Arkansas Football: Reviewing Malik Hornsby’s 1st half vs LSU

With KJ Jefferson not playing today against the LSU Tigers as a late scratch, redshirt sophomore Malik Hornsby–the well-documented “fastest player on the team”–got the start on a frigid Saturday morning in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Hornsby came into the game 8-17 for 234 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions through the air. So far this season, Hornsby had 13 carries for 135 yards (10.5 yards per carry).

Hornsby looked the part of a game manager more than a game changer, even with his world-class speed. He was 2-5 for 15 yards in the first half and carried the ball 13 times for 40 yards. He did not look like a world-beater by any stretch of the imagination, but he also didn’t look outclassed against a Top 10 team.

Hornsby got the start and helped the Razorbacks move the ball. However, putting points on the board is still an issue for Arkansas football, regardless of the quarterback.

Hornsby looked adequate in the passing game with limited opportunities. While he did not ever throw the ball deep (something this offense has lacked all season), he did make nice reads in the intermediate passing game, though he missed on some throws.

He also had a strong pocket presence and used his speed to help extend plays. He did not wait in the pocket long before tucking and using his feet.

Whether by design or as a result of scrambling, he ran the ball far more than he threw it on through the first half. He ran behind his blockers and with patience.

There was very little east-to-west running and far more getting north and south. However, the LSU defense did not give him much room to operate. The lack of a vertical passing game makes it easy to stack the box against the offense, but especially with Hornsby at the helm.

Red zone woes also continued to plague the Razorbacks. Regardless of whether it’s Jefferson or Hornsby at quarterback, this team has struggled to convert inside the opponent’s 20-yard-line. Deciding to go for it on 4th down during their second

Additionally, Hornsby had a critical turnover that led to LSU’s best field position and their first score of the half. The turnover resulted from him not protecting the ball well enough on a scramble.

Hornsby has played well enough for Arkansas football to be in this game. An upset is not off the table through the first half. Adding on a second-half touchdown (or several) would go a long way for the Hogs.

Additionally, a special shoutout to the Arkansas football defense, who put together their best half of football all year long. They held LSU to 144 yards and just six points after forcing two Tiger turnovers and sacking LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels five times, the most by any SEC team in a half all season.