ARKANSAS VS. TENNESSEE TECH
GIMME FIVE — KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Defensive Dominance
The defense has talked about its improvement. Now it’s time to show it. Three-and-outs, no big plays allowed and turnovers are the goal tonight.

2. Run Game Success
Improving Arkansas’ run game was a big emphasis in the offseason. With four backs, the Hogs have options. Each will get a chance to produce.

3. Control the Trenches
UA must be more physical along its fronts and will get the first chance tonight. Both groups have big advantages and should dominate the opener.

4. Make Special Plays
A kickoff return touchdown set the tone in the 2009 opener. So did a fumble in 2008. Big plays on special teams could make this an easy night.

5. Stay Healthy
Let’s be honest. Arkansas may not use the phrase “tune-up game,” but that’s what this is. So avoiding injuries is an important goal tonight.

THE KEY MATCHUP
Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett (6-6, 238, Jr.)
Key Statistics: 3,624 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2009
The arm is strong as ever. The surgically repaired foot is fine. And Ryan Mallett’s leadership skills and football knowledge have only improved since the end of the 2009 season. The junior’s Heisman Trophy campaign kicks off against Tennessee Tech tonight and Mallett is expected to lead the Razorbacks to a big night. There will be ample opportunities to hurt Tennessee Tech with the deep ball, but pay close attention to his performance in the intermediate attack. One of his biggest goals is to improve a completion percentage (55.8) he felt was too low last season.

Tennessee Tech S Dustin Dillehay (5-9, 190, Sr.)
Key Statistics: 78 tackles, 3 interceptions in 2009
Dillehay, a Hartsville, Tenn., native, originally walked on at Tennessee Tech and enters his senior season as a two-year starter and team captain. He led the Golden Eagles with 78 stops last season and also tied for the team lead in interceptions with three. He is part of a veteran defense that should be key to the program’s push for its first Ohio Valley Conference title since 1975. But Dillehay and the gang face a remarkably difficult task in trying to slow one of the nation’s most explosive passing attacks.

EDGE: Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett

POSITION MATCHUPS
Quarterbacks: UA’s Ryan Mallett enters the season as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation; TTU will play two quarterbacks (starter Tre Lamb and Cass Barnes).
Edge: Arkansas

Running Backs: Arkansas’ starter will probably depend on first offensive formation. But all four will see action; TTU’s Dontey Gay led team with 556 yards in 2009.
Edge: Arkansas

Receivers: Stopping UA’s passing attack is hard to stop because of weapons like Greg Childs and D.J. Williams; WR Tim Benford is an all-conference performer.
Edge: Arkansas

O-Line: Two redshirt freshmen (Travis Swanson and Alvin Bailey) expected to start up front for Hogs; TTU’s Malcolm Jones slides from center to left tackle.
Edge: Arkansas

D-Line: UA’s front has more talent, experience and depth in 2009 and should be a strength of the defense; TTU feels the same about its defensive front.
Edge: Arkansas

Linebackers: UA will start with the trio of Jerry Franklin (MLB), Anthony Leon (WLB) and Jerico Nelson (SLB); Jake McIntosh leads the TTU linebacker corps.
Edge: Arkansas

Secondary: Rudell Crim’s offseason move from CB to S helped a group seeking more speed on the back line; Caleb Mitchell has moved from S to CB for TTU.
Edge: Arkansas

OVERALL: Arkansas 58, Tennessee Tech 10