Tough breaks on final drive end comeback bid
Robert Beckmann
Issue date: 10/27/08 Section: Sports
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The first one didn't stick. The second did.
In turn, the Hogs (3-5, 1-4 Southeastern Conference) dropped their second straight conference game, losing 23-21 to the Rebels (4-4, 2-3 SEC). Their margin of loss in the last two games is a combined three points.
"It's a tough way to lose and it's tough when you see these young men who prepare well, keep a great attitude, and compete really hard," Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino said. "At some point we're going to grow up and understand how to win a close game."
In a fast and furious fourth-quarter rally, with Ole Miss leading 23-21, Arkansas' Alex Tejada attempted an onside kick that the Hogs recovered on their own 47-yard line. Initially, a referee ruled the ball to have already been out of bounds.
The call was reviewed and overruled.
However, on the ensuing a drive, Razorback receiver London Crawford was called for pass interference while making a catch deep in Rebel territory, setting up what could have perhaps been the winning score.
Despite giving the referee an earful when the call was made, Petrino was tight-lipped on the pass interference penalty post-game.
"You know how this world is," Petrino said. "There's a thing called freedom of speech unless you're a football coach talking about officials."
Arkansas offensive Paul Petrino followed suit, only vaguely referencing the downpour of boos from the Razorback faithful.
"It was unfortunate," he said. "I think my vantage point was about the same as the fans in the stadium."
For Arkansas, some missed opportunities throughout the game necessitated their late comeback.
In the first quarter, after holding Ole Miss to a quick three-and-out after the kick-off, Casey Dick found sophomore tight end D.J. Williams.
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