There was probably a moment, around the time that Mississippi State cut the Arkansas lead to 14-10, when State fans thought, "You know, we might have a chance in this thing." That moment didn't last long, as Arkansas promptly scored 30 unanswered points and cruised past Mississippi State, 44-17.
The game was a reminder that there are three teams in the SEC a rather large gap, maybe one or two teams, and then a chasm until the bottom of the league. It's also a reminder that Mississippi State is in the latter group. The Razorbacks picked up 539 yards. Tyler Wilson was 32-of-43 for 365 yards and three touchdowns. Mississippi State, which gained just 210 yards, went almost 42 minutes of game time between scores at one point.
The win keeps the Hogs alive in the SEC West race, as well as preserving their long-shot hopes for a shot at the national title, as they prepare to face LSU next week. Mississippi State now has to win next week's Egg Bowl against Ole Miss to go to the postseason.
For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit Arkansas blog Arkansas Expats and Mississippi State blog For Whom the Cowbell Tolls. Here’s the complete college football TV schedule, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s college football news hub for more.