Razorbacks vs Toledo Rockets: Keys to Victory
By Cory Thone
Houston, they have a problem…
The Toledo Rockets are a solid football program in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The Rockets have had 5 consecutive winning seasons, and are predicted to at least compete for, if not win, the MAC this year. The problem is, the Rockets will be facing the Arkansas Razorbacks without star running back Kareem Hunt, who had 271 yards and 5 touchdowns in their bowl game win over Arkansas State last season. The Rockets are also untested, as their opening game against Stony Brook was cancelled due to weather. Lastly, Toledo has zero returning starters on their offensive line. So, to sum things up, Toledo is playing without their star running back, has lost their entire offensive line to graduation, and has yet to play a complete game to work out the kinks in their offense.
Sounds like everything’s coming up Razorback.
Sep 12, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Toledo Rockets wide receiver Alonzo Russell (9) against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
That’s not to say that the Rockets don’t come into Little Rock without a few weapons and playmakers. Three time all conference receiver Alonzo Russell will test the Razorbacks secondary. Russell had 51 catches for 770 yards and 8 touchdowns last season. Remember, this is a team that had a 1,600 yard rusher in Hunt, and Russell isn’t the only dynamic deep threat for Toledo. Junior Corey Jones had a team leading 69 receptions last year, along with 851 yards and 5 scores. Under center for the Rockets is former Alabama commit Phillip Ely, who will be returning after knee surgery last year. Ely only played in 2 games last year, but was able to rack up 541 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Rocket’s defense was not their strong suit in 2014, but they return several starters in key positions. The most dangerous of which is at the defensive line. Last week against UTEP, the Miners were able to slow down the dynamic Razorbacks rushing attack by stacking the box. The Rockets may choose to try the same approach, and they’ll be doing it with All-Conference tackles Treyvon Hester and Orion Jones. Another talented lineman for the Rockets is defensive end Trent Voss, who led the MAC in tackles by a lineman last season. The Rocket’s secondary may not be as acclaimed as their defensive line, but they bring back 4 starting corners and a couple of returning safeties as well.
The Rockets may be bringing back several starters on defense, but those are starters from a unit that ranked 71st in the country in overall defense. Toledo gave up an average of 280 passing yards and 120 rushing yards a game. While the MAC is certainly famous for it’s offensive schemes, that is still a not-great returning defense going up against the reining Manning QB of the Week in Brandon Allen. Oh, and Alex Collins, Kody Walker, Rawleigh Williams III, and that bruising offensive line of Arkansas’.
If the Hogs want to dominate this game, it will require 3 key components.
1) Execution: The Razorbacks are bigger, faster, and stronger. Toledo is talented, but if the Hogs come out and do their job, then the 4th quarter should be garbage time. This means no turnovers, no sacks, and no big plays.
Sep 5, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen (10) passes against the UTEP Miners during the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The Razorbacks defeat the Miners 48-13. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
2) Limit the Big Play: The Razorbacks gave up a few big plays to UTEP in the 2nd and 3rd quarter last week. This cost the Hogs valuable field position and led to some scores. Toledo is more dynamic than UTEP, so giving up the big plays will not lead to just field goals, they could lead to touchdowns. The secondary and linebackers will have their hands full with the passing game from the Rockets. No more missed tackles in the flats or blown coverage from the Hogs. You can’t let a team like Toledo hang around.
3) Establish the Offense Early: It was obvious against UTEP that the Miners had spent their time prepping to stop the Razorback’s rushing attack. They were able to slow it down, but they gave up huge numbers in the passing game. The Hogs looked like a balanced, dangerous team under Dan Enos. The Razorbacks jumped out early on the Miners last week, and set the pace for the first half thanks to Allen, Keon Hatcher, and the rest of the receivers and tight ends. Regardless of whether it’s through the air or on the ground, the Hogs should look to score early and establish themselves as the dominant team. Don’t let Toledo build any confidence or momentum.
The Razorbacks square off against the Toledo Rockets at 3:00 on the SEC Network this Saturday, September 12th.