FAYETTEVILLE — Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin has expressed admiration for the accomplishments of Arkansas coach Sam Pittman this season.
Both coaches were hired during the 2019-20 coaching cycle, and while the Razorbacks faced challenges last season, finishing with a 4-8 record, Kiffin’s Rebels achieved a historic 11-win season and are now aiming for a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.
Pittman seems to be turning things around, leading Arkansas to a 5-3 record ahead of Saturday’s 11 a.m. matchup against the No. 19 Rebels (6-2, 2-2 SEC) at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
“I think they’re a really well-coached team,” Kiffin said. “It shows great coaching that they faced adversity last year and remained committed, and now it’s paying off. They’re explosive on offense and playing excellent defense. They could easily be undefeated this year aside from one game.”
The Razorbacks had fourth-quarter leads in their losses to Oklahoma State (39-31 in double overtime) and No. 10 Texas A&M (21-17), as well as a setback against No. 16 LSU (34-10) on October 19.
Kiffin and Pittman have split their previous four matchups: Arkansas won 33-21 in 2020 and 42-27 in 2022, while Ole Miss claimed victories of 52-51 in 2021 and 27-20 last year on the road.
Captains Announced
Pittman revealed the game captains for Saturday’s game against Ole Miss during his weekly radio show on Wednesday.
On offense, offensive guard Patrick Kutas, who returned from a back injury last week, and Jordan Anthony, who caught his first touchdown as a Razorback with a 27-yard reception at Mississippi State, will serve as captains.
On defense, end Quincy Rhodes from North Little Rock and linebacker Alex Sanford will lead the team.
Injury Updates
The SEC’s availability report for Saturday’s game lists tailback Rodney Hill (MCL) as probable and tailback Ja’Quinden Jackson (ankle) as out. Cornerback Jaylon Braxton and kicker Kyle Ramsey are also out.
Ole Miss has a more extensive injury list with two players out, four questionable, and six probable. Among the probable players are defensive tackle Walter Nolan, offensive tackle Jayden Williams, and tight end Caden Prieskorn. Notably, SEC leading receiver Tre Harris is among the questionable players along with offensive lineman Nate Kalepo and running back Matt Jones.
SEC Statistics
In SEC statistics, Ole Miss leads the conference in total offense with an average of 538 yards per game, passing offense with 354 yards per game, and ranks second in scoring with 39.5 points per game. Arkansas ranks second in total offense (482.5 yards), third in rushing yards (199.3), and fifth in scoring (33.3 ppg).
However, in SEC-only games, Arkansas tops the league with 419.6 yards per game, while Ole Miss is seventh with 405.5 yards. Texas A&M leads in scoring average (33.4 ppg), with Arkansas eighth (25.6) and Ole Miss eleventh (24.0).
Luke Hasz’s Comeback
Arkansas tight end Luke Hasz overcame a back injury and a limited role early in the season, breaking out last Saturday with a significant performance. He recorded four receptions for 59 yards and two touchdowns in the Razorbacks’ 58-25 victory over Mississippi State, setting season highs.
“I struggled for a couple of games with my back, but now I’m 120% healthy,” Hasz said. “I’ve felt the best I have since I got here, even better than in high school.”
Hasz previously scored on a 43-yard seam pass in Week 2 against Oklahoma State but went quiet due to his back issues for nearly a month. He had no catches against Alabama-Birmingham and only one against Auburn, Texas A&M, and Tennessee combined.
“I wasn’t really frustrated because our tight end room is focused on helping the team win, whether blocking or catching,” Hasz said. “At the end of the day, it’s about winning games.”
Against Mississippi State, Hasz scored on a 14-yard pass from a famous play-action throw known as “Cowboy Get It,” a nod to former coach Bobby Petrino’s era.
Hasz and teammate Andreas Paaske combined for four touchdowns on a day celebrated as National Tight End Day in the NFL. “Saturday was a great day for our room and the team,” he remarked.
Kiffin on Chris Paul
Kiffin praised Chris Paul’s physical play as an Arkansas linebacker last season and expressed satisfaction in bringing him into the program from the transfer portal over the winter.
“I noticed how hard he played and his physicality,” Kiffin said. “He made a difference in our game last year before he got injured.”
During the SEC coaches’ teleconference, Kiffin added, “He’s a fantastic player and a great kid. I love his practice intensity and commitment.”
Paul currently leads the Rebels with 59 tackles, seven quarterback hurries, eight tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and one fumble recovery this season.
“He looks like a leader on their defense, just like I expected when he entered the portal,” Pittman said. “He was a great player for us, and he’s performing similarly at Ole Miss.”
Kicking Performance
Arkansas senior kicker Matthew Shipley achieved a perfect 3 for 3 on field-goal attempts against Mississippi State, marking the first time this season that a Razorback kicker was flawless on multiple attempts.
Shipley made field goals of 27, 32, and 29 yards, improving his season record to 5 of 6. He took over from Ramsey, who started the season 7 of 12 before suffering a groin injury during a 19-14 win over Tennessee.
Pittman noted, “The field goal range was shorter last week, which helped build confidence in Shipley. He had a great practice, going 4 for 4 on Tuesday.”
“Kickers can go through streaks, and he had a rough patch in spring ball and early camp, but he’s turned it around. Consistency with the snapper and holder has also helped,” Pittman added.
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