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Arkansas can clinch SEC West at Mississippi State

Nov 14, 2006 - 10:14 PM No. 5 Arkansas (9-1) at Mississippi St (3-7), 2:30 pm EST

STARKVILLE, Mississippi (Ticker) - Fifth-ranked Arkansas looks to book a spot against third-ranked Florida in the Southeastern Conference championship game when it visits lowly Mississippi State on Saturday.

The only undefeated team in SEC play, the Razorbacks are looking for their first outright SEC West Division title since 1995.

Having won nine straight games since a season-opening loss to Southern California, Arkansas clinched a share of its fifth SEC West crown with a 31-14 rout of Tennessee at home last weekend.

Emerging Heisman Trophy candidate Darren McFadden rushed for 181 yards and two touchdowns and passed for a score for the Razorbacks (9-1, 6-0 SEC West), who have won their first six SEC games for the first time. Marcus Monk added eight catches for 137 yards and two TDs in the romp for Arkansas, which last won a share of the division title in 2002.

Mississippi State (3-7, 1-5 West) has not played since stunning Alabama in Tuscaloosa two weeks ago, 24-16.

Michael Henig threw a pair of touchdowns and Quinton Culberson returned an interception 51 yards for a score for the Bulldogs to help coach Sylvester Croom beat his alma mater for the first time.

Arkansas has won seven straight meetings with Mississippi State and 12 of the last 13.