By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas safety Tramain Thomas knows how close he was to an interception last Saturday.

A pass from New Mexico quarterback Tarean Austin deflected off the senior’s hands during Arkansas’ 52-3 win. It was a missed opportunity — one that may have led to a touchdown — Thomas reflected on Wednesday.

“I just didn’t focus in,” Thomas said. “I didn’t focus in on tipping the ball and I didn’t catch it. So I’ve just got to let that play go and make another play this week.”

It’s a message Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino wants his defense to pay attention to as the 14th-ranked Razorbacks (2-0) prepare to play Troy (1-0) on Saturday night.

Arkansas, according to sheer statistics, has been a dominant crew through two weeks in allowing five points and 230 yards a game against Missouri State and New Mexico. But Petrino and Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson have found one glaring mark in the easy wins: the Razorbacks have only forced one turnover.

It’s a stat that must change if Arkansas plans to assert itself as one of the Southeastern Conference’s best.

“We probably had three opportunities where we could’ve gotten pick sixes or interceptions for touchdowns that we just didn’t make the plays,” Petrino said. “So we’ve got to make those plays. When you get that chance, you’ve got to get the interception and make the play. I think if we had done that it would’ve been a much better performance.”

Petrino said the lack of takeaways is a bit of a concern, but it’s not an unusual position for the Razorbacks.

Arkansas only forced three turnovers in three games to open the 2010 season. The Hogs eventually improved, forcing 16 turnovers during its six-game win streak to end the regular season. So the importance is no secret.

“It’s huge,” Petrino said about the importance of collecting turnovers. “We obviously need to do a better job of creating turnovers and catching balls when we have the opportunity. But it’s really taking advantage of opportunities when they are there. Hitting hard where you force fumbles and are able to recover them.”

Said Robinson: “We’re not doing a very good job on that.”

Arkansas has tried to remedy any issues with more work on turnover drills this week.

Players said Robinson has incorporated more scoop-and-score work into the practice plans. There also has been plenty of interception drills for defensive backs.

“That’s something we talked about after the game in meetings and going into this game coming up, that’s something that we need to do,” Arkansas linebacker Jerico Nelson said. “Capitalize on missed plays and make sure when we get hands on balls we catch it.”

Arkansas could also help itself by cranking up a pass rush that has disappointed through two games.

The Razorbacks have two sacks, struggling to get to the quarterback to force fumbles or errant passes. But Petrino said Arkansas didn’t really turn its pass rushers loose last week, instructing them to instead remain in its rush lanes to guard against an elusive quarterback.

“When the time is right and everything, hopefully this week, we’ll get to turn things up a little bit so we can get after them,” defensive end Chris Smith said.

Will the turnovers come then? Arkansas hopes so.

For now, the Razorbacks are ranked 100th in the nation in forced turnovers. They’re not alone, though. Arkansas also is tied with two other SEC teams (Auburn and Florida).

But Arkansas hopes a little extra attention on forcing turnovers in practice will help them climb the chart. And take another step toward becoming a dominant defense.

“We’ve been in position to make a play, but we haven’t made them,” said Thomas, who had four interceptions and forced four fumbles last season. “I think we’re going to start making those plays and you’re going to see a lot more turnovers these next couple of games.”

Saturday’s Ticket
Troy (0-1) at No. 14 Arkansas (2-0)
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Razorback Stadium
TV: CSS/CST
Radio: Razorback Sports Network
Satellite Radio: Sirius (Ch. 217), XM (Ch. 203)
Series Record: Arkansas leads 3-0
Last Meeting: Arkansas 56, Troy 20 in 2009
Coaches: Arkansas — Bobby Petrino (25-15 in fourth season); Troy — Larry Blakeney (160-83-1 in 21st season)