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Rogers sets SEC record, MSU beats AR 40-17

Rogers sets SEC record, MSU beats AR 40-17

Newslooks- STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP)

Two seasons ago Arkansas came up with a blueprint to defend Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense.

A three-man front with eight players dropping in coverage made for a rough night for the Mississippi State offense. That game plan did not work on Saturday.

Will Rogers threw for three touchdowns and broke the Southeastern Conference mark for career completions, and the 23rd-ranked Bulldogs ran for their most yards with Leach in charge in a 40-17 win over the Razorbacks.

Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers (2) throws behind the block of offensive lineman Steven Losoya III (64) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

“The more that we can run the ball and get extra guys in the box, the more it’s going to open up a passing lane,” Rogers said. “I think that helps us be on pace.”

Rogers was 31-of-48 passing for 395 yards and broke the SEC mark in he first quarter with the 922nd completion of his career, eclipsing the mark set by Georgia’s Aaron Murray in 52 games, Rogers has played in 28 games.

Arkansas quarterback Cade Fortin (10) sets up to pass against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

The Bulldogs (5-1, 2-1 SEC) rushed for over 100 yards for the second straight week for the first time with Leach as coach. Dillon Johnson gained 100 yards rushing, the first to do that in Leach’s three seasons, and scored twice.

Mississippi State wide receiver Austin Williams (85) celebrates his 10-yard pass reception with quarterback Will Rogers (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

The running backs took advantage of the Razorbacks’ three-man rush. Johnson and fellow running back Jo’Quavious Marks had 46 total touches in the game for 281 yards rushing and receiving combined, and accounted for three touchdowns.

Mississippi State wide receiver Rara Thomas (0) reaches for an overthrown pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

“I think we have three really good running backs and you want them to touch the ball. You had Dillon on the ground and Woody through the air,” Leach said. “Those guys are the warriors back there and you want them to have the ball, and for good measure you’re going to ask them to block. I thought they had a good game.”

Mississippi State wide receiver Austin Williams (85) rolls in the end zone with a 10-yard touchdown reception against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Arkansas played without starting quarterback KJ Jefferson, who had an unspecified injury. Malik Hornsby was 8-of-17 passing for 234 yards in Jefferson’s absence, with one touchdown and two interceptions. He also rushed for 114 yards on eight carries.

Arkansas quarterback Malik Hornsby (4) runs the ball for a first down against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Raheim Sanders ran for 86 yards and a touchdown for Arkansas. Receiver Jadon Haselwood had 113 yards on three catches.

“Obviously, they outplayed us and were the most physical team today,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said. “Will Rogers is a really good quarterback and managed the game for them well. We couldn’t convert situations and they did. Give them credit, coach Leach did a great job with them.”

Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach watches before an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State scored the first 14 points, but the Razorbacks (3-3, 1-3) hung around, trailing just 21-10 at the half thanks to a missed field goal and turnover on downs by the Bulldogs’ offense late in the second quarter.

MSU put the game away in the fourth quarter with back-to-back interceptions from Jackie Matthews and Emmanuel Forbes.

Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman gestures to his team during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

The Razorbacks had 483 yards of offense but surrendered 568 to the Bulldogs. State’s 4-for-4 showing in the red zone continued a strong start of scoring on 20 of 21 trips this season, with 11-straight touchdowns on those trips.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

Mississippi State wide receiver Jaden Walley (11) looks for running room after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

After debuting in the polls last week at No. 23, the Bulldogs will have a chance to continue to move up with the win.

THE TAKEAWAY

Arkansas: Playing without Jefferson certainly got the team off to a slow start. Backup Cade Fortin struggled in the first two possessions before the Razorbacks turned to Hornsby, who had over 350 yards of total offense.

Mississippi State running back Jo’quavious Marks (7) runs upfield during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State: The Bulldogs were playing a second big game in a key stretch of the season and have passed the first two tests with wins over Texas A&M and now Arkansas. Kentucky is the next step in the challenge.

UP NEXT

Mississippi State travels to Kentucky next Saturday.

Arkansas travels to BYU next Saturday.

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