Five Keys Review
1. Defensive Dominance — Arkansas did not allow a touchdown, forced five three-and-outs, limited Tennessee Tech to 4 of 15 on third-down conversions, collected a safety and turned in a goal line stand. Overall, pretty strong start for the group.
2. Run Game Success — The Razorbacks weren’t impressive early, but emphasized improvement in the second half and succeeded. Arkansas gained 196 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. But two fumbles by backs is a problem.
3. Control the Trenches — The defensive front dominated TTU, pushing back the line to disrupt several plays. It was evident on the safety when TTU’s back had to bounce the ball outside. The offensive front had mixed results, but buckled down and open holes for the ground game after the half.
4. Make Special Plays — Arkansas didn’t get big results in the return game, block any kicks or force any turnovers on special teams. The most impressive performance: Alex Tejada boomed kickoffs into the end zone, forcing four touchbacks.
5. Stay Healthy — At first glance Arkansas didn’t have any major problems in the opener. DT Patrick Jones and LB Bret Harris did not dress out. S Tramain Thomas was attended to on the field in the first half, but returned and looked fine.
Players of the Game
Offense — WR Joe Adams (6 catches, 138 yards, 2 TDs)
Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said the Razorbacks need to get Adams more touches and who is going to argue? The wideout was explosive in his season debut, piling up big plays in the win. The biggest was an 85-yard touchdown catch in which he caught the ball at the 35 and outraced defenders to the end zone. It was the longest catch of Adams’ career.
Defense — LB Anthony Leon (8 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2 sacks)
It may have been Leon’s first game at weakside linebacker, but the senior sure looked like a season veteran Saturday night. Leon earned the starting nod and was quick, aggressive and disruptive two weeks after moving to the position. The former safety’s first sack was the most impressive, helping Arkansas cap a goal line stand in the first quarter.
Heisman Watch
Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett and the offense started slow, but scored touchdowns on six straight possessions before he left the field late in the third quarter. Here is how Mallett’s performance stacked up against other Heisman Trophy hopefuls:
• QB Ryan Mallett (Arkansas): 21 of 24 for 301 yards with 3 TDs, 1 INT in 44-3 win vs. Tennessee Tech
• QB Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State): 17 of 25 for 247 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT in 45-7 win vs. Marshall
• QB Case Keenum (Houston): 17 of 22 for 274 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INT in 68-28 win vs. Texas State
• QB Christian Ponder (Florida State): 12 of 14 for 167 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT in 59-6 win vs. Samford
• RB Dion Lewis (Pittsburgh): 25 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD in 27-24 loss at Utah
• RB Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State): 18 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD in 30-21 loss vs. Texas Christian
• QB Jacory Harris (Miami): 12 of 15 for 210 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT in 45-0 win vs. Florida A&M
That Figures
187 — Yards allowed by Arkansas’ defense, which is the lowest in Petrino’s tenure. The previous low was 193 yards in Arkansas’ 25-22 win at Auburn in 2008.
10 — Number of Arkansas true freshmen that played in the opener, according to the participation chart. The list: CB Eric Bennett, WR Javontee Herndon, WR Julian Horton, K Zach Hocker, DB Darrell Smith, LB Jarrett Lake, DE Chris Smith, DT Byran Jones, WR Maudrecus Humphrey, DT Jeremiah Jackson
4 — Number of touchbacks by Arkansas place kicker Alex Tejada. The Razorbacks had four touchbacks in 13 games in 2009.
Quotable
“It’s not just a one-night thing. It’s a season-long statement for us. (Saturday) was jut the first piece of that puzzle. We can’t get too satisfied with a win like that. We’ve got to move on to the next week and get ready to play Monroe and Georgia and ‘Bama.” — Arkansas DE Jake Bequette
Up Next
Arkansas will make the short trip to Little Rock to play Louisiana-Monroe in War Memorial Stadium on Saturday night at 6 p.m. It will be the season opener for the Warhawks and debut of new coach Todd Berry, who replaces Charlie Weatherbie. Arkansas is 8-0 against ULM, which includes the narrow, 28-27 win in 2008.
— Robbie Neiswanger • Arkansas News Bureau
