Arkansas did its usual good work running the football. The Razorbacks even looked a little improved passing the ball.
The problem for coach Bret Bielema’s bunch was they just couldn’t stop Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace, and the result was a 34-24 loss to the Rebels on Saturday.
Wallace completed 26 of 33 passing for a career-high 407 yards and three touchdowns, burning the Razorbacks on pass routes short and long.
Arkansas kept the game close throughout most of the afternoon, pulling within 20-17 on Kiero Small’s 1-yard run midway through the third quarter. But then Wallace had two long touchdown throws — one for 75 yards to Ja-Mes Logan and the other 52 yards to Donte Moncrief — and the Razorbacks never seriously threatened again.
“Obviously, getting very frustrated with the position that we’re in today, having the chance to win a game and then can’t pull it off just because of some things that fundamentally break down for us,” Bielema said.
Arkansas (3-7, 0-6 SEC) has lost seven straight. The loss assured there will be no postseason for the Razorbacks.
Jonathan Williams led Arkansas with 67 rushing yards while Alex Collins added 57 on the ground. Brandon Allen completed 18 of 32 passes for 193 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Ole Miss (6-3, 3-3) outgained the Razorbacks 531-389.
“We want wins, and it’s hard to say that a 3-7 football team is headed in the right direction but I think it is,” Bielema said. “It reminds me so much of different things I’ve seen and experienced with programs, it’s going through some really dark days to get to where we really want to be, and I hope that day comes soon.”
Arkansas pulled within 34-24 on Allen’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Julian Horton with 4:57 left, but the Razorbacks didn’t have the offense to keep up with Ole Miss. Allen completed 18 of 32 passes for 193 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Horton said the Razorbacks wouldn’t lack motivation for the final two games.
“It’s just about being prideful about our program,” Horton said. “We are Arkansas, and we’re trying to get back to the way we used to be.”
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