Arkansas Razorbacks Football: Work in Progress
By Tommy Tabler
Most objective Arkansas Razorbacks’ fans knew that the 2020 season would be a work in progress and that was evident last night against the Florida Gators.
The Florida Gators are a top five team in the country for a reason and on Saturday the Arkansas Razorbacks discovered why. Defensive coordinator Barry Odom has had his defense prepared every game this season. The defensive secondary was picked apart by Heisman Trophy candidate Kyle Trask. Trask threw for five touchdowns in the first half alone. The Arkansas defensive line struggled to put pressure on Trask, which did not help the secondary cover the talented Florida wide receivers.
Arkansas fans should be pleased that the Hogs were able to get the rushing attack going. Trelon Smith had eight carries for 118 yards and a touchdown. Both Trelon Smith and Rakeem Boyd found the end zone for the Hogs. However, Arkansas had a problem sustaining drives the Gators dominated the time of possession.
Meanwhile, Arkansas quarterback Feleipe Franks should be pleased with his performance against his former team. Franks threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns and had no trouble find his wide receivers. Arkansas wide receiver Mike Woods had an excellent game. Woods was on the receiving of two touchdown passes and racked up 129 yards in the process.
To sum it up, the Arkansas Razorbacks’ defense has coverage issues in the secondary that they must get worked out. Not being able to put pressure on Trask cost the Hogs Saturday. Barry Odom has done a nice job in the past of getting the defense to respond after having a difficult game the week before. Arkansas has an opportunity to bounce back against the LSU Tigers and a strong defensive performance will be a good way to accomplish it.
LSU has had a week to prepare for the Hogs, but Arkansas appears to be hitting its stride. The Hogs have found the running game and Franks is making good decisions with the football. The important objective to keep in mind is not to allow Florida to beat them twice. Arkansas still has plenty to play for this season.