*** Official Arkansas Football Thread ***

Talk about sports like the NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAA, Fantasy, Boxing, MMA along with any other sports you follow.
User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

No. 17 Arkansas hosts Auburn after back-to-back losses

Post by HawaiianHogster »

https://nexstar.stats.com/cfb/story.asp ... 3385807308
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) Arkansas has been on the road for so long that the Razorbacks may feel like strangers in their stadium.

No. 17 Arkansas has not played at home since Sept. 18, when the Razorbacks dismantled Georgia Southern 45-10. They are excited to host Saturday's game against Auburn.

"We need our fans," Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said. "We need our students to get here early and be raising heck this week. Our football team needs a home game and we need our fans to show up and help up win this game."

Arkansas (4-2, 1-2 SEC) opened the season with four straight wins and climbed to No. 8 in the Associated Press poll before dropping back-to-back games to Georgia and Ole Miss. Auburn (4-2, 1-1) is coming off a 34-10 loss to Georgia under first-year coach Bryan Harsin.

Pittman said the Tigers have regained their tenacity on the defensive side under new defensive coordinator Derek Mason, the former Vanderbilt head coach.

"I really like their team," Pittman said. "They are really physical and well coached. Defensively, they are back to where Auburn has been, (a) really dominating defensive line. They are just a really good football team."

The Tigers rank third in the SEC in run defense (104.7 yards allowed per game), which will make for an interesting battle on Saturday against the Razorbacks' run game, which ranks fourth in the SEC (244.8 yards per game).

"As you look at Arkansas - tough, physical," Harsin said. "Those two things stand out. The coaches do a very good job. They're two points away from being 5-1 and they're playing aggressive. Those things all stand out. There's a lot of really good players on their team."

REVENGE NOT A FACTOR

The controversial ending to last season's game came up this week.

Late in the game, Auburn quarterback Bo Nix spiked a snap backward, and it was ruled intentional grounding rather than a fumble. The call allowed Auburn to keep possession of the ball, and Anders Carlton kicked a 39-yard field goal to lift the Tigers to a 30-28 win.

Pittman said wasn't sure if or how he'd use that as motivation leading into this week's game.

"I've gone back and forth on that," he said. "We have a lot of the same players on our team, and I'm sure it's the same with Auburn. But I think right now we just need to deal with winning home ballgames. I think that might be more important than a revenge factor. Auburn's kids did not have anything to do with it. That was just a bad call."

HOGS FAVORED

It's been more than 30 games since Arkansas played an SEC game in which it was the favorite, but the Razorbacks enter Saturday's game as a 4.5-point favorite against the Tigers, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

"There is a lot of pressure that comes with success," said Pittman. "So with that comes a lot of responsibility, but I'd much rather have it that way."

BO KNOWS

Pittman heaped praise on Nix. In last year's game, he accounted for three touchdowns, passing for two and running for another.

"I think Nix is incredible," Pittman said. "He extends plays as good as anybody in the country. You can't get him on the ground. I think he's a big-tme competitor. We are real concerned about him running the football."

JEFFERSON AIR GAME

Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson is coming off a lights-out performance in the 52-51 loss to Ole Miss. The first-year starter passed for 366 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for three scores. On the season, Jefferson is 79-of-126 for 1,235 yards and nine touchdowns with just three interceptions. He has rushed for another 320 yards and five scores.

"Offensively, the quarterback can run it, throw it - do it all," Harsin said. "They play physical up front. They can run it and that's an identity of that team."

TIGER TEST

Harsin said Auburn's defense will be tested against Arkansas. The Tigers are allowing just 19.2 points per game, but they face an Arkansas offense that averages 32.3.

"I think it's important to put two and two together - front end and back end - and being able to play ball," Harsin said. "Just playing the type of defense ... we've put great defense together in spurts. If we're able to do that for a full four quarters, I think we'll have no issue going out and executing our plays."
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

Lost 38 - 23 to Auburn

Post by HawaiianHogster »

Before I found out about the many hidden injuries facing the Razorback team, I felt that KJ Jefferson had a very bad game over all. The first half he made several bad decisions which kept them from making first downs. The defense did their part that gave our offense the chance to score at least 4 TD's in the first half.

Man oh man, those refs that are paid by Auburn to make the most idiotic excuses for making the wrong call and not correcting it with the replay. When will this stop? You can't beat the refs. They know exactly how to change the momentum for Auburn. They took every bad call to make sure that momentum stayed with Auburn. I'm surprised the fans never rushed the field to kick their okole. I believe the refs should be held to a standard and when they don't they should be punished as such. SEC officials should be the best in the country.

The toughest schedule in the country and the Razorbacks are 4 - 3. With a win this Saturday against UAPB, the Razorbacks finally get a bye week. 8 games played without a break against the toughest schedule. I guess I never really looked at it that way and figured they would pull out 2 more wins. Tough teams we played that are deeper than we are. I will be happy with 6-6 and a bowl game. To do that they will have to win one more SEC game. That won't be easy to do.

Mississippi State, LSU, Alabama, and Missouri is our last chance to win one more SEC game. Mississippi State and Missouri at home I feel are their best chances to win one or two games. At LSU and Alabama not easy at all but LSU would be the best chance.

We should be 5 - 3 coming out of the bye week. Playing Mississippi State at home. It should be a fun game to watch, It will be another game where we match up better with. Every game from here on out will be a must win to get bowl eligible.

I love my Razorbacks and see our future looking better. Recruiting is going well. With the right pieces to the puzzle eventually the Razorbacks will be in contention for big bowl invites, possible SECT invite, and who knows NCAA Championship. That's the way I think going forward.




Link


Football
Steve Sullivan
@sully7777
·
5h
I continued to be impressed by the work of the Hog offensive line. Auburn was touted as the third-best defensive front in the SEC. Hogs rushed for 232 yards Saturday and are 8th in the country in rushing yds. O-Line is by far the highest-graded group by Pro Football Focus.
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

Re: Lost 38 - 23 to Auburn

Post by HawaiianHogster »

HawaiianHogster wrote: Mon Oct 18, 2021 11:05 pm Before I found out about the many hidden injuries facing the Razorback team, I felt that KJ Jefferson had a very bad game over all. The first half he made several bad decisions which kept them from making first downs. The defense did their part that gave our offense the chance to score at least 4 TD's in the first half.

Man oh man, those refs that are paid by Auburn to make the most idiotic excuses for making the wrong call and not correcting it with the replay. When will this stop? You can't beat the refs. They know exactly how to change the momentum for Auburn. They took every bad call to make sure that momentum stayed with Auburn. I'm surprised the fans never rushed the field to kick their okole. I believe the refs should be held to a standard and when they don't they should be punished as such. SEC officials should be the best in the country.

The toughest schedule in the country and the Razorbacks are 4 - 3. With a win this Saturday against UAPB, the Razorbacks finally get a bye week. 8 games played without a break against the toughest schedule. I guess I never really looked at it that way and figured they would pull out 2 more wins. Tough teams we played that are deeper than we are. I will be happy with 6-6 and a bowl game. To do that they will have to win one more SEC game. That won't be easy to do.

Mississippi State, LSU, Alabama, and Missouri is our last chance to win one more SEC game. Mississippi State and Missouri at home I feel are their best chances to win one or two games. At LSU and Alabama not easy at all but LSU would be the best chance.

We should be 5 - 3 coming out of the bye week. Playing Mississippi State at home. It should be a fun game to watch, It will be another game where we match up better with. Every game from here on out will be a must win to get bowl eligible.

I love my Razorbacks and see our future looking better. Recruiting is going well. With the right pieces to the puzzle eventually the Razorbacks will be in contention for big bowl invites, possible SECT invite, and who knows NCAA Championship. That's the way I think going forward.




Link


Football
Steve Sullivan
@sully7777
·
5h
I continued to be impressed by the work of the Hog offensive line. Auburn was touted as the third-best defensive front in the SEC. Hogs rushed for 232 yards Saturday and are 8th in the country in rushing yds. O-Line is by far the highest-graded group by Pro Football Focus.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1450164348576538626

Link
Last edited by HawaiianHogster on Sun Oct 24, 2021 9:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

This little Piggy Stayed Home

Post by HawaiianHogster »

https://twitter.com/i/status/1451666551191572482 https://twitter.com/i/status/1451675612826021897 Image
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

10 Things To Know – UAPB

Post by HawaiianHogster »

Image


https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/10-things-to-know-uapb/
After a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 altered 2020 schedule, Arkansas (4-3, 1-3 SEC) returns to War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock and steps out of conference play to face FCS opponent UAPB (1-5, 0-4 SWAC) at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23 on SEC Network.

10 Things to Know

1. – For the sixth time in seven games, the Razorbacks outgained its opponent (460-427) but fell in its first home game in nearly a month to Auburn last weekend, 38-23. Arkansas ran 89 offensive plays compared to Auburn’s 61 and recorded a 29-20 edge in first downs. The Hogs rushed for 232 yards, eclipsing the 200-yard mark for the fifth time this season.

2. – The Razorbacks are also playing their first game against an in-state opponent since defeating Arkansas A&M – now known as Arkansas-Monticello – 41-0 in 1944 in Fayetteville. Arkansas has two more games against in-state opponents on its future schedules. It will play UAPB again in 2024 and play Arkansas State for the first time in program history in 2025. Both of the games will be played in Little Rock.


3. – The Arkansas rushing attack is one of the best in the country this season, averaging 243.0 yards per game on the ground to rank eighth-best nationally and fourth in the SEC. Running back Trelon Smith leads the team with 435 rushing yards, and is followed by running back Raheim Sanders (388) and quarterback KJ Jefferson (386). Arkansas is one of only five schools – Air Force, Buffalo, Tennessee, UCLA – with three rushers to total over 300 rushing yards this season. Running back Dominique Johnson made his first career start against Auburn and ran six times for 42 yards and a touchdown.

4. – Quarterback KJ Jefferson has thrown for 1,463 yards and 11 touchdowns while gaining 386 yards and scoring five touchdowns on the ground. Jefferson is one of two SEC quarterbacks – and one of six in the FBS – with 1,400+ passing yards and 300+ rushing yards on the year. He is also one of just eight FBS quarterbacks to total at least 10 passing touchdowns and five rushing scores. Additionally, he is the first Arkansas quarterback to accomplish that feat since Matt Jones in 2004 (15 passing TDs, 6 rushing TDs). The redshirt sophomore leads the SEC averaging 14.6 yards per completion. Jefferson’s 157.3 passing efficiency mark is also fourth-best in the SEC.

5. – Wide receiver Treylon Burks leads the team in nearly every major receiving category, pacing the team in receptions (38), receiving yards (628), receiving touchdowns (5), and receiving yards per game (89.7). He leads the SEC in receiving yards and ranks 13th nationally. Burks also leads the SEC with 12 plays of 20 or more yards. With his season-high nine catch and 109-yard outing against Auburn, Burks climbed to ninth all-time in program history with 1,923 receiving yards. He scored two receiving touchdowns against the Tigers, his second career two score game.


6. – Linebacker Bumper Pool leads the team with 69 tackles and is second in the SEC and 10th in the country averaging 9.9 tackles per game. Pool’s 293 career tackles are tied for 14th-most among active FBS players.

7. – Defensively, Arkansas ranks 15th nationally and leads the SEC allowing its opposition to convert just 31.0% of third downs. Last year, the Hogs surrendered a 46.9% third down conversion percentage by opponents. Additionally, Arkansas’ pass defense is second in the SEC and 16th in the nation by allowing only 175.4 passing yards per game.

8. – Second-year head coach Sam Pittman is one of just 14 SEC coaches in history to take over a team with a losing record and lead it to a top 10 spot in the AP Poll in their first two seasons. The Razorbacks were ranked eighth in the fifth release of this year’s AP Poll. Pittman and Houston Nutt (1998) are the only Razorback head coaches to accomplish the feat.

9. – The Razorbacks are playing their first game in Little Rock since a 24-14 setback to Missouri in the 2019 season finale and hold a 151-61-4 (.708) all-time record when playing games inside War Memorial Stadium. The Hogs have had great success, especially against non-conference opponents, in Little Rock and are 23-4 (.852) since 1992 against non-league foes. The Razorbacks have won three of the last four games, eight of the last 10 and 23 of the last 25 games against non-league teams at War Memorial.


10. – Arkansas and UAPB are meeting on the gridiron for the first time. The Razorbacks have won their last 17 games against FCS opponents, last falling to The Citadel 10-3 in 1992. Over the Hogs’ 17-game win streak against the FCS, which was formerly known as I-AA until 2005, they are outscoring the opposition by an average of 32.8 points per game.

Image https://twitter.com/i/status/1451676549887975432 https://twitter.com/i/status/1451504920725708801
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

Arkansas Hopes to Get Back on Winning Track Saturday

Post by HawaiianHogster »

https://www.nwahomepage.com/sports/pig- ... -saturday/

by: Otis Kirk

Posted: Oct 22, 2021 / 11:23 AM CDT / Updated: Oct 22, 2021 / 11:23 AM CDT

Arkansas tight end Hudson Henry (82) catches a 12-yard touchdown pass during the second half of the team’s NCAA college football game against Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020. Arkansas won 21-14. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas hopes to break a three-game losing skid in Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium on Saturday when they face UAPB.

Sam Pittman and the Hogs are the big favorites over 1-5 UAPB. But Arkansas enters the game with some players injured and others playing, but not at full strength. Pittman is hoping the team plays well.

“Well, we’re very excited to go to Little Rock.” Pittman said. “I think it’s what makes Arkansas, Arkansas, that we’ve taken the team to Little Rock for so many years. It started in 1948 when we played over at War Memorial and have done it every year since besides last year and the COVID. Excited to play an in-state team in Arkansas-Pine Bluff. We haven’t played an in-state team here in football since 1944, so it’s going to be a really enjoyable weekend and looking forward to getting to Little Rock.”

ADVERTISING

Several FCS teams have defeated some FBS squads this season. Is that something you have shared with your team to help motivate them for this game?

“We haven’t,” Pittman said. “There’s different situations where I might and I might not. We’re just worried about our own team this week and getting back on track. A lot of positive energy at practice this week. Try to get poised to make a run. Certainly you can’t make a run if you don’t win the first one. So we haven’t talked a lot about. Well, honestly, we haven’t talked any about teams getting beat by I-AA teams. So no, to answer your question, we haven’t really addressed that.”

For years the Razorbacks wouldn’t play another in-state team. That has changed under Arkansas Director of Athletics and Vice-Chancellor Hunter Yurachek.

“I think even if you’re a fan for Pine Bluff, we don’t play that often,” Pittman said. “I think it helps our fan base, as well, when we can somewhat unite the whole state into the Arkansas Razorbacks when we’re not playing another in-state (team.) It just shows that we’re willing to do it. We certainly hadn’t done it since 1944. If you’re going to give money to schools to play you, keeping it in-state is probably a pretty good idea to help in-state programs as well. I think it’s going to be a pretty good deal. Obviously there’s that risk of getting beat by somebody in your state, and that’s probably the main reason why we haven’t done it in so long, but I’m all for it and looking forward to seeing Doc Gamble and his fine football team on Saturday.”

Have you crossed paths much with Gamble?

“I haven’t,” Pittman said. “I tried to do some research on him. I always try to find out about the head coach and where is he’s from and things of that nature. And he’s had a journey, like I have. Not as many [coaching stops], but he’s had a journey and I respect that he’s worked his way up through the coaching ranks and got him a head coaching job.

“I just like the way they play. They’re a very physical team, and they play extremely hard. They’re not afraid, I guess, would be the biggest thing. They’re not afraid to throw the ball deep three times in a row. They’re not afraid to go after a punt. They do it 75% of the time. They’re a very aggressive, well-coached football team.”

Arkansas is 1-3 in the SEC and also stepped outside the conference to beat Texas. So is there any worries about a letdown this week?

“I think we have to be smart with our team a little bit,” Pittman said. “Just the way we’ll practice and approach practice. I think we can keep the team involved in the opponent. We always go shells on Monday, and we’re not. We’re just too beat up right now, and we’ve got to get some players back. I don’t want them back for Mississippi State. I want them back for this weekend. I want them back for Pine Bluff. We probably won’t practice as lengthy as what we had. I know we won’t practice quite as physical as we had because we just don’t have enough depth to do that right now. We would do it whether we were playing Auburn or playing Arkansas Pine Bluff. We don’t really have a choice. We’ve got to be smart with our team. That’s certainly not being soft, that’s being smart. I don’t think we’ll have much of a problem getting ready and those things. A lot of times when you have some injuries, the new guy coming in certainly doesn’t have a problem getting ready because it’s his opportunity. I think we’ll be fine there.”

Pittman knows that his team will get UAPB’s best shot.

“The best they have, and you can tell they have the want to,” Pittman said. “They play hard. They’re not as big as some teams we’ve played and things of that nature. They’re rotating quarterbacks and things of that nature, but they’ve got speed, they’ve got enough size, and they were in the championship last year. For whatever reason, they haven’t won games quite like they did in the spring. But I expect their effort to be… I think they’ll be jacked up and ready to go. I’m positive they will be.”

The kickoff is set for 11 a.m. and will be televised on the SEC Network.


https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/ ... 173612924/
Arkansas vs. UAPB HawgSports Staff Predictions
ByHAWGSPORTS STAFF 14 hours ago
23
Dominique Johnson thriving as spark plug for Arkansas running back room

x
Here's how the staff at HawgSports.com see this Saturday's game playing out between Arkansas and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (UAPB). The Razorbacks (4-3, 1-3 SEC) and Golden Lions (1-5, 0-4 SWAC) are set to square off Saturday at 11 a.m. (CDT) from War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock (Ark.), a game that will be televised by SEC Network.

BETTING LINE: Arkansas -51.5

DANNY WEST | 5-2 overall | 5-2 vs spread

Under Sam Pittman, Arkansas has yet to enjoy a non-conference game that was well in hand by halftime. The Hogs trailed Rice at the half in the season opener, led Texas 16-0 at halftime but the Longhorns were getting the ball to start the third quarter, and even the Georgia Southern game was only two scores at the break. This is one that should be over after two quarters, especially considering UAPB hasn’t scored in the first half in its last two games. The Razorbacks are 3-7 in their last ten in the Rock but will enjoy a lopsided win in this one. Arkansas 55, UAPB 7

CURTIS WILKERSON | 4-3 overall | 4-3 vs spread


While the historical significance of playing an instate school for the first time since 1944, and doing so at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, makes for a cool story, this game should be about as drama free as you'll see the Razorbacks play. Arkansas should be able to fairly quickly build confidence and a sizable lead before giving a good amount of reps to some new and younger faces who could help them down the stretch of the season. I expect the Hogs to run wild offensively and produce a dominant effort on the defensive side against a scrappy, but overmatched, UAPB squad. Arkansas 52, UAPB 0

TREY BIDDY | 4-3 overall | 4-3 vs spread


Arkansas isn't that far removed from edging the last FCS member they faced 20-13 back in the 2019 season opener when the Portland State Vikings came to town. But a lot has changed since then for the Razorbacks as they're back to being formidable. The Hogs are expected to win this one by over seven touchdowns. While I think they could definitely win by that margin if they pressed it, I think the coaches would prefer to jump out on these guys early and get the starters out. For the guys with speed, this could be a big game. Look for potential big outputs from guys like AJ Green and Malik Hornsby, and expect to see less familiar names like Ty'Kieast Crawford, Jalen St. John, Bryce Stephens, Landon Rogers, Cameron Ball and Chase Lowery by the second half. Arkansas 51, UAPB 10



23
COMMENTS
ANDREW ELLIS | 4-3 overall | 4-3 vs spread

The Razorbacks are in desperate need of a bounce-back, so this game could not be coming at a better time. Arkansas should be able to pad some stats, get some rest for a few key players and grab some positive momentum heading into an open week. Not all FCS opponents are a walk in the park, and you never want to overlook an opponent. That being said, Hogs will take care of business and cruise in this one. Arkansas 59, UAPB 3

Image https://twitter.com/i/status/1451617348612460552
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

Razorbacks set for instate showdown with UAPB

Post by HawaiianHogster »

https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/ ... 173566946/


Much of the conversation throughout the week has focused on the historical aspect of the game and the Razorbacks needing to get back on the right track, stay healthy and get to the bye week in advance of the stretch run of the season. Arkansas is an overwhelming favorite, but what does UAPB bring to the table and what do fans need to know about the Golden Lions before Saturday?

UAPB played a spring schedule due to COVID last year and fared well, winning all four games before narrowly falling to Alabama A&M in the SWAC Championship. This fall, after notching a 34-16 win over Lane in the season opener, it's been tough sledding for UAPB, who now sits at 1-5 on the year and 0-4 in SWAC play. Last time out, the Golden Lions fell to Southern, 34-7.

Offensively, UAPB ranks No. 78 in the FCS in scoring offense at 22.3 points and No. 88 with 324.0 total yards per game. The Golden Lions are balanced with 185 rushing attempts (126.5 ypg) to 202 passes (159.0 ypg) to this point in the season. Turnovers have been an issue as the team has lost eight fumbles and had five passes intercepted.

Gamble utilizes two quarterbacks in junior Skyler Perry (75-of-162, 827 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT) and redshirt freshman Xzavier Vaughn (21-of-39, 358 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT). Three receivers have surpassed 200 yards this season in Josh Wilkes, Dalyn Hill and Daemon Dawkins.

Senior Xierre Crossley leads the running backs with 252 yards on 4.3 per carry and five touchdowns. Freshman Kayvon Britten is second on the team in carries (42) and yards (170), while Perry offers dual-threat capabilities at quarterback with 38 rushes for 152 yards of his own.

"They're a very athletic group," said Arkansas safety and Pine Bluff native Simeon Blair. "They have great speed with their receivers. They have two quarterbacks. They play both quarterbacks. They have great arms. They can both hit you with the read-option game. i feel like we're just going to make sure that we do our job with our 11 on the field on defense. We just make sure we do our job and I feel like we're going to have the outcome we're expecting."


From left to right, the offensive line is Mark Evans II, Atondre Smith, Rolando Jones, Noah Hayes and Jordan Mack, and the group averages out at 307 pounds per man.
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

YES! Razorbacks win easily 45 -3

Post by HawaiianHogster »

https://twitter.com/i/status/1452032794125873154 Image


Link


Link


Link


Link


Link


Link https://twitter.com/i/status/1452733208554979331
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

Recruiting Note

Post by HawaiianHogster »

https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/ ... 73848072_8
5. ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS ($1.9M)

(Photo: Arkansas Communications)
Facing the nation's toughest schedule annually has been detrimental to the Razorbacks' intended rise in recent years, but the program believes it has the right man for the job at this time under the direction of Sam Pittman. Pittman was the ace it the hole for Georgia on the recruiting trail before leaving Smart's staff for a head-coaching job and is now doing what he can to acquire talent with the Razorbacks. Arkansas allotted nearly $2 million to its recruiting budget during the 2019 fiscal and many of those signees are helping to lead the turnaround this fall. Pittman came to a school that cares and it should pay dividends very soon.


CAPTAIN MORGAN! https://twitter.com/i/status/1453375952810037251 Image https://twitter.com/i/status/1453482561288740865
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

The 4 B's

Post by HawaiianHogster »

https://twitter.com/i/status/1453738867018899458 https://twitter.com/i/status/1453908475197677568 https://twitter.com/i/status/1453881833595232267
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2021/10/28/22751580/razorback-bye-week-superlatives

Razorback Bye-Week Superlatives
By Jacob S Davis Oct 28, 2021, 5:53pm CDT
Share this story

NCAA Football: Texas A&M at Arkansas
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
MVP: KJ Jefferson

Where would the Razorbacks be without Jefferson? If he goes down the remainder of the 2021 season is down the drain. Am

I surprised by his play? Not necessarily since he proved himself in the Missouri game last December. What he has done this season is nothing short of phenomenal though. With 2000 yards and 20 total touchdowns on the year he’s the most important asset to the Razorback offensive unit and this team. As they prepare for the final stretch of the season can he make it a November to remember for Arkansas? They need him to be in order to do so.


Surprise: Dominique Johnson

Sam Pittman said that he’s turned into the number two option if not the number one player at running back. Coming out of high school as a three star running back he was sort of an afterthought especially when he was moved to tight end two weeks before the season began.

He has been more of a Broderick Green type of back but very effective. Johnson is averaging eight yards on 42 touches. He’s also scored four touchdowns rushing. Many thought AJ Green would be producing like this….surprise.

Outstanding Offensive Player: Treylon Burks

There hasn’t been a better receiver in college football than Burks. No he doesn’t have the most yards or touchdowns on the season but he’s been dominant when his number is called. The next four games very well could be his final set of games in the cardinal and white.



Outstanding Defensive Player: Grant Morgan

He is the epitome of a Razorback. He plays every down like it could be his last. Morgan essentially exceeded Arkansas’ staff and fans expectations since he began his career with the Hogs. He is another player that will be playing his final stretch of games in a Razorback uniform. The senior linebacker is in his last hoorah and you can absolutely be assured that Morgan will do what he can to lead the Hogs to a 4-0 record and finish on a high note.

Best Moment: Hogs over Horns

Why would there be anything else worth noting? Arkansas didn’t only beat Texas but dominated them to the tune of a 40-21 victory. The Razorbacks rushed for 333 yards and four touchdowns physically overwhelming the Longhorns. The icing on the cake was rushing the field for the first time since 2014 after defeating LSU. This victory will be remembered for a very long time!


Offensive Highlight: Rocket Sanders TD vs UT

This run continues to be more impressive every time I watch it. Sanders displayed all heart on this run….the heart of the Razorback. Which even that is something that has been lost for several years before Pittman re-established it last season.


Defensive Highlight: Busta Brown INT vs TAMU

The Razorbacks needed a big defensive stop to stay undefeated during the young season. Early in the fourth quarter, Montarric Brown made a diving interception off a tipped pass to save the day versus the Aggies.
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

BYE WEEK Finally

Post by HawaiianHogster »

Man oh man. This bye week should have happened two weekends ago. Plenty of healing needed after they put their bodies in harms way trying to win every game. I usually don't like it when the Hogs come back after a bye week. It's almost like they lost their mojo, in the past seasons. This one should give them enough rest to give it their best shot of getting bowl eligible. Mississippi State stands in their way. That will be discussed next week.

For now I will enjoy the other games and just relax. It's Halloween so get your kids out there and get that candy. Be safe about it and check the candy before they eat it.

Image https://twitter.com/i/status/1454250195366076416 Image
Image
Image

https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/Article/Arkansas-football-coach-Sam-Pittman-Im-proud-of-where-we-are-173981631/
The Arkansas Razorbacks got off to one of the hottest starts in all of college football, starting out 4-0 with an upset of Texas A&M to close out September. But after that start, the Razorbacks lost three of their next four and now enter the bye week at 5-3 on the year. On Wednesday, Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman joined The Paul Finebaum Show to discuss how he feels about his team’s current state.

“I’m proud of where we are,” Pittman said. “You can always look back and say, ‘Well, if we’d made a 2-pointer against Ole Miss, we’d be 6-2.’ And, ‘If they didn’t sack-fumble in the end zone against Auburn.’ You can’t say much about Georgia, they whipped our tail pretty good. But you can also look back at Texas and Texas A&M, and see some things we did win. We’re 5-3 right now, we’re not certainly where we want to be, but we could be a lot worse and we’re happy where we are. We think we can possibly get a run going here. We made it our first four weeks we made a run and hopefully we can do the same in the last four weeks.”

The 4-0 start had the Razorbacks riding high, as it included wins over then-No. 15 Texas and then-No. 7 Texas A&M. But once the schedule beefed up, Arkansas dropped three straight games against Georgia, Ole Miss and Auburn. It looked ugly for a bit but a 45-3 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff got Arkansas to five wins and gave it a win to ride into the bye week.

After eight consecutive games that included a grueling stretch in conference play, no team in college football needed a break more than the Arkansas Razorbacks. This week's bye gives the Hogs a chance to regroup, recruit, and prepare for what could be an exciting final stretch for Sam Pittman's team.

The off week also gives us a time to reflect on what we've seen from Pittman's team to this point of the season. There have been plenty of surprises and disappointments in Arkansas' 5-3 run, and there's still plenty more to be decided in the final four regular-season games.


With that in mind, the staff here at HawgSports thought now is a good time to discuss some of those surprises, disappointments, and weigh in on how the final stretch might play out for the Razorbacks.

https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/LongFormArticle/Arkansas-Razorbacks-football-biggest-disappointments-surprises-173990041/#173990041_4

Biggest surprises, disappointments of Arkansas' season thus far
TREY BIDDY'S BIGGEST SURPRISES
I think the biggest surprise for me is how they utterly dominated Texas, and the 40-21 final score doesn't even come close to accurately reflecting how badly Arkansas beat the Longhorns. And even though I expected the environment to be incredible, I didn't think it would be the best I had ever seen for a Razorback game. That's what it was. The energy and momentum never ceased from start to finish. Everything set up perfectly for that one, from kickoff time to weather to the stands to the play on the field. After years of poor play and last year's COVID-19 regulations, Razorback nation was due an evening like that one.

While I felt there was a chance for quarterback KJ Jefferson to be good this season, you just never know with these quarterbacks. I must have said 100 times that he has some good pieces around him, but if he's not good then Arkansas won't be good. Well, he's good. He's the threat on the ground they need in this offense, and he has been really sharp on the deep ball. Once he starts hitting the intermediate throws with more accuracy, watch out. And guess what, he's got 2.5 years left... 3.5 if he wants.

My last pleasant surprise is Dominique Johnson. I know I've been wearing it out calling for him to get more action, and to read more of my thoughts click here, but coming into the season a lot of people had him pegged as probably the fifth running back on the team. Regardless of how high someone's ceiling might be, at this moment Johnson is the best running back on the Razorback roster, and that includes aspects like yards per carry (6.9), pass blocking and touchdowns (4), but it doesn't include opportunities.

TREY BIDDY'S BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS
There were more Razorback fans at that Arkansas-Texas game than ever before in the history of the program, and it's a shame that isn't accurately reflected in the books. When it was 72,000 seats in 2010, they got 76,808 in there in 2010 against Alabama. Now it's 76,000 and completely packed out, and there were 74,531 officially? Why even keep records? That doesn't even count Keith Grayson, the disgraced former president and founder of the Arizona Razorback Club, who literally snuck into the game past guest services with a megaphone and left with a handful of grass from the 40-yard line on his 40th birthday. Based on the same standards from 2010, the more realistic number would have been approximately 80,758.

While there have been moments for Tyson Morris and Warren Thompson, overall I have to say I'm pretty disappointed in the play of the wide receivers. Freshman Ketron Jackson has promise, but I haven't seen any glimpses of greatness yet. Jaquayln Crawford was expected to help after transferring from Oklahoma, but he only has three catches this season. Ketron Jackson only has three catches this season. Warren Thompson has emerged as the No. 2 wide receiver after transfering from FSU with 13 catches for 206 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but he dropped three alone in the last game. Treylon Burks, Morris and De'Vion Warren are all out of here next season (if Burks turns pro). They have to figure this thing out.

The last disappointment is probably the way they performed at Georgia. I get that it was their first hostile environment under Sam Pittman, on the road against the top team in the country. But I just felt they really let the crowd get to them from the start and played without confidence. This team was still healthy enough at that time, and as a group they're better than 37-0.


CURTIS WILKERSON'S BIGGEST SURPRISES
It seems silly now that we’ve seen it, but based on my preseason thoughts, I’m surprised by just how well Arkansas has run the ball. We knew KJ Jefferson would be a threat with his legs, but the running back room was a bit of a mystery behind Trelon Smith. As it turns out, it may be one of the deepest positions on the team. The freshman duo of Rocket Sanders and AJ Green were booming with talent, but Dominique Johnson deserves to be singled out for the way he’s burst onto the scene as possibly the top back. I expected improvement, but not the No. 6 rushing offense in the country.

A decent amount of the credit belongs to an experienced offensive line who most thought would be better, but in my opinion has either held serve or won every matchup this season outside of the Georgia game. Arkansas has also gone from the bottom of the SEC to fifth in the conference in sacks allowed per game. Not bad considering the mid-summer coaching change and the shuffling around after losing a starter.


CURTIS WILKERSON'S BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS
Even beyond Treylon Burks, I had high hopes for the potential of this group of pass-catchers. While guys like Tyson Morris and Warren Thompson have shown flashes at times, nobody has really established themselves as the clear No. 2 option and we have yet to see that breakout star emerge from a unit that is not short on talent.

After a promising start, the pass rush generated by the defensive line has significantly sputtered. Injuries haven’t helped the cause but much of the hype in camp was about improved depth. The Hogs went three games with zero sacks and only four quarterback hurries before picking up the pace against FCS opponent UAPB. Arkansas leads only Vanderbilt in the SEC in total sacks and sacks per game. Hopefully with recharged batteries following the bye, the Hogs can finish the season the way they started.

Runner’s up in the disappointment department include punt protection, the inability to successfully field kicks beyond Nathan Parodi and far too many penalties.

Image
https://t.co/b9qQBCeDWe?amp=1
Bye Weeks Haven’t Always Been Kind to Arkansas
PIG TRAIL NATION
by: Otis Kirk

Posted: Oct 31, 2021 / 09:50 AM CDT / Updated: Oct 31, 2021 / 09:50 AM CDT

Photos Courtesy: University of Arkansas Athletics

FAYETTEVILLE — There’s no doubt the current bye week for Arkansas couldn’t have happened at much better time, but that has also been the case many times in the past and ended with mixed results.

Since beginning play in the SEC in 1992 the Razorbacks have won 15 games following a bye week, lost 27 and tied one. Sam Pittman was elated to get the bye week when it came and found no drawbacks with it.

“I think you hear all the time if you’re playing really well that you just want to keep playing you know,” Pittman said. “You hear that all the time. Really not any concern because I think we’re going to get back to the regular week. If you really think about it, you’re going, well, you’re not playing on a Saturday, that would be kind of a difference. If you’re healthier, you should be stronger mentally. And then you come back and you get a full week practice on an opponent that now you know better mentally and you’ve done more film work, you should have a better product going out there on Saturday. So I’m not really concerned about it because we’ll have a full week to put our pads back on.”

Arkansas entered the bye week with several players either injured or simply beat up to the point they weren’t playing as well as earlier in the year.

“I think it’s huge,” Pittman said. “I would assume even if you weren’t playing an SEC (team) — those four we played right there that stated with A&M — I think you would need some type of break, some type of mental break, some type of getting healthy break. It’s been really important to us. We’ve got good team chemistry, we’re trying to talk about making this run and seeing if we can do it. Our kids, if we can get healthy, our 1s can compete real well — I know we have to continue to get better depth if we lose guys, which is our responsibility.

“I just think it’s really big. I’ll just say this: walkthroughs, we’re doing extra film work, so it’s not like it’s a shortened-down day. We’re spending more time in the film vs. Mississippi State and trying to get that in their brain mentally. And then we’re walking. It went really well yesterday and knock on wood we didn’t get any young kids hurt in the scrimmage. It went really well, so that’s why we stayed with the same format.”

Here’s how each head coach has seen his team doing following the bye week.

Joe Kines — 0-1-1

Danny Ford — 2-6

Houston Nutt — 8-7

Bobby Petrino — 2-3

John L. Smith — 0-1

Bret Bielema — 3-4

Chad Morris — 0-2

Barry Lunney Jr. — 0-1

Sam Pittman — 0-2
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

Mississippi State Week

Post by HawaiianHogster »

“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

Build It & They Will Come

Post by HawaiianHogster »

Image
Image
Image
https://arkansas.rivals.com/news/breaking-arkansas-flips-in-state-4-star-wr https://twitter.com/i/status/1455982588556947461 https://twitter.com/i/status/1456049839922364425 https://twitter.com/i/status/1455927978047778816 Image
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

Friday Night Lights

Post by HawaiianHogster »

Image https://twitter.com/i/status/1456712931052294158
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

User avatar
HawaiianHogster
*True Sports Fan*
*True Sports Fan*
Posts: 8614
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Waipahu

BOWL BOUND VICTORY 31 - 28 Against Miss. State

Post by HawaiianHogster »

https://twitter.com/i/status/1457073183916544011 Arkansas
Andrew Hutchinson
@NWAHutch
·
20h
In 10 career starts, KJ Jefferson has led Arkansas on three potential game-winning/game-tying 75-yard TD drives that ended with less than 45 seconds on the clock.

He's accounted for 168 of those 225 yards, completing 18 of 23 passes for 163 yards and 2 TDs + 5 rush yards.
Show this thread
Football
Jacob Davis
@JacobScottDavis
·
22h
Two years ago this week Arkansas was losing to Western Kentucky, going winless in the SEC and the football program was suffering through what felt like a death penalty.

Fast forward to Nov. 6, 2021 and the Hogs are 6-3 and bowl eligible under a coach who “didn’t stand a chance”

https://www.arkansasfight.com/2021/11/7 ... ll-college
Razorback Culture is Growing
Saturday’s victory over Mississippi State was great.

The weather was perfect, the 3 PM kickoff for early November is a great slot. The Razorbacks handled business in SEC play and ultimately put Sam Pittman and the Hogs at a 2-0 mark against Mississippi State during his tenure.

It was a classic conference game and a great finish. It wasn’t just “another victory” though, or any run of the mill moment. Bowl eligibility is something very important to this team. It’s now been accomplished and that is a huge accomplishment given the struggles over the last few years.

While people outside of the program might not understand, Arkansas fans DO understand. So many times before we’ve watched a lead crumble late in games; a defeating loss following shorty after.


Arkansas needed this win. This was the moment for our football team to step up in the spotlight and handle the adversity in front of them.

Not only did they do this, but in slick fashion. Sure, there were a few nail biting moments late on our final drive, but ultimately there wasn’t much resistance. KJ Jefferson has grown significantly in his leader role and he shined in the quick paced late-game offense.

Watching Dominique Johnson stroll into the end zone on both the touchdown and two point play induced a sense of excitement and relief that we haven’t had much late in games.

Mississippi State did drive the ball quickly on their final drive, but failed to capitalize on a final seconds field goal to tie the game. Arkansas set the tone with the late score forcing Mississippi State to rush and eventually lose the game.

Good teams finish and that is exactly what Arkansas did.

After starting 4-0 this season, the Razorbacks stumbled for a couple of weeks during the grind of SEC play. It was necessary to climb back into the win column Saturday. Now Arkansas will face LSU (in Baton Rouge) Saturday with a 6-3 record. Confidence and morale is certainly high.

Not only did this victory boost morale and confidence for our team, but recruits too. For Arkansas to land prized recruits it is so important to shine in big moments.

Not only was the atmosphere inside the stadium incredible, but the moments on the field too. These young recruits that visit these games latch onto the atmosphere, the moments and thoughts for their future. Buying into a culture and a program as a recruit is tough when winning isn’t involved.

Establishing a winning culture isn’t always easy, but Sam Pittman is doing it.

I think the payoff for this culture establishment is being observed now and will only become more visible in the future.

Thank you for reading! Be sure to follow me over on Twitter (@wxzachary) for more Arkansas sports related content. https://twitter.com/i/status/1457486040957132803 https://twitter.com/i/status/1457148215128625152 https://twitter.com/i/status/1457129535254761472
SEC Mike received a reply
SEC Mike
@MichaelWBratton
·
6h
How far has Arkansas progressed under Sam Pittman?

Razorbacks were biggest underdogs in SEC history dating back to 1980 vs LSU in 2019; line was 43.5 points in favor of the Tigers in Baton Rouge.

Arkansas opens as 3-point favorite in Death Valley just two seasons later https://twitter.com/i/status/1457155365913640968 https://twitter.com/i/status/1457348323573108741 https://twitter.com/i/status/1457463817525514243 Image
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

Post Reply