Rebels put pressure on Razorbacks late
Arkansas scores on last play of regulation but can’t convert on two-point attempt.
OXFORD, Miss. — Matt Corral promised it would be different this time against No. 13 Arkansas.
The Mississippi quarterback, who threw six interceptions last year against the Razorbacks, delivered, leading the Rebels to a wild victory that was sealed by the defense.
Sam Williams and Tavius Robinson pressured Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson on a potential gamewinning two-point conversion try and No. 17 Mississippi held on 52-51 Saturday after allowing a touchdown on the final play of regulation.
Arkansas (4-2, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) scored on a nine-yard pass from Jefferson to Warren Thompson as time expired to pull within a point and decided to go for the win.
Jefferson rolled right and under extended pressure from Williams and Robinson, overthrew Treylon Burks in the end zone.
“However it works, it’s a win,” Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin said. “Obviously, it’s a huge play at the end. Offensively, we did well. I’ve been in games like this before and it’s a lot better when you win.”
Ole Miss (4-1, 1-1) took the lead with 1:07 remaining as Corral threw a 68-yard touchdown pass to Braylon Sanders, accompanied by a soaring clipboard flip by a trailing Kiffin, racing down the home sideline.
Arkansas answered with a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to set up the decisive two-point play.
“We had three options on the two-point play,” Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman said. “We could pitch, pass or run and we felt confident. They made the play.”
The frantic final two minutes capped an overwhelming offensive performance by both teams.