Arkansas-ULM: Kind of a Weird One to Process
by John Expat on Sep 11, 2010 10:34 PM CDT
in Arkansas Razorback Football
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PrintFunny game tonight. For much of the first three quarters, the Razorbacks' offense looked downright bad, frequently tripping over their own feet with an unholy mix of turnovers, poor running, overthrown passes and penalties, only to be repeatedly bailed out by the defense and special teams. Strange, huh?
But, in the 4th quarter Ryan Mallet got on track and rolled to what might be the quietest 400 yard passing game in history. Yes, it feels a bit weird to be grousing about that sort of statistical performance, but if they bring that sloppy execution into Athens (or against Bama, or Auburn, etc, etc) then the result will most definitely not be a 31-7 win.
It remains to be seen how they'll do against an SEC opponent, of course, but the defense has looked damn good these first two games and that's encouraging. And surely the offense will execute better.
At any rate, here we are are at 2-0 and ready to face the big, bad conference schedule. What are your thoughts on where things stand?
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poker face
It almost felt like a scrimmage in some ways. The offense was clearly chugging out running plays just to run them. By some accounts we ran very few distinct plays throughout the game. I sure hope we’re saving the good stuff for UGA, because if this is the best we can do against ULM this is not the offense we were expecting.
The defense obviously played about as well as is possible. ULM couldn’t get first downs, and didn’t score before the game was put away. However, they have a bad offense with a freshman QB in his first start.
UGA on the road is tough even in a year like this where Arkansas is very strong and they look vulnerable. Will be a fun game to watch for sure.
Glad
I am glad to get through these two games. I think all of us are wondering how these Hogs will fare vs a Georgia team that was beaten by South Carolina. With a hostel environment and better athletes on the other side, it will be very interesting to see how we respond. This is a big test coming Saturday. I hope we are ready.
Some negatives and positives
Apparently we’re worst in the SEC now in turnovers lost (tied with LSU at 6), turnover margin (-4), and second worst in penalties and penalty yards per game (thank Vandy for not being worst). Particularly troublesome given our competition.
On the other hand, we’re leading the league in defense! How often can we say that? Not much longer, I’m sure. Still, it’s nice to see a passing defense of 90 yards per game and a total yards allowed of 187.5 per game.
I’m also cautiously optimistic. Couldn’t ask for anything more out of the defense, and I have to believe the offense will get itself sorted out.
Though the turnovers make we worry about
Phil Steele’s turnover/turnaround study that he mentioned on here.
http://www.arkansasexpats.com/2010/7/30/1596287/q-a-phil-steele-part-2
Looking Forward...
I was at the USC-Georgia game yesterday and I can tell you that were it not for Lattimore doing his best mutant hybrid version of John Riggins with Emmitt Smith, the the South Carolina defense wuld not have lasted. I haven’t checked the numbers but I would guess that USC possessed the ball for at least 40 minutes of that game.
Arkansas better learn how to hold onto the ball and have their ears pinned back because they are about to face one seriously wounded and pissed off Georgia that has by my observations as freshman quarterback that is VERY poised in the pocket and protected by a brick wall of an offensive line. The few sacks that a proven quality USC defense achieved were on the last desperate drive after the game deciding field goal.
I’m watching a replay of the ULM game now and I am not inspired at all. There is a full-on onslaught of talent and a rabid group of fans waiting for our hogs in Athens.
The warm-ups better be over.
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