Mississippi State football: 7 worrisome stats from win vs. Arkansas

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Zavion Thomas #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs catches a pass in the first half during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS – OCTOBER 21: Zavion Thomas #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs catches a pass in the first half during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

10 – the percentage of third downs the Mississippi State football team converted against Arkansas

There were all sorts of issues with the Bulldogs’ game against the Arkansas Razorbacks. There were some very notable issues on the offensive side of things. But let’s focus in on one more key issue from the Bulldogs’ offense: one of 10.

MSU converted just a single third down attempt against Arkansas. One of the 10 third down attempts. That’s it.

And that’s horrendous. That’s something that Mississippi State offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay will need to address, but there are a number of different causes that lead into this issue.

The Mississippi State offense converted just 1 of 10 third down chances against Arkansas. Failing to sustain drives limits rhythm and gives the defense little rest. It also kept the Bulldogs’ unreliable kicking game on the sidelines.

With Will Rogers sidelined due to injury and Wright very clearly not being as great a passing threat, State can’t afford to get behind schedule on first and second down.

Or, if they find themselves in manageable fourth down territory, maybe Zach Arnett and the Bulldogs should more seriously consider attempting to sustain drives in that manner.

Otherwise, this defense might be put in some tough positions late in games.

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