Arkansas Razorbacks Football: Key Players for Arkansas
By Tommy Tabler
Every week the players that the Arkansas Razorbacks needs to do well can change but we are going to look at the key players for Arkansas as they prepare to play Auburn.
Arkansas is going to be leaning on several players to produce against the Auburn Tigers. The Razorbacks have been expecting big things out of several players on both sides of the ball. Coach Sam Pittman and the Razorbacks will need the players in this article to step up and play well against the Tigers.
Looking first, at the offensive side of the ball for Arkansas. Feleipe Franks has not put-up eye-popping numbers for the Hogs. However, Franks has not turned the ball over, and he has been able to execute drives when it matters for Arkansas. Arkansas will need Franks to continue to avoid the killer turnover and be able to get out of the pocket and pick up extra yardage when needed. The Arkansas offense is still a work in progress, so a big game will be needed from Franks.
Arkansas has got to find a way to get the ground game going. However, the best bet to do that is Rakeem Boyd. Boyd was injured last weekend against Mississippi State. Should Boyd not be productive, look for Arkansas to turn Trelon Smith. One of the two running backs has got to be able to keep the defense honest. Not being able to run the ball will the Tigers plenty of chances to tee off on the quarterback.
Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball. Arkansas is going to need Bumper Pool to continue to play like an all-American. Pool was named co-defensive player of the week this week by the SEC and is his playing his way into some early NFL draft consideration. The defense has been the most improved unit of the Arkansas football team.
The other defensive player that Arkansas needs to be produce is Montaric Brown. Brown has been playing solid football in the secondary. Brown has broken up passes and made opposing wide receivers lives difficult when attempting to haul in the football. Auburn has been focused on the passing game the past few weeks, so it would not shock me to see them test the secondary often.
Should Arkansas get impressive games from the players named in this article. The chances of winning will go up. Bottom line is, this will not be an easy game, but it is another opportunity for the Arkansas Razorbacks to continue to pull themselves out of the ditch.