The Hogs once again won the toss and chose to receive the ball on a rainy, cold day. (Keep in mind Brandon Allen wasn't injured on Playstation, but I subbed in AJ Derby anyway).
Arkansas continues their 1st quarter form and starts with "Williams right, Williams right, we're going with Williams right until you stop us." Derby would convert 2 3rd downs of more than 5 yards and Alex Collins caps the opening 17 play 81 yard drive from 1 yard out. 7-0 Hogs at the end of 1.
Rutgers tried to control the ball in the second quarter and Nova looked sharp completing 5 passes in a row between several runs by Paul James. However, deep in Arkansas territory, Chris Smith forces a Nova fumble and Arkansas recovered. 10 plays later, Johnathan Williams bounces in the endzone and it's 14-0 Hogs at the half.
Rutgers puts together another impressive drive in the 3rd quarter. This time Nova scores on a QB keeper after passing his way down the field to put the Scarlett Knights within a touchdown. AJ Derby would have other plans though. On the first play from scrimmage for the Hogs, Derby finds Jevonte Herndon for a 75 yard bomb and the Hogs are back up 21-7 at the end of 3.
Rutgers exposes the Arkansas secondary again in the 4th quarter as Nova throws his first TD of the game and it's 21-14 with the home crowd on its feet. But Arkansas would go to their 4th quarter relics and pound away. Alex Collins scores again, capping a 12 play drive. 28-14 Hogs. Running out of time, Nova forces a pass that is found by Otha Peters and Arkansas would then run out the clock. 28-14 Hogs.
The QB "controversy" has lit up talk shows and the always trusty internet this week, but under Bielema Hog fans really need to ask "how important is the QB in this offense." Yes, I know we have to be able to throw the ball! But we did!! And we only threw it 6 times! Yes, I know it was Southern Whiff. But why throw the ball 30 times when you can run it 40 time for the same results?? Do you put air in your tires when they're not low??
So AJ Derby leads the Arkansas charge into Piss-that-away, New Jersey as the Hogs make their first "official" road trip of the year. While this will no doubt be Arkansas' first true test, it will also be Rutgers' first test. As Coach B said this summer, "they all have to play us."
Rutgers touts the nation's leading rusher in, the man with two first names, Paul James. But the Hogs defensive line will be out to make a name for themselves, proving that they can stop the run. The true question will be, can Arkansas defend the pass? Will Smith and Flowers be able to get to Nova early, or will he put up big play after big play as he did last year?
The key to this ball game, as with all Hog games this year, will be how effectively Arkansas can run the ball. If Alex Collins can continue to turn his patience into positive yards while dragging opponents helmets on his back, Rutgers we'll be yelling, "Cmon Maaaaaan!!!"
Arkansas must control the line of scrimmage and run the ball every quarter like it's the 4th quarter. The amazing stat of only throwing 3 passes to 56 runs in the 4th quarter this season speaks for itself. If the ground game is effective, AJ Derby won't have a worry in the world and 6 to 10 passes will be plenty. Let's just hope they're all to our guys!
It's a HUGE road trip for the Hogs and realistically a game that means the season if the Hogs want to order bowling shoes. The Playstation Prediction has members with boots on the ground. Here's hoping you got all your shots before you left! Keep your wallet in your pocket and your hands high calling those Hogs! For those at home, get the cheese dip ready, and everyone DO YOUR JOB!!!!! Hocker with a 51 yarder for the win.
Arkansas 31
Rutgers 28
No comments:
Post a Comment