However, given Arkansas’ loss against Toledo in week two, Texas Tech knows it has to prepare for this game as if it the one loss never happened.
Advertisement
The Red Raiders, who struggled to stop Texas-El Paso’s traditional isolation play with tailback Aaron Jones running behind a fullback last week, say they are expecting a run revival from the Razorbacks.
As important as that win was for Arkansas, it’s the return game that has suddenly morphed into a seeming referendum for Bielema.
CANTRELL’S BACK: Texas Tech could also be without one of its most reliable receiving options for a third straight game, with junior Dylan Cantrell continuing to battle back spasms. “When you have 500 yards to 300, when you have 30 to 15 in first downs and you only have one turnover but it was in the red zone … we had one special-teams penalty and it called back a punt return”. We’re going to put them in the best position to be successful. “We’ve got to fine-tune our moves a little bit and see things a little bit quicker”.
The Razorbacks are among 11 teams averaging 0.5 sacks per game and are tied for 111th and last in the nation.
Arkansas is 12th in the FBS in passing, averaging 360 yards per game.
Gibbs said he’d like to think Texas Tech will play more sound defensively Saturday than it did in last year’s game. Obviously we will go against better competition this week and the kids are getting to where they need to be. And Jonathan Williams basically jogged into the end zone with no obstacles in his path. Arkansas went on to rush for an astounding 438 yards, exposing the Red Raiders as soft while further amplifying the notion that the Big 12 was merely a finesse conference.
“I thought they were going to be risky the whole time”. “But for us to have success overall, our formula has got to work and there has to be more balance to the run and passing game”.
Arkansas cut holes last season with 12 carries of at least 10 yards against the Red Raiders, including six by Williams and four by Collins, who iced the outcome with an 84-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Allen has thrown 71 of Arkansas’ 73 passes through two games. You’ve got to take your hat off to Toledo.
California (minus-7½) 31, Texas 21 – Jared Goff and the Golden Bears figure to slice through the UT defense in another shootout where the UT offense can’t score enough points to stay close.
Advertisement
“I think you have to pick your spots there”, Smith said. “I think we’ll some better results Saturday and then moving forward”.
