Arkansas Razorbacks vs UT-Martin Skyhawks: Highlights, Final Score and More

The Arkansas Razorbacks were able to control a talented passing attack from the University of Tennessee at Martin Skyhawks to get a big 63-28 win. It was a key victory on the way to bowl eligibility for the Hogs.

Alex Collins had 5 rushing touchdowns on the day, and looked like the kind of running back that the NFL would probably be interested in. The defense struggled, but ultimately forced 3 turnovers and took advantage in key situations to not give up points late in the game.

Recap

The Arkansas Razorbacks started off slow in the first quarter, forcing some turnovers on defense but only putting up 7 points on an Alex Collins run. The second quarter, however, saw the Hogs explode offensively, scoring 28 points. It started less than a minute into the quarter with a touchdown run by Alex Collins, his second of the night. Allen would find Damon Mitchell for a 50 yard touchdown score later in the quarter, his first TD of the year. Collins would score 2 more times in the second quarter, and the Razorbacks took a 35-14 lead into the locker room.

The Skyhawks came out in the second half with a great opening drive, scoring on a 1 yard run and cutting the Razorback’s lead to 14. It would be as close as they would get in the afternoon, as the Hogs had another explosive quarter of football offensively. on a 3rd down, Allen would hit Dominique Reed on a 71 yard bomb down the middle of the field for a big score. A touchdown scramble by Allen on the next possession, followed by another Collins run for a 63 yard score would give the Hogs a 56-21 lead going into the 4th quarter.

Austin Allen, on his first pass of the game, would hit Jeremy Sprinkle for a 35 yard touchdown putting Arkansas up 63-21 early in the 4th. The two teams would punt back and forth until the Skyhawks scored on a pass with 2:42 left in the game to make the score 63-28, where it would remain until the end of the game.

Players of the Game: 

Oct 31, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Alex Collins (3) rushes during the second quarter against the Tennessee Martin Skyhawks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

• Alex Collins – This is a no brainer. The junior running back ran for 173 yards and 5 touchdowns. He kept the offense chugging along all game, and scored on both short and long runs. A career day for one of the best running backs in Arkansas Razorbacks history
• Brandon Allen – The senior QB was efficient and dependable. When you have a running attack like the Hogs have, the biggest thing you need from a QB is conversions on 3rd down, and no turnovers. Allen went 14/19 for 265 yards and 2 touchdowns, and added a rushing score as well. Exactly what the Hogs needed. Arkansas was only 3-7 on 3rd down, but were 2-2 on 4th.
• Offensive Line – Opening holes, protecting the QB, and picking up blitzes all day long. Great job by the biggest offensive line in football.

Biggest Takeaways

The Arkansas Razorback’s offense looked exactly how you’d want it to look. Efficient, clock consuming, and dependable. The passing game was crisp and accurate, and the running game was there all night. No turnovers, no fumbles, and only 1 sack (which was not the offensive line’s fault). It was a great offensive showing. Anytime you put up 63 points, it’s a good day.

The bad news is that the Razorback’s defense looked suspect. DJ Dean and Santos Ramirez were on the sideline, but that still doesn’t excuse some of the huge gaps in coverage. Jarod Neal is a good QB, but he put on a highlight reel against Arkansas. 380 yards passing. However, as has been the case all season long, the defense continues to not break down the stretch. Do they give up too many big plays? Hell yes they do. But 380 passing yards for Neal only resulted in 1 touchdown. If the coverage over the middle improves, then they don’t score half of their points.

Still, the Hogs will be facing a few more dynamic, throw first offenses this year, and they will probably be tougher than the Skyhawks. Not a great day for the secondary and linebackers, overall.

Best Videos/Tweets/Highlights

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Next: Has Brandon Allen Turned the Corner?

The Razorbacks are back at .500 and now are 2 wins away from being bowl eligible. Who’s it going to be for the Razorbacks? Ole Miss, LSU, Mississippi State, or Missouri? Maybe all 4? I’ll take all 4. November will be a very important month for the Hogs football team, in terms of bowl implications, recruiting, and just the general state of the program. Let’s get out there and get 2 more wins! Woo Pig!