-Austin Allen threw for 191 yards, the most by an Arkansas QB in his first career start since Tyler Wilson against Missouri State on September 3, 2011.
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Arkansas’ gloom was brightened when Barnes’ 39-yard attempt with 14:14 left in the game that would have removed Arkansas from one touchdown range glanced no good off the left cross bar. That said, fourth-year coach Skip Holtz is confident Louisiana Tech’s established winning ways will help it contend with its lack of experience in a hard Southeastern Conference environment.
ABOUT ARKANSAS (2015: 8-5): Look for the Hogs to rely on a strong running game behind a big, physical offensive line while breaking Allen into the starting lineup.
Holtz, who is entering his fourth year as the Bulldogs coach, went to Fayetteville High School while his father, Lou, coached at Arkansas in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Redshirt freshman quarterback J’Mar Smith played well for Holtz’s Bulldogs, completing 19 of 31 for 212 yards and an interception that ultimately did Tech no harm since the Bulldogs immediately intercepted quarterback Allen for a second time.
“If you go back to a year ago during fall camp, we kind of had some issues pop up during our scrimmages”, Coach Bret Bielema said. “There were enough things, it’s a huge self-destruction in the red zone, penalties in the red zone”. “We’re a team that (we say) I am my brother’s keeper, you know, if you do something wrong, I’ve got your back”.
Louisiana Tech returns to the gridiron at 6 p.m. Saturday as the Bulldogs play hosts to South Carolina State in the team’s home opener at Joe Aillet Stadium.
Tech’s strength is at wide receiver led by Trent Taylor.
-Austin Allen became the first Arkansas QB since Tyler Wilson (2011) to throw for multiple touchdown passes in his first career start.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) – Austin Allen connected with tight end Jeremy Sprinkle for a fourth-down touchdown pass in the fourth quarter and Arkansas rallied for a 21-20 win over Louisiana Tech on Saturday. He threw for 191 yards on a 20-for-29 mark with a pair of touchdowns and interceptions.
“He’s got to be able to create havoc off the edge”, said McFarland, a former LSU and National Football League defensive lineman who spoke Wednesday at the Northwest Arkansas Touchdown Club. The drive came down to a fourth-and-goal at the Louisiana Tech three-yard line.
Last season, Richardson saw action in all 13 games and started the last five. Sophomore Williams opened the series with four consecutive carries netting 37 yards.
“Two plays before that, the clock was stopped and we talked about it”, Sprinkle said. “I fake a block and run a little drag route and hope they don’t see me”.
“We’ve just gotta get better and just put out the fire”, Ellis said.
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Following an inspired performance on the field, the senior was named Defensive Player of the Week by both Conference USA and the Louisiana Sports Writers Association on Monday.
