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Razorbacks clinch spot in SEC title game

Nov 18, 2006 - 10:37 PM STARKVILLE, Mississippi (Ticker) -- Casey Dick made enough plays in the passing game to ensure Arkansas would have a chance to play for a championship.

Dick threw two touchdowns as the fifth-ranked Razorbacks clinched a spot in the Southeastern Conference championship game with a 28-14 victory over Mississippi State.

The Razorbacks (10-1, 7-0 West) extended their winning streak to 10 games, sending them to the conference title game for the first time since 1995, where they will meet No. 3 Florida on December 2 in Atlanta. Arkansas suffered a 34-3 loss to Florida in its only other title game appearance.

"I knew this game was going to be awfully tough," Arkansas coach Houston Nutt said. "Our guys were tired and beat up, but to do what this group has done shows a lot of heart, character and unselfishness. I have never been more proud of a team that has displayed so much unselfishness."

"It took a total team effort to accomplish something that special," Arkansas wide receiver Marcus Monk said.

Arkansas closes its regular season next Friday at home against No. 9 Louisiana State.

A sophomore who is not asked to do too much with the Razorbacks featuring one of the nation's top running games, Dick threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Damian Williams with 41 seconds left in the second quarter to snap a 14-14 tie.

Dick added a 34-yard TD to Monk with 2:13 to go in the third quarter to make it 28-14.

Dick completed just 8-of-17 passes for 112 yards and an interception.

Despite being held to 84 rushing yards on 26 attempts, Darren McFadden still was able to make one huge play, returning a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown.

The Razorbacks also received an 87-yard interception return for a TD by Chris Houston in the first quarter.

Anthony Dixon rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown for the Bulldogs (3-8, 1-6 West), who close the regular season next Saturday at Mississippi.

"Our defense did a great job today, especially against the short field," Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom said. "They played with a lot of heart and character and knew what they were doing each down."

Bulldogs quarterback Michael Henig went just 9-of-25 for 123 yards and a touchdown with an interception.