Arkansas

Two games left. And only two checks in the win column.

The story of the week is Croom's inability to produce wins in his second year. The criticism has been more fierce than at any other time during his short tenure, which is odd coming off a game in which the defense played spectacular football against the 4th ranked team in the country.

But, this is a new week. And coming off a bye, State should have a few new weapons to play with. Conner will be playing receiver this weekend and there is a renewed emphasis in getting the ball to a beleaugered Butler.

All of this is great, but how it plays out on the road (where State hasn't won in five years) and against Arkansas (who State has never beaten on the road) is the question.

Why Arkansas: They always beat State at home. They've played decent football since their season opening train wreck in Los Angeles. And State hasn't proved they can score on a team with a pulse.

Why State: The defense played their best game of the year against Alabama, generating multiple turnovers in the red zone to keep the game competitive. The offensive line played one of their better games too, although it appeared Alabama was content to sit in coverage and not blitz and although Henig didn't get beat up too bad, he was unable to make any plays with our battered receiving corps. Perhaps Conner will add a spark at receiver and Norwood will get rolling (any one else sense the enthusiasm?).

Bottom line: State can't win on the road. And until they do, there is no reason to think they will (that's some wonderful circular logic, isn't it?). Arkansas 17 - State 10.