FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - John L. Smith began the season coaching an Arkansas team hopeful of competing for the Southeastern Conference and national championships.

The interim coach has a far different job description with four games remaining.

Following yet another setback, this one a 30-27 defeat to Mississippi, Arkansas (3-5, 2-3 SEC) must win three of its final four games in order to reach bowl eligibility for the fourth straight season. The latest loss was a stinging blow for the Razorbacks, who had won two in a row and believed they had recovered from an earlier four-game losing streak.

Tight end Chris Gragg and running back Knile Davis will miss this week's game against Tulsa (7-1, 5-0 Conference USA).