Why Arkansas Won
The Razorbacks' defense chased Ole Miss off the field eight times with either a turnover or turnover on downs, keeping the lead comfortable for backup quarterback Austin Allen. It wasn't as dominant a performance as the week before against LSU, but it's clear Arkansas' defense has emerged as one of the best in the Southeastern Conference.
Why Ole Miss Lost
The Rebels had plenty of chances to make the game close, but committed too many turnovers. Ole Miss had the ball five times in Arkansas territory but came away with no points. Quarterback Bo Wallace committed four of those turnovers, fumbling twice and throwing two interceptions in the end zone.
Offensive Player of the Game
Brandon Allen didn't play much, but he was efficient while he was in the game. Allen completed 5 of 10 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown, helping the Razorbacks build a 17-0 first quarter lead. Allen threw a nice 25-yard pass to Keon Hatcher for Arkansas' first score and extended two plays with his feet, throwing 13 yards to AJ Derby and 26 yards to Hunter Henry.
Defensive Player of the Game
Trey Flowers won the one-on-one battle with Ole Miss tackle Leremy Tunsil and pressured Bo Wallace throughout the game. Flowers finished with six tackles, a sack, three quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery. With Ole Miss facing a fourth-and-short from the Arkansas 31 in the third quarter, Flowers chased down Wallace for a 14-yard sack to help preserve the shutout.
Play of the Game
Rohan Gaines' 100-yard interception return in the third quarter kept the momentum from potentially swinging. Arkansas led 20-0 but the Rebels were driving inside Razorbacks territory. Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace lofted a ball into the corner of the end zone, where Gaines made a leaping catch. Gaines had a wall of blockers and nearly went untouched to the other side of the field. It appeared he might have fumbled the ball at the Ole Miss 2, but the play was upheld on review.
Smith earning his keep
Robb Smith probably won't be a finalist for the Broyles Award (nation's top assistant) this year because Arkansas isn't a championship contender.
But it's safe to say no coordinator in college football has turned around a unit any more than the first-year defensive coordinator has for the Razorbacks.
Since a fourth quarter meltdown against Texas A&M, Smith's defense has been one of the best in the country. Among the highlights:
-Arkansas held Alabama star receiver Amari Cooper to two receptions for 22 yards, and held the Crimson Tide to only 227 yards total in a one-point loss in October.
-The Razorbacks allowed 123 total yards, including only 36 rushing, and shut out LSU.
-Arkansas forced six turnovers and shut out Ole Miss.
Of course there have been lowlights during that time. Georgia's Nick Chubb rushed for 212 yards in Little Rock and the Razorbacks gave up a back-breaking 69-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter at Mississippi State.
But given last season's defense, Arkansas' improvement on that side of the ball has been evident. The Razorbacks entered Saturday's game ranked No. 22 in total defense and stands a good chance to move up following the win.
The Razorbacks have given up 338.4 yards and 20.2 points per game through 11 games this season. That is an improvement of 71.5 yards and 10.2 points per game.
Smith is currently only under contract through next season. It wouldn't be surprising to see Arkansas attempt to lock him up for even longer following the season.
Williams tops 1,000
Jonathan Williams is the first Arkansas back to 1,000 yards this season, but he likely won't be the last.
After Williams' 81-yard effort Saturday, he has 1,013 yards this season. Williams had 1,131 career yards entering this season.
Alex Collins rushed for 79 yards Saturday, leaving him 35 yards shy of the 1,000-yard mark for the year.
Collins is looking to become the first Arkansas running back to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons since Darren McFadden and Felix Jones did so in 2006 and 2007. Collins had 1,026 yards as a freshman.
Marshall Out
Running back Korliss Marshall was suspended prior to the game Saturday and chances are he won't be back in a Razorbacks uniform.
Marshall missed his fourth game to a suspension since October. Arkansas coach Bret Bielema said following the game he doesn't expect the sophomore to return to the team.
Marshall was suspended for a violation of university policies in October and missed the games against Georgia, UAB and Mississippi State. Bielema said during that time that Marshall was down to his final chance with the football team.
Arkansas hasn't depended on Marshall to run the ball much this season, but he is the team's leading kickoff return man. He returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the Razorbacks' win over Northern Illinois.
Injury Report
Quarterback Brandon Allen injured his hip when he was hit on a play in the second quarter. Allen's status for the Missouri game is unclear, but Bielema said during a halftime interview the injury was one to "soft tissue" and wasn't "severe."
Tight end AJ Derby re-injured his knee in the second quarter. He is expected to play against Missouri.
Defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. missed the game with an ankle injury. His status for the Missouri game is unknown.
By The Numbers
64,510 - Attendance at Razorback Stadium
1981 - The last time Arkansas beat a top 10 team (Texas) by at least 30 points
1954 - The last time Arkansas shut out a top 10 (Ole Miss)
13 - Arkansas points off turnovers
11.9 - Points per game the Rebels were giving up entering the Arkansas game
6 - Ole Miss turnovers
5 - Times the Rebels reached Arkansas territory
3 - Made Adam McFain field goals
2 - Consecutive SEC shutouts for the Razorbacks for the first time