Tulsa World: Mallett, Hogs look to win out

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Mallett, Hogs look to win out

Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett has thrown for a school-record 2,882 yards this season April L. Brown / Associated Press

By NOAH TRISTER Associated Press
Published: 11/21/2009 2:27 AM
Last Modified: 11/21/2009 6:15 AM

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The way Ryan Mallett is playing, it is hard to believe how unsettled Arkansas' quarterback situation was only one year ago.

When the Razorbacks played Mississippi State in 2008, they started Nathan Dick behind center for the first time. The redshirt freshman played fine, but Arkansas lost, and he ended up transferring. Now Mallett is taking the snaps, and he will be a formidable opponent for the Bulldogs when the teams meet again Saturday.

"They're very explosive," Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen said. "I believe their quarterback is the best passing quarterback we have faced so far."

Mallett has thrown for a school-record 2,882 yards this season, his first after transferring from Michigan and sitting out a year. The Arkansas passing game has taken off, and the Razorbacks lead the Southeastern Conference in scoring at 38 points per game.

Having already clinched bowl eligibility, Arkansas (6-4, 2-4 SEC) is trying to improve its resume by winning its fourth straight game. This is already the longest winning streak the Razorbacks have had under coach Bobby Petrino, who took over before the 2008 season.

"We want to win out and that's our goal, and it starts with Mississippi State," Mallett said. "It just comes down to execution, and the last three games we have executed well in all three phases and that's why we've been successful."

Arkansas went 5-7 last season and was eliminated from bowl contention in a 31-28 loss at Mississippi State. The Razorbacks started Dick in that game instead of his older brother Casey, who was a senior. The Hogs had a chance to tie the game late after a successful onside kick, but a missed field goal sealed their fate.

That was the last victory of the Sylvester Croom era at Mississippi State. He was replaced as coach by Mullen after the season, and the Bulldogs (4-6, 2-4) have a chance to become bowl eligible if they win their last two regular season games. By NOAH TRISTER Associated Press

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