The Arkansas Razorbacks lost decisively on the scoreboard to the Auburn Tigers in Week 4, but they put up a good fight which the numbers didn’t indicate. Arkansas’ defense played with pride and resilience, qualities not seen in abundance in the previous two weeks.
By Matt Zemek
Arkansas wasn’t as soft as it was in prior games, an encouraging sign for first-year coach Chad Morris. The Razorbacks did not allow an SEC road game to spin out of control the way Bret Bielema teams had done in the past. Arkansas stood up to Auburn’s offensive line and was not shoved aside. These are qualities which will serve the Hogs well the rest of the season if they can maintain them. A good test comes this week in the form of the Texas A&M Aggies, a team which persistently beats Arkansas but often by very small margins. It would be a step forward if Arkansas can merely play the Aggies close. If that happens, can Arkansas make the handful o extra plays needed to pull off the upset?
1 – SHORT SETS UP LONG
The Razorbacks need to find a way to give their passing game confidence after Auburn – whose secondary was atrocious against LSU – shut down the Hogs in Week 4. Chad Morris knows the passing game as well as anyone. Chances are he will try to put shorter throws early in the game plan to develop rhythm and consistency. If Arkansas can establish the short throws and move the sticks several times in the first 20 minutes of the game, the Hogs can then set up double moves or other variations in the passing game which will enable them to hit big plays down the field and score. Anytime a team is a clear underdog, it needs to make things happen, but Arkansas has to be patient in terms of striking a balance between consistency and potency.
2 – MOND YOUR OWN BUSINESS
The Razorbacks need to turn A&M quarterback Kellen Mond into a limited player who is confined to the pocket and can’t bust loose for the long runs he has ripped off at earlier points in the season. Mond is extremely fast and hard to bring down in the open field. Arkansas has to force Mond to win this game with the pass and not get any meaningful chances to affect this game as a runner. If the Hogs can do that and get hands up (on the defensive line) at the line of scrimmage to deflect a few passes, they can keep the Aggies’ offense in check and walk away from this game knowing that they are continuing to improve as a defensive unit.
3 – PRESSURE POINTS
The interesting piece of subtext in this game is that A&M has played both Clemson and Alabama and is one week removed from its game against the Crimson Tide. Naturally, A&M should not be judged too harshly for losing to those two teams, since nearly every other team in the country would do the same if put in the same position. Nevertheless, A&M might be a little worn down. Much of the play calls on offense need to test if A&M players are ready to perform certain actions. Maybe Morris can find an opening.
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