Arkansas Razorbacks Football: Key to Upset City in Fayetteville!
By Chase Foster
It’s the day before another big game in Fayetteville and Hog fans have been talking around the office water cooler for two weeks now. How can we beat the Crimson Tide this weekend? What is the key to upset city in Fayetteville?
Run game, run game and oh yes, run game is everyone’s answer to beating the Tide this weekend. My brilliant colleague JR Follett stated in the Arkansas vs Alabama Game Preview, “If the Razorbacks hope to win, it’s going to be much of the same; line up and punch the Crimson Tide right in the mouth. It’ll be a next-to-impossible task to keep Lane Kiffin’s offense grounded, but a strong rushing attack allows the Hogs to control the clock and keep Alabama’s potent offense off the field.”
My opinion is 99% in agreement with this statement. However, I have one enormous punch in the mouth to add.
Arkansas Key Player –
Sep 6, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Hunter Henry (84) runs after a catch during the second quarter against the Nicholls State Colonels at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
He’s called “Double H!” No, I’m not talking about a professional wrestler or a superhero, but he certainly could become Fayetteville’s own hero Saturday night. I’m talking about sophomore Tight End Hunter Henry.
Henry, along with Quarterback Brandon Allen, could become the secret to defeating a weaker than normal Alabama pass defense. It’s no secret the Tide offer one of the best rush defenses season after season, but they have holes in the secondary and especially the linebackers who they expect to cover tight ends.
How is a tight end going to make the difference?
The Hogs tight end can’t do it all alone, but he offers something most teams in the SEC lack. He’s an exceptional blocker and route runner with the capability to break tackles and extend the defense on play action passes. Another huge key to victory will be Allen’s play action fakes. This means he has to “sell” the handoff and find his target quickly.
I’m expecting Bret Bielema to call on #84 at least 6-7 times throughout this game. Let the connection be sweet for Razorback Nation!
The Play Caller –
The Hogs play caller is equally important to an upset. Running plays are an obvious strategy, but we should also expect a few screen plays this week. It’s something we rarely see under Coach Bielema.
I’d really like to see Korliss Marshall get the ball in the open field as he’s one broken tackle from taking it to the house every time he touches the pigskin.
More from Football
- Believe it or not, Arkansas football has never played these FBS teams
- Making the case to fire offensive coordinator Kendal Briles
- Arkansas Football: Razorbacks should move on from Barry Odom
- Betting on Sam Pittman to lead the Razorbacks to 8 wins
- Arkansas Football: Keep expectations in check against Ole Miss
Pray for Rain –
Last but not least, can we get some more rain? Currently, Fayetteville sits under a flash flood watch and it only looks like more rain to come until the start time of 5pm CT. Soggy conditions and cool temperatures should only slow down the Alabama pass offense led by star receiver Amari Cooper.
Don’t let the point spread and history scare you. This game could go either way. My prediction is “Upset City in Fayetteville!”