The Arkansas Razorbacks take on the Ole Miss Rebels Saturday at 3:30 Eastern time in Fayetteville. What looks to be a great game, here are three key factors the Razorbacks have to focus on to have success.
The Razorbacks are home for the first time since playing Georgia week one, and they are going to be playing with a bit of a chip on their shoulder when Lane Kiffin and the Rebels come rolling into town. After last weeks controversial loss against Auburn, the Razorbacks are getting back some much needed weapons in running back Rakeem Boyd and wideout Treylon Burks, and look to take some of the load back from Trelon Smith and De’Vion Warren who have played great for the past couple weeks. With that being said, here are three keys for success for Sam Pittman and the Hogs against Ole Miss
Getting the Run Game Going
Arkansas has taken the pedal off their run game as of late only averaging 83.6 yards per game so far. Some of that can be because of the injuries to starter Rakeem Boyd and the caliber of defenses that have been seen, but Arkansas might have found a solution. With Trelon Smith jumping onto the scene, the Hogs have a legit one-two punch in the backfield that will keep SEC defenses on their toes. Ole miss has given up almost a thousand yards on the ground through 3 games, so if Arkansas’ running game gets going we could see major success.
Defend the Big Plays
The Razorbacks defense under Barry Odom has looked stellar compared to the defenses that have been placed on the field years prior. Arkansas did great against the air raid of Mississippi State by keeping the defense in front of them with the zone and not allowing the big play to form around them. I see more of the same coming against Ole Miss who is averaging 41 ppg against SEC opponents. They rely on the big plays of their receivers and the offensive genius of Lane Kiffin. I know Odom has something planned up his sleeve to create a defensive scheme that will give the Rebels offense fits. Look for another high tally of tackles from Bumper Pool and Grant Morgan this game.
Special Teams Has to Matter
If there is one thing Arkansas has got to get under control is the Special Teams Unit. Of all forms it has been the Achilles heel of this team. Scott Fountain is a great coach and I feel this will be the week where his prowess shows. Field position has backed this team into a corner for this first part of the season. Arkansas is averaging a net punt yardage of 33 yards and this places the opponent offense in great field position with how many offensive drives the hogs have started within their own 20 yard line. With a high powered offense to stop, The Razorbacks will have to flip field position well to give the defense a chance to utilize a zone defense.