The Associated Press
Arkansas (4-4, 0-4 Southeastern Conference) at No. 1 Mississippi State (7-0, 4-0, No. 1 CFP), 7:15 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Line: Mississippi St by 11.
Series Record: Arkansas leads 15-8-1
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Arkansas is trying to snap a 16-game losing streak in the SEC that dates back to 2012. Mississippi State is working to maintain its position as the top team in the country — both in the national rankings and the College Football Playoff standings. The Bulldogs are on a 10-game winning streak dating back to last season.
KEY MATCHUP
Mississippi State’s running game against Arkansas’ running game: The two units don’t technically face each other on the field, but there’s no doubt the Razorbacks and Bulldogs both love to move the ball on the ground. Four of the SEC’s top seven rushing leaders will be in Starkville, including Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott and Josh Robinson and Arkansas’ Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Arkansas: LB Brooks Ellis: The 6-foot-2, 237-pound sophomore has missed the past two games because of bone bruise on his knee, but coach Bret Bielema expects him to return this Saturday. He’ll be needed to stop Mississippi State’s potent running game.
Mississippi State: WR De’Runnya Wilson: The 6-foot-5 sophomore leads the Bulldogs with 20 catches for 349 yards and six touchdowns, emerging as Prescott’s favorite target, especially on deep balls.
FACTS & FIGURES
Mississippi State is off to a 4-0 start in the SEC for the first time since 1999 and just the second time since 1941. … Mississippi State’s 10-game winning streak is the program’s longest since a 13-game stretch from 1942-44. It’s also the second-longest current streak in the country behind Florida State’s 23-game stretch. … The Bulldogs are bowl-eligible for a fifth-straight season, which is a school record. … Arkansas is facing its fifth consecutive SEC opponent that is ranked in the nation’s top 10, which is the first time that’s happened in Football Bowl Subdivision history. … Arkansas coach Bret Bielema has a 1-2 record against top-ranked opponents. The victory was a 31-18 decision against Ohio State in 2010.
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