Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers (2) throws behind the block of offensive lineman Steven Losoya III (64) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The Associated Press
STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) - Will Rogers threw for three touchdowns and broke the Southeastern Conference record for career completions, Dillon Johnson rushed for 100 yards and two scores, and No. 23 Mississippi State beat Arkansas 40-17 on Saturday.
Rogers was 31-of-48 passing for 395 yards and notched the record in the first quarter with the 922nd completion of his career, eclipsing the mark set by Georgia's Aaron Murray in 52 games, Rogers has played in 28 games.
Rogers connected with Caleb Ducking, Austin Williams and Jaden Walley, and the Bulldogs (5-1, 2-1 SEC) rushed for over 100 yards for the second straight week for the first time in the Mike Leach era. Johnson is the first player under Leach in Starkville to hit the century mark.
Arkansas played without starting quarterback KJ Jefferson, who was dealing with an unspecified injury. Malik Hornsby was 8-of-17 passing for 234 yards in Jefferson's absence, with one touchdown and two interceptions. He also rushed for 114 yards on eight carries.
MSU scored the first 14 points, but the Razorbacks (3-3, 1-3) hung aroound, trailing just 21-10 at the half thanks to a missed field goal and turnover on downs by Mississippi State's offense late in the second quarter.
MSU put the game away in the fourth quarter with back-to-back interceptions from Jackie Matthews and Emmanuel Forbes.
The Razorbacks had 483 yards of offense but surrendered 568 to the Bulldogs.
THE TAKEAWAY
Arkansas: Playing without Jefferson certainly got the team off to a slow start. Backup Cade Fortin struggled in the first two possessions before the Razorbacks turned to Hornsby, who had over 350 yards of total offense.
Mississippi State: The Bulldogs were playing a second big game in a key stretch of the season and have passed the first two tests with wins over Texas A&M and now Arkansas. Kentucky is the next step in the challenge.
UP NEXT
Mississippi State travels to Kentucky next Saturday.
Arkansas travels to BYU next Saturday.
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Mississippi State wide receiver Austin Williams (85) celebrates his 10-yard pass reception from quarterback Will Rogers (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
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Arkansas quarterback Cade Fortin (10) sets up to pass against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The Associated Press
Mississippi State wide receiver Austin Williams (85) celebrates his 10-yard pass reception with quarterback Will Rogers (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
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Mississippi State wide receiver Rara Thomas (0) reaches for an overthrown pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
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Arkansas quarterback Malik Hornsby (4) runs the ball for a first down against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The Associated Press
Mississippi State wide receiver Austin Williams (85) rolls in the end zone with a 10-yard touchdown reception against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
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Mississippi State running back Jo'quavious Marks (7) runs upfield during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
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Mississippi State wide receiver Jaden Walley (11) looks for running room after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
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Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach watches before an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
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Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman gestures to his team during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
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