November 21, 2004
Arkansas Wins, But Needs One More
Even without the SEC record holder for career rushing yards by a quarterback at full strength, the Arkansas Razorbacks made plays when they needed to and left Starkville with a 24-21 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The win brings Arkansas’ record to 5-5 (3-4), leaving them one victory shy of being eligible for a school record seventh consecutive bowl game.
As stated, Arkansas quarterback Matt Jones couldn’t do it with his legs due to a lingering and painful hamstring injury, but was able to throw for 215 yards and keep the Bulldog defense in check, allowing tailback De’Arrius Howard to rush for 125 yards and a touchdown. Mississippi State was not without chances, though. Down by only three points late in the 3rd quarter, what should have been a game-tying 37-yard field goal was blocked by Elliot Harris then scooped up by linebacker Pierre Brown and taken 80 yards the opposite way for a touchdown. The Bulldogs would later add a touchdown in the 4th quarter, but were forced into a three-and-out by Arkansas, who then ran out the clock for their first road win in the last five tries.
For Mississippi State, the loss was just another notch in a long first season for new Head Coach Sylvester Croom. But for Arkansas, the stakes were much higher. Now the Razorbacks will have more to play for than just pride when LSU visits Little Rock on the two teams’ annual day-after-Thanksgiving Battle for the Golden Boot. The Hogs not only are trying to keep a six-year bowl appearance streak alive, but Head Coach Houston Nutt is undefeated in Little Rock in his seven-year tenure.
LSU, though, is unlikely to forget their last visit to Little Rock, AR. Two years ago, the teams met with a trip to the SEC Championship Game on the line. LSU led most of the game before Matt Jones drove Arkansas the length of the field with two passes in the closing minute of the game, the second being pulled down by Decori Birmingham in traffic for an Arkansas touchdown and eventual 21-20 win. The play, dubbed “The Miracle on Markham” by fans (War Memorial Stadium sits along Markham Street), is etched in Arkansas lore. In a rivalry that has been picking up momentum over the past few years, it would be a good assumption that the play is etched in the Tiger’s minds, as well.
Day after Thanksgiving. Bowl game on the line. Winning record for the season on the line. The Golden Boot trophy on the line. Pride on the line. This... is what football is all about.
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