The Best and Worst From the Arkansas Razorbacks 2015 Season

#1 Best: Brandon Allen and Alex Collins

Where to begin with these two players. When the injuries began to accumulate, both Allen and Collins were asked to do more than they had been prepared to do. Allen was supposed to be a “game manager” that would head up an offense lead by a dynamic 1-2 punch in the run game. He would be supplemented by an experienced receiving corp, anchored by Keon Hatcher and Jared Cornelius.

Alex Collins was supposed to be splitting time with Johnathan Williams. The combo had been destructive in 2014, and looked to improve across the board behind an experienced offensive line. 15-20 carries a game MAX for Collins, as Williams would probably get more carries. Collins would return for his senior year, probably, and finally have a chance to be the featured back in Bret Bielema’s offense.

Then September happened.

Both Allen and Collins struggled initially without their support systems around them. The talented receiving unit was depleted for Brandon, and Alex was going to be forced to carry the ball more than he might have planned for in the off-season. The way this team looked in September, you would think that they had rolled over and quit.

What’s funny about that statement is that now, as the season comes to an end, it’s absurd to have ever thought those things about these two incredible athletes. Let’s start with Alex Collins. His numbers for the season were outstanding. 1,392 yards and 17 touchdowns. Collins became only the third person in SEC history to rush for 1,000 yards in his first 3 years. He joins Darren McFadden and Herschel Walker in that prestigious club.

As it stands right now, Collins will go down as one of the greatest running backs in Arkansas history, and he could still return for another year if he wanted. Collins is 3rd all time in rushing yards in school history, and is only 52 yards shy from passing Ben Cowins to take the 2nd spot all time behind D-Mac. Collins’ 2015 campaign of 1,392 yards is 3rd best in school history, behind (duh) McFadden’s sophomore and junior seasons. 17 touchdowns this season is good enough for 2nd all time for Collins, and he’s 4th all time in career TDs scored.

Alex Collins is an absolute legend for the University of Arkansas. To think that he did all these amazing things on teams that won 3, 7, and 7 (possibly 8) games is insane.

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

Collins also shouldered the responsibility with grace and maturity that came with being the featured back. Despite a couple of slip ups, when push came to shove, you could depend on Alex Collins to deliver in the clutch. He made big time plays in big time moments all season long, especially against Ole Miss, LSU, and Tennessee.

Then we come to Brandon Allen, the linchpin for this 2015 Arkansas Razorbacks team. His grit and maturity over the course of his career makes other coaches jealous that they don’t have a kid like Brandon. Even before he became the legendary gunslinger that he evolved into in 2015, his leadership in the locker room was obvious.

From his first start against Alabama, Allen has never had a fair shake. Recruited by Bobby Petrino to be a part of a spread attack, he then watched one of the most prolific and explosive offensive minds in football get replaced first by a smiley faced grandpa, and then a pro style run attack oriented Big 10 coach. Brandon Allen would have had every reason to transfer, but he didn’t.

When his truck was vandalized, and then destroyed, by stupid “fans” of the Hogs who were disappointed in his on the field performance, he would have had every reason to leave or give up. But he didn’t. When Dan Enos came on board as the offensive coordinator, and Allen then had to learn a new playbook from a new OC for the 4th time in his 5 years as a Hog, he could have just gave up. But he didn’t.

And in 2015, when he was FINALLY supposed to be surrounded by the caliber of athletes on offense that would allow him to shine in his role as QB, and those playmakers were suddenly and violently ripped away from him by the cruel hands of fate….he could have thrown up his hands and walked away.

But he didn’t.

With the Hogs sitting at 2-4, and all hope appeared lost for the season, it was Brandon Allen who stepped up to the plate for Arkansas. 3 years of starting, 3 years of hard hits, and 3 years of not-very-successful attempts didn’t scare him away; It motivated him. The Auburn game was a great “turning point” moment for Allen. He followed that game up with record setting performance after record setting performance.

When the dust finally settled on the 2015 season, and with only 1 game left in his career as a Razorback, Allen has entrenched himself into Hog history. His 2015 stats make up one of the best single seasons as a QB in Arkansas history. With a game left to play, Allen could possibly break a few more records on his way to the NFL.

Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen (10) throws against the LSU Tigers during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Arkansas defeated LSU 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

On the year so far, BA is 224/334 for 3,125 yards, 29 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions. That is good enough for the 5th most yards in a single season in school history behind Tyler Wilson and Ryan Mallett. BA threw for 442 yards against Ole Miss, which is 2nd all time in a single game for Arkansas. He also threw for 6 touchdowns in that game, which is the single game record for the Razorbacks.

Career wise, it’s hard to argue with Allen’s stats. He is #1 all time in Arkansas history for touchdown passes with 63. He’s 4th all time in career passing yards with 7,148, which is only 274 yards behind Clint Stoerner. Allen could pass Clint in the bowl game if he has a great game.

Brandon Allen and Alex Collins were the rocks that this 2015 team was built on. They made the foundation for the wins down the stretch. Without Allen and Collins, the 2015 season would have been a complete wash. Their leadership and performances on the field have endeared them in Arkansas Razorbacks lore for all time. It’s been a truly special season for these two young men.

2015 won’t go down as one of the best seasons in Arkansas’ history. But when it comes to football, this has been one of the most exciting and entertaining teams to watch play in the nation. From 1-3 to 7-5, this team fought, scratched, and clawed their way back into the national conversation. Sure, there were some bad times…but we’ll always have Brandon Allen’s grit, Alex Collins’ record breaking career, a Golden Boot, a Battle Line Trophy…and about 25 yards worth of heart attacks.

Next: Should These Hog Juniors Go Pro?

Now let’s go beat Kansas State. Woo Pig.