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Keys to victory for Mississippi State football as they look to snap losing-streak vs Arkansas

Here's how the Bulldogs can finally find a win.

By Andrew Miller

Oct 19, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Seydou Traore (18) runs the ball after a reception against Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Dalton Brooks (25) during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Seydou Traore (18) runs the ball after a reception against Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Dalton Brooks (25) during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images / Matt Bush-Imagn Images
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Mississippi State could not be in more dire need of a win than they are right now, and Saturday presents them a realistic opportunity at finding one with Arkansas coming to town. How can the Bulldogs make that happen? Here are three keys to victory...

The Bulldog defense has to capitalize on Arkansas' mistakes

The lone silver lining for the Mississippi State defense, at least recently, has been their ability to force turnovers. They've forced multiple turnovers in each of their last three games. That bodes well against an Arkansas team that has a -5 turnover margin on the season. In fact, turnovers were one of the main reasons the Hogs lost to both Oklahoma State and Texas A&M. This team is prone to mistakes, and if State is going to get a win, they've got to take advantage when those mistakes happen.

Mississippi State must hold strong in the redzone

The other fatal flaw for the Razorbacks has been their redzone offense. The Hogs have the worst redzone scoring percentage in the SEC and one of the worst nationally. They tend to move the ball well (when they don't turn it over), but once they get inside the 20, they fail to actually put points on the board. MSU, meanwhile, has been bad about getting stops in the redzone, which is not at all surprising. If there were even a game where playing "bend don't break" could get them a win, this is it. State must find ways to keep the Hogs out of the endzone, even when they're in striking distance.

State needs to take pressure off Michael Van Buren

Arkansas has one of the best DLs in the SEC, while State has been bad along the OL. That doesn't inspire much confidence for MSU's chances offensively on Saturday. But the Razorbacks have been somewhat susceptible to the run game. SEC teams have found some success running on the Hogs, and State has gotten better in that area as the season has progressed. If State is asking QB Michael Van Buren to drop back and pass all game against Arkansas, he's going to be under constant duress. But if they can get the run game going, that'll take pressure off his shoulders and slow the Arkansas pass rush when he does look to throw.

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