Arkansas, Ole Miss to play top 25 matchup for first time since 1970

October 12, 2016 at 2:00 a.m.

by Matt Jones

Arkansas left end Bruce James, right, forces Archie Manning of Ole Miss to get off a bad pass after a chase through the Rebels' backfield in Sugar Bowl game in New Orleans, Thursday, Jan. 1, 1970. The short pass was intercepted by Arkansas. Ole Miss led through most of the game. (AP Photo)

FAYETTEVILLE — No. 22 Arkansas and No. 12 Ole Miss will meet Saturday as ranked opponents in The Associated Press Top 25 for the first time in 36 meetings, spanning 46 years.

The Razorbacks and Rebels last met as ranked teams in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 1970. In that game, Archie Manning led No. 13 Ole Miss to a 27-22 upset of No. 3 Arkansas, which was coming off a 15-14 loss to No. 1 Texas in The Big Shootout.

Arkansas has been ranked in 11 previous games against Ole Miss since the teams began playing every season in 1981, while the Rebels have been ranked in three games. Arkansas beat the No. 8 Rebels 30-0 in 2014 and the No. 18 Rebels 53-52 in overtime last season.