Keys to Victory: Arkansas Razorbacks vs Texas A&M
By Cory Thone
Game day is finally here, Razorbackers, and with it comes the reality check that has been the 2015 Hogs season. I know a lot of you are depressed and pessimistic. Heck, even some of my writers have moved on from “sky is falling” mode into full “world is ending” mode already. And I understand that.
However, if you go back and look at the 2 losses the Hogs have already, you’ll see some interesting things that should give you hope going into the A&M game, and for the rest of the season. In fact, if you look at the entirety of Bret Bielema’s tenure at Arkansas, there is a reason to be hopeful for the remainder of the season.
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First off, under Bret Bielema, the Razorback players have never given up on the season. Think back to 2012. After the ULM loss, those players had no leadership from the sideline and no reason to play hard. Tyler Wilson even said as much during the Alabama post game press conference. Under Bielema, the Hogs have been facing some tough times, but they keep churning and fighting all the way down. That’s an admirable quality.
Think back to 2013. That was a bad team. That team almost beat LSU in Baton Rouge. With no hope of making a bowl game, that Hogs team was happy to take on the role of spoiler for LSU, and almost succeeded. Last season, the Hogs lost some close games. But down the stretch, the Razorbacks kept improving and were able to get bowl eligible, despite having a losing record for the majority of the year.
What I’m saying is, under Bret Bielema, the Hogs have never quit. And I don’t expect them to quit this season, either. And I certainly don’t expect Hog fans to give up on this program. We’ve come too damn far from Motorcycle-gate. We’ve been through worse.
So, taking all that in mind, I look at the A&M game and I see the ways that the Razorbacks can sneak out of Texas with a victory.
Sep 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks center Frank Ragnow (72) in action against the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
1) Capitalize on Opportunities – When I go back and look at the Toledo and Texas Tech games, I see a Hogs team that had all these opportunities to cash in on mistakes, but never took them. How many times did we have the Red Raiders in 2nd or 3rd down with 5 or more yards to go? Several. How many times in those 2 games did we not manage to score in the red zone. A painfully high amount. The Aggies are prone to lose control of the football, and if the defensive line can create some pressure, maybe the Hogs can force some turnovers, and then capitalize on mistakes. If you get A&M in a 3rd and long, force a punt! If you get the ball inside the 20, score a damn touchdown! The Razorbacks had multiple chances to take the lead against Toledo, and several chances to tighten the gap against Texas Tech, but were unable to. If the Hogs make the most of their opportunities, then they can win this game.
2) Make Defensive Stops – The Aggies are going to look to dink and dunk down the field with short passes, and will run the ball often. This could play into the advantage of the Razorbacks defense. The defensive line has yet to show the dominance that the preseason hype promised. Now would be a good time to get some penetration. Robb Smith is big on getting penetration that will get the QB off his rhythm, which can force turnovers. The Hogs secondary hasn’t given up many big plays, but the lack of penetration from the DL and linebackers have left them susceptible to short routes in the flats and through the middle. If the Hogs can make SOME stops, then that will set them up for a chance at a win. The A&M defense, while improved, will still give up some points to the hogs…probably.
Dec 29, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks cornerback Henre
3) Execute Offensively – The Razorbacks offense went into the Texas Tech game suffering through an identity crisis. Hopefully, the 170 yard rushing performance of Alex Collins helped remind the Hogs who they are. Arkansas needs to establish the running game early, and go to that well often. That will open up the passing game for Brandon Allen. We’ve seen that Allen can whip the ball around outside of the redzone, but now without 3 of his top 4 receivers, the Hogs are going to need to get dependable yards on the ground. Convert on 3rd downs, and the over the top play action passes will open up. We’ve yet to see Dominique Reed or JoJo Robinson go deep. Also, remember, this is John Chavis at A&M now. He’s going to blitz. If the the offensive line, which hasn’t given up a sack yet, can protect Allen, the passing game will be effective.
So there you have it. If the Razorbacks get on the field and do those three things, they’ll win. Probably. That’s assuming the whole team doesn’t contract rickets or something. Which is a possibility.