Three Big Plays, Pittman's Goal Against Kiffin, Ole Miss Offense

Razorback coach gives honest assessment of defense against reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Week

Author:
Daniel Shi
Publish date:
Oct 2, 2023 6:33 PM EDT

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Given that Ole Miss had over four times the amount of total offense compared to Arkansas in their respective match-ups last week, the Razorback defense will have its hands full trying to contain quarterback Jaxson Dart and the rest of the Ole Miss offense.

Ole Miss finished with 706 yards of total offense against Tigers compared to Arkansas' 174. The 706 yards is the most given up in LSU program history. Dart finished the day with 389 passing yards with four touchdowns to go along with 50 rushing yards on seven carries.

"Dart’s really good," Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said. "I mean really good. Those two running backs, I think they’re as good as anybody has ... [Quinshon] Judkins is really special. The transfer from SMU, 24,[Ulysses Bentley IV] is really good, and he’s a kickoff returner as well ... For us to win, we’re going to have to cut those explosive plays out ... And Dart’s a lot faster than I want him to be."

Dart's heroic performance netted him SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors as Ole Miss used a late score to beat LSU 55-49. Pittman knows head coach Lane Kiffin and the Rebels will have their shining moments, but remained steadfast in his praise of co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson and Travis Williams.

"They’re getting them to play sound football and hard football," Pittman said. "We’re giving less and less explosives. We’re where we’re supposed to be. I think our guys are really taking to the fellas and believe in them."

Pittman knows the unit needs to limit big plays against the Rebels better than they did against LSU.

"I am [confident that we can limit big plays] against a really good offensive team," Pittman said. "That may be limiting it to five, might be limiting it to three. They’re going to get some. You know it. I know it. Everybody knows it ... It can’t be 10, can't be 12. Can't let them get behind us. LSU obviously did. To answer your question, yes, I am confident in our defense, and I think they are making huge strides as the season’s gone on."