The Arkansas Razorbacks got their first SEC road win under Head Coach Bret Bielema tonight against the Tennessee Volunteers, 24-20. The Hogs fell behind early to the Vols 14-0, thanks to the opening kickoff being returned by Evan Berry for a touchdown, and a great offensive drive out of the gate for UT QB Josh Dobbs. However, the Razorbacks got their feet back under them an marched down the field for the rest of the game, controlling the clock and racking up 262 rushing yards.
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Alex Collins was tremendous for the Razorbacks tonight, having his 4th 100 yard game of the season. Collins gashed through the Tennessee defense on several occasion, compiling 154 yards rushing and 2 scores. True freshman Rawleigh Williams III had his first 100 yard game as well. The passing attack was solid throughout the game, although there were some missed opportunities late for big plays. Brandon Allen was 11/24 for 219 yards and 1 touchdown. With that kind of balance, the Hogs offense could prove to be troublesome for the rest of the SEC. Imagine if Arkansas could score in the 4th quarter, huh?
Star Performances:
Alex Collins: The junior is playing the best football of his career, hitting the gaps hard and getting up field. 154 yards and 2 scores against an SEC team on the road? That’s a very impressive night.
The Defensive Line: The Arkansas front 4 (really more of a rotating front 8) did an excellent job tonight containing Josh Dobbs and the dynamic rushing attack of Tennessee. Dobbs only had 7 YARDS RUSHING, and the Volunteers only had 133 yards on the ground as a team. Excellent job applying pressure and keeping contain on an amazing athlete in Dobbs.
Mitch Smothers: People sometimes forget how great Smothers is for the Hogs at center, especially because of the praise that Denver Kirkland, Sebastian Tretola, and Dan Skipper receive. But Smothers was dominant all night long, playing a key role on both of Collins’ touchdowns, and pulling down the line like a guard to clear holes for Williams. Fantastic performance tonight by the entire offensive line, but Smothers shined the brightest.
Here are some of my favorite tweets and highlights from the game.
Everybody’s favorite LSU fan was as impressed as we all were with Dominique Reed’s speed after this catch. Welcome to the SEC, Dominique! We’ve been waiting for you!
Wow, Hogs. https://t.co/uqOkrl22XI
— Belle Es You (@SouthernbeLLSU) October 4, 2015
Our own Razor, famous for his rants, was a little concerned after Drew Morgan limped off the field and called for open tryouts for receivers. Brandon Clark answered the call.
This Tennessee fan banging her head into concrete is one of my favorite moments ever.
#VolNation No words needed. pic.twitter.com/mWQLzyyazE
— BigHeadBS💨 (@BigHeadBS) October 4, 2015
And finally, to celebrate the victory, Hog fans get a little crazy. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
WE ARE GOING TO WIN THE NATIONAL TITLE! #WPS ILL HANG UP AND LISTEN, BO.
— Charley (@TurboBuffalo) October 4, 2015
The Razorbacks don’t have much time to celebrate. They continue their road tour of the toughest places to play by traveling to Tuscaloosa in 7 days to take on an Alabama team that just whipped a top 10 Georgia Bulldog squad between the hedges. But for now, let’s just take a night and bask in the glow of victory. The Hogs bowl game chances are alive and well with this win.
WOOO PIG HOGS WIN! 👊🐗 pic.twitter.com/Vy1On6n6Rv
— Arkansas Razorbacks 🐗 (@ArkRazorbacks) October 4, 2015