Will The Real Alex Collins Please Stand Up?
By Jose Harber
Alex Collins rushed for 105 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries against Auburn. Those numbers aren’t bad; but it was Kody Walker who was given the ball down the stretch during the quadruple overtimes. He had one touchdown receiving, rushing, and a two point conversion — the last one of the game. Walker shined after missing the last four games with a hand injury, but where was Collins?
During the post game press conference, that question was answered in the first few minutes. “Alex had really been banged up during the course of the week,” said head coach Bret Bielema. “He put the ball on the ground a little bit early there, so we kind of wanted to go with Kody towards the end of the overtime there.”
Okay, simple enough.
Until a few minutes later when Bielema touched on the subject again, saying, “He’s been a little banged up but he was cleared to play. But you know what, he pissed me off, he was late for breakfast this morning.”
Bielema: Alex Collins pissed me off--he was late for breakfast this morning. He's got so much potential. The only guy who limits him is him.
— Bo Mattingly (@SportandStoryBo) October 24, 2015
Talk about a shot across the bow. Bielema straight up called Collins out, but this isn’t the first time he has shown some problems. While none of his problems have been big, he was suspended for a game back in February 2014 in an attempt to “light a fire” in the then-sophomore. He was also banned from social media. He didn’t seem to learn the lesson: he posted a video on Instagram flashing the “horns down” sign before the Hogs’ meeting with the Texas Longhorns in December. He soon deleted it.
Bielema wasn’t done there. The frustration in his words and mannerisms was apparent, but it’s obvious he only wants the best for Collins.
Oct 24, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Alex Collins (3) runs the ball against the Auburn Tigers during the first half at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
“It just shows if Alex isn’t right, he’s not going to be as good as he is, and I knew it. I got in his ear before the game. He is a kid who has got so much potential, and the only one who is going to limit him is him,” said Bielema. ” This song and dance is going to catch up with him, and today he had enough good players around him to rally. There, at the end of the half, he put the ball on the ground–inexcusable. We’ve grown along together, and he’s either gonna continue to grow or some other things happen.”
Bielema and fans know just how good Collins can be. Back to back seasons with 1,000 yards and well on his way to a third. For whatever reason, however, he can’t seem to shake some of his childlike tendencies. When Collins is good, he is really good — a top 3 back in the SEC. It’s hard to understand why he slacks off when he does. I believe Bielema called him out because he’s trying to light another fire under Collins, but he’s also just downright
“He is a kid who has got so much potential and the only one who is going to limit him is him.” – Bret Bielema
frustrated.
Collins has had to become the work-horse back for the Hogs after the loss of Jonathan Williams; he is carrying an average of 21.4 times a game, compared to 15.7 last year. That will only increase after losing Rawleigh Williams III for the season. The Hogs’ backfield is unfortunately thinning out, even with Juan Day being cleared to play. The pressure will continue to be put on the junior’s shoulders, and it will be interesting to see how Collins responds to Bielema’s shout out. Hog fans can only hope that the real Alex Collins shows up for the rest of the season.