The Arkansas Razorbacks, hurting literally and figuratively after last week’s surprising loss to Toledo, say their recovery plan includes rediscovering their run-game roots in time for Saturday’s game against Texas Tech.
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According to Bielema, Arkansas expects its second-best receiver to make a full recovery and return to the field before the end of the season.
Texas Tech enters the game after back-to-back convincing wins to open the season, including a 69-20 rout of UTEP last week. Ultimately they pull an upset or two over the remaining nine games, but this isn’t one of them. “So, we’re going to try to do what we do the best we can”. “But this is a great opportunity for us to go out and compete – and show what we’ve got”. Collins has 181 yards so far this season, but 70 of those came on one play, he’s averaged just 3.6 yards per carry the other 31 attempts.
Las Vegas suggests Arkansas is a 10-to-11 point favorite – 10 points lower than where the Razorbacks landed pre-game against Toledo last week.
The timing of these wide receiver injuries is less than ideal for Arkansas, who is coming off of a 16-12 loss against unranked Toledo despite passing for over 400 yards on the day.
Last year’s matchup between these teams is one to forget. “I think they’ll be just as good as they were previous year “.
Allen threw 12 passes against the Red Raiders past year , when the Razorbacks ran the ball on their final 30 offensive snaps and piled up 438 yards, including 212 yards by Alex Collins and 145 yards by Jonathan Williams.
“I think we’ve really got to look at the red zone package”, Bielema said. However, with the running game struggling in the first two games, it’s been Allen who has emerged as the backbone of Arkansas’ offense.
Texas Tech defensive coordinator David Gibbs said his under-performing defense “has nowhere to hide this week” as it faces Arkansas’ imposing running attack. “We’ve got to take our shots when we get it”. We’re going to get that done.
“It is frustrating that we don’t have more sacks”, Hodge said.
“I’m not the guy to sit here and talk on Monday”, Gibbs said.
Prediction: I want to believe this team has improved enough to stroll into Fayetteville and come out with a win.
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“You get what you emphasize”, offensive line coach Sam Pittman said. He is hearing the things that are out there, and I think it’s driving him and he’s pushing.
