Enemy Territory: Razorbackers’ editor analyzes Texas Tech vs. Arkansas

In order to get the perspective of the Arkansas fan base, Wreck ‘Em Red reached out to Arkansas’ FanSided site editor, Cory Thon. In this interview, Thon explains why Arkansas has been throwing the ball so much, how the Hogs managed to lose to Toledo and what he thinks will happen on Saturday.

This should provide some insight to Texas Tech Football fans and perhaps a bit of game plan clarity headed into today’s match up, from the perspective of an editor whose job at Fansided it is to track the Razorbacks. Given the content Thone provided, I took the liberty of delivering the responses in a Q&A format.

For those watching the game on television or in the stands, if you have any questions, you can reach Cory Thone on Twitter at @corythone.

WER: Why has Arkansas thrown the ball 73 times in the first two weeks, while only rushing it 62 times? Has there been a change in philosophy from Bielema or has this been dictated by opposing defenses stuffing the box?

My first response is ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. During the UTEP game, the Hogs passed for 300+ yards and four touchdowns. All the TDs came in the first half. The Miners were stacking the box, and they left the middle of the field wide open. QB Brandon Allen had a career day, and new offensive coordinator Dan Enos looked pretty good. The running game never really got on track, despite a final rushing total of 182-yards. I personally chalked that up to backups getting a lot of playing time in the second half, and UTEP still running a run prevent defense. In the second half, Arkansas only threw the ball maybe four or five times in the second half, and were able to eat clock despite not gaining many yards on the ground.

Then we get to the Toledo game. I’m not trying to take anything away from the Rockets. They came out with a gameplan and they executed it and got out of Little Rock with a victory. The Rockets took advantage of their two all-conference defensive tackles and, just like UTEP, focused on stopping the run game. They were far more successful than UTEP was. So, once again, Brandon Allen had single coverage on his receivers and tight ends, and took advantage. Allen threw for 412-yards on the day.

I think a combination of new OC Dan Enos, the defenses stacking the box, and a lack of execution by the offensive line (so far) has led to the increase in passing from the Hogs.

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WER: How did Arkansas lose to Toledo, and will that upset over the Hogs have any impact on this week’s game? For example, do you think the team’s confidence has been shaken, or will they come out ready to prove that last week was a fluke?

I go back and forth on the Toledo game. In 2012, the Hogs lost to Lousiana-Monroe. That game, like Toledo, was played in Little Rock. The Hogs were being coached by interim Head Coach John L. Smith, and looking back, it should come as no surprise that the team crumbled. However, after that game, lots of Hog fans were convinced it was a fluke.

It was not. The team was overrated and awful.

So now, Hog nation has learned its lesson. The general consensus from fans seems to be that the Hogs were overrated and now we’re in for a two win season. I’m not convinced of that. If you look at the box score for the Toledo game, the Hogs outgained the Rockets by 200+ yards, and won the possession battle by almost 10 minutes. The running game just couldn’t score and get yards in the red zone.

Personally, I think/hope that it’s a case of the Hogs buying into their own hype. The “largest offensive line in all of football” hasn’t been nearly as dominant this year. Granted, there have been some position changes, but that’s no excuse for a 100-yard team rushing performance against Toledo. The Hogs came out flat, overlooked their opponent, and did not execute. Two touchdowns were called back by penalties, and Arkansas had 12 flags overall. Just a poorly executed game, that was lost by a score of 16-12. That’s 500 total yards of offense…and 12 points. On paper, that looks fluke-ish. But, this could also be 2012 all over again. We’ll find out against Texas Tech.

WER: What areas of weaknesses do you see Texas Tech being able to attack this weekend?

Texas Tech should be able to take advantage of our linebackers. Against the running game, they are very good, led by Junior Brooks Ellis at the weakside position. The problem is, the linebackers aren’t great in coverage. Or at least, they haven’t been so far. The secondary has not given up deep plays yet this season, but they did let Toledo throw for 237-yards. Basically, the Red Raiders should have no problem putting up passing yards against the Hogs, if the offensive line can keep the Razorback defense at bay.

WER: What will the Razorbacks attempt to exploit to their advantage on Saturday?

The Texas Tech defensive line is mostly returning players, which is always a good thing. With the addition of David Gibbs, I think that the Red Raiders will be able to recruit well and establish a better defensive presence.

However, this is mostly the same defensive line last year that was 119^th in rushing defense last year. If the Hogs can get their heads out of their butts and come out playing Bielema football, I still would expect Arkansas to have a good day rushing the ball.

WER: Is the Arkansas running game as good as it was last year? Why or why not?

No.

First off, you don’t lose a future NFL running back like Johnathan Williams and not suffer. Despite not playing his senior year, he’s going to be the ninth highest rusher in school history. With another 1,000-yard season, he would have landed in the top five. He was voted team captain AFTER the injury, and is on the sideline talking with the offense after every series. He’s a leader, and the team misses him.

I think the loss of Williams has contributed to the rushing woes of Arkansas. However, Alex Collins has had 1,000-yards rushing in both his freshman and sophomore years, and is looking to go 3 for 3 on that front. Kody Walker is a bruising back, coming in at 6-foot-2, 260-pounds, and true freshman Rawleigh Williams III has shown flashes of skill running off tackle. The hogs just have to find themselves, and create a Johnathan Williams-less identity. The problem is, it’s week three, so I don’t know if they have time.

WER: I have seen headlines about a number of injuries for the Hogs. How healthy is the team headed into the Texas Tech game? Do you expect any of the injuries to have a significant impact on the game?

Quite frankly, this season has not been kind to Pig’s feet. Johnathan Williams is out for the season with a broken foot. Senior receiver Keon Hatcher, who has led the team in yards, receptions, and touchdowns the past two seasons, broke his foot against Toledo. He is out a minimum of six weeks. And just this week, receiver Cody Hollister (shockingly) broke his foot, and is out for an unspecified period of time.

During the Toledo game, we had a player carted off on a stretcher (he’s ok), and about a dozen other players go down at some point. The Hogs are hurting, and missing two marquee offensive weapons in Williams and Hatcher. This will certainly impact the season for the Hogs.

WER: For the Red Raider fans going to the game, what are some tips for enjoying Fayetteville?

Fayetteville is absolutely beautiful. My favorite places to eat are the Catfish Hole on Weddington drive, Hammontrees Grilled Cheese on Dickson (it’s a bar that has these amazing gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and soups. Holy crap it’s awesome), Hugo’s Downtown (big ol awesome burgers) and Café Rue Orleans for Sunday brunch.

For nightlife, just stick with Dickson Street. It’s located just off the UA campus, and is loaded with bars and restaurants and whatever else. I’m sure there’s a concert or something happening around there.

WER: How do you see the game playing out and what will be the final score?

Being ever the optimist, I’d like to think that the game will be similar to last year’s first half. Both teams executing well, moving the ball, and getting points. I do not think that Texas Tech will make as many mistakes as they made last year, but I do think that the Razorback run game gets back on track. Brandon Allen still throws for 240-yards, but the Hogs add 160 on the ground, and force a late interception to win 35-31.

Next: Texas Tech football place scoring efficiency above clock management