It’s like Arkansas fans have been watching the same season on repeat for the last decade, seeing flashes of success and greatness, but the Hogs never manifest into a truly elite team. Last week’s game was more of the same, with a disappointing finish after giving Oklahoma State all it could handle in the first half.
However, at the risk of being accused of accepting moral victories, the Razorbacks played a great game, minus the mistakes. Arkansas rushed for 232 yards and threw for an additional 416, totaling 648 offensive yards. The defense held the Pokes to 385 yards of total offense and allowed only 5-16 third-down conversions. We’re not the only ones to notice, either.
ESPN’s Football Power Index has never liked the Hogs, but after their performance against Oklahoma State, it moved Arkansas up seven places and into the FPI’s top 25 teams. Despite the Razorbacks’ loss, they jumped seven places to No. 23, sandwiched between Washington and Boston College. It gives Arkansas a 57.2 percent chance to reach bowl eligibility and a 2.8 percent chance to make the playoffs.
The kicker is ESPN’s FPI pushed Arkansas four spots ahead of Oklahoma State, which sits comfortably at No. 27.
Arkansas will have another chance to jump up the rankings this weekend. If the Hogs can take care of business against UAB on Saturday and play cleanly, they can put up some big numbers against an FBS opponent.