Arkansas Razorbacks Football: Arkansas Key Players
By Tommy Tabler
The Arkansas Razorbacks will need to get strong performances from several players Saturday and those are Arkansas’ key players.
Coach Sam Pittman and his staff are now faced with the task of rebuilding the Hogs’ confidence after some controversial officiating decided the game. Meanwhile, another area of concern has started to present itself and that is the injury bug starting to hit in some positions where not much depth exists. We are going to examine which players are going to be key for the Razorbacks this weekend.
Arkansas fans were encouraged with what they witnessed as far as offensive production goes last Saturday. Quarterback Feleipe Franks was able to keep the Hogs in the game against Auburn and even gave Arkansas a shot to win the ball game late the fourth quarter. Franks has passed for 730 yards, seven touchdowns, and only two interceptions on the season. He has extended plays when necessary and been able to get the ball to his wide receivers.
Two wide receivers have started to put together a solid season for the Razorbacks. Mike Woods and De’Vion Warren are each playing at an extremely high level this season. Warren is averaging 22.3 yards per reception and is doing an excellent job of getting open for Franks. Woods has caught 12 passes for 150 yards and one touchdown. More big plays will be needed this weekend when Arkansas hosts Ole Miss.
However, the Arkansas defense is going to need to get the Rebels off of the field. The Arkansas Razorbacks defense is going to be without some key pieces this week. Linebacker Bumper Pool, who has played terrific football the past three weeks will not be able to suit up this weekend for the Hogs. Which means that other defensive players will have to step up for the Hogs.
Three defensive players that will have to step up this weekend for the Hogs are safety Jalen Catalon, defensive tackle Jonathan Marshall, and defensive end Eric Gregory. Catalon has played well in the secondary for the Hogs and leads the team in tackles with 36 on the season. As for Marshall and Gregory, Arkansas will have to be able to pressure the quarterback into some mistakes to win this game. Ole Miss is too good offensively to try and match them score for score. Arkansas will need to find a way to shorten this game in order to win it.