Ole Miss Rebels Overcome Third-Down Struggles vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

The No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels started 0-for-8 on third down, but they came through when needed.

The No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels didn't convert their first third down until the fourth quarter, but they came at pivotal times.

Ole Miss faced a third-and-eight on the Arkansas Razorbacks' 25-yard line, and Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart connected with wide receiver Jordan Watkins, who made a sliding grab on the 9-yard completion. Three plays later, running back Ulysses Bentley IV picked up a third-and-1 and then some, strolling 7 yards into the end zone for a go-ahead touchdown to take a 24-20 lead.

With Arkansas clinging to one final breath, trailing 27-20, Bentley secured the victory by bouncing off tacklers and rushing for 6 yards on a game-winning third-and-3 play. Ole Miss finished the game 4-for-14 on third down — which isn't a formula for winning football — but it came through when needed.

Ole Miss Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins (4) runs during their game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium Saturday / USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss faced a third-and-10 from their own 25-yard line towards the end of the third quarter.

Dart rifled a pass across the middle to wide receiver Dayton Wade, who dropped what would have been a sure-fire first down to move Ole Miss to 0-for-8 on third downs on the night — an epitome of how the Rebels' night started on third down.

Ole Miss had an average distance of 6.9 yards to go when facing third downs, but couldn't convert on short-yardage situations either.

Dart was stuffed for no gain on a third-and-goal at Arkansas' 1-yard line, which running back Quinshon Judkins picked up on fourth down with a Wildcat formation touchdown run. Despite converting on Bentley's touchdown run, Judkins was stopped for no gain on a third-and-1 and 1 yard shy of picking up a fourth-quarter third-and-2.

Head coach Lane Kiffin will get back to the drawing board to try and scheme up some plays to convert third downs because a 28.6 percent conversion rate isn't going to cut it for a season-long sample size.