a touchdown last week. Senior wide receiver Isaiah Zuber caught two of Shrader’s touchdown passes last week.

As for Arkansas, the quarterback position has been a mess. Senior Nick Starkel was supposed to be the guy, but he keeps making poor decisions, which has led to 10 interceptions. Senior Ben Hicks has also struggled with reads. Starkel has passed for 1,118 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, Hicks has passed for 692 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Hicks is expected to make the start against the Bulldogs.

Junior running back Rakeem Boyd is probably the Hogs’ best player this year. He has rushed for 706 yards and five touchdowns on 131 carries.

Defensively, MSU is allowing 402 total yards per game, while Arkansas is allowing 419 yards per game.

Let’s get into the staff picks.

Collin Wilmes: I like the Bulldogs to win this game because they have the quarterback position figured out, Kylin Hill looked good last week and the defense should play well against Arkansas’ banged-up offensive line. Final score: Mississippi State wins 31-21.

William Mitchell: This game comes down to who has the best coach, Both are programs that are struggling in the SEC West and both are in need of a win. The question is which team will respond to their coach and actually show that reaction on the field Saturday. Mississippi State should be able to go on the road and get a much needed win to stay alive for a possible Bowl game this season. I predict a high-scoring game because neither team has a very good defense, so I will go with Mississippi State, but I would not bet any money on it!!! Final score: Mississippi State wins 42-37.

Gil Maneclang: I’ve lost all faith that Joe Moorhead can win. Show me and I’ll believe again. But he doesn’t because this one is on the road against an SEC team. Under Coach Moorhead, the Bulldog offense shows up in the fourth quarter, but it’ll be too late by then. The Razorbacks pull an “upset.” Chad Morris saves his job. The nine-year bowl streak ends in Fayetteville. Final score: Arkansas wins 28-17.

Landon Young: Bounce back week, baby! Positivity is running through my veins. Optimism is back this week versus the Razorbacks. I’m trying guys. I’m really giving this my best try. I’ll take the Bulldogs in a sloppy game. Arkansas can’t seem to figure out its QB situation and that should play into our advantage. Kylin Hill gets his game going strong again. Final score: Mississippi State wins 23-20.

Andrew Robert: As Arkansas continues to struggle defensively, Kylin Hill will ultimately be too much for the Razorbacks to handle. Final score: Mississippi State wins 21-10.

You can catch the game at 3 p.m. CT on SEC Network.