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The Arkansas defense wasted no time this season making a statement under new DC and longtime Mizzou coach Barry Odom. Playing at home against disastrous starting QB D’Wan Mathis, the Hogs held Georgia to a mere five points in the first half of the opening game. They continued to play tough through Ole Miss, where they coaxed QB Matt Corral into a bunch of turnovers and held the explosive Rebels attack to 21 points in something of a signature win that signaled a promotion from doormat status. After beating Tennessee 24-13 in early November, Arkansas sat at 3-3 with new head coach Sam Pittman drawing national coach of the year hype.