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Each Arkansas and Texas’ seasons bought off to flying begins in opposition to Rice and Louisiana, respectively. Now, the 2 will rekindle the previous Southwest Convention rivalry for the ultimate time earlier than turning into SEC convention mates once more.
Longhorns Wire spoke with Eric Bolin of Razorbacks Wire in regards to the upcoming matchup on this week’s “Behind Enemy Strains” characteristic.
What can Arkansas do to keep away from a gradual begin like that they had in opposition to Rice?
Head coach Sam Pittman stated he felt like numerous the gradual begin was nerves. I sort of consider him, truly. Quarterback KJ Jefferson was making his second profession begin and solely his first with any actual crowd due to Arkansas’ restricted capability final 12 months. As soon as he settled, Arkansas was advantageous, arguably even good. He’s nonetheless inexperienced, although, so operating again Trelon Smith enjoying the best way he did final week will take some strain off, as will an improved efficiency from extensive receiver Treylon Burks, simply the perfect participant on the entire roster.
If Treylon Burks is ready to play, how efficient do you assume he will be in opposition to Texas’ secondary?
Except one thing wild occurs, Burks will play. He didn’t worsen his undisclosed harm in opposition to Rice, Pittman stated. Due to that, I’ve to assume he will likely be higher in opposition to Texas as a result of he’s had a full week of observe. That was a part of the mediocrity in opposition to Rice: he had solely practiced, actually, a day-and-a-half the week-plus main as much as the sport. The rust was actual. When he’s going, he’s a legitimately particular participant. Mel Kiper Jr. has him as a possible Prime-10 choose within the NFL Draft if he comes out. If Smith is operating effectively, it ought to open some issues for Burks. If Smith isn’t operating effectively, Texas can most likely neutralize Burks, even when they will’t outright cease him.
With Sam Pittman being an offensive line coach and one among Texas’ strengths being the line of defense, who do you assume will win that battle upfront?
The sting has to go to Texas proper now. Arkansas is honest on the offensive line, however undoubtedly backside half of the SEC. Middle Ricky Stromberg is an All-SEC participant within the center, actually, however round him are principally gamers who might be known as “OK, I assume.” Myron Cunningham at left sort out is the perfect of the remaining. However this can be a unit that gave up 34 sacks final 12 months to rank one hundred and twentieth in FBS. They have been higher in opposition to Rice in that regard, however till they defend the quarterback in opposition to (no offense, Rice) a very good staff, it’s wait and see mode.
How massive of an element will the group be? Will the power be constant for all 4 quarters?
Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is an odd place for an SEC stadium. The group loves their Razorbacks, little doubt about it. They’re virtually the one recreation on the town with no professional sports activities within the state and the one different FBS staff on the opposite facet of the state and enjoying within the Solar Belt. That stated, it doesn’t have fairly the identical cachet as, say, The Swamp or The Bayou, and even Rocky Prime. It may possibly get loud, nevertheless it’s nothing Texas hasn’t seen earlier than. If Texas pounces early, no worries for the Longhorns, crowd-wise. If not, issues might get fascinating.
Does Bumper Pool’s first-half suspension change the defensive method in any respect?
The suspension most likely doesn’t change the sport plan as a lot because it creates a weak spot. Arkansas is extremely skinny at linebacker already, so Pool’s suspension is an enormous loss. However as a result of the Razorbacks nearly by no means play greater than two linebackers at a time, they’re constructed, in concept, to resist it. That’s if no person else on the place is misplaced for a major period of time. Grant Morgan, the staff’s greatest linebacker, will begin and Hayden Henry is a succesful third ‘backer who can maintain down the fort till Pool returns within the second half. Throw in Andrew Parker, who can take some spot snaps, and Arkansas ought to be OK. It nonetheless isn’t preferrred, although.
Longhorns Wire went into Arkansas territory as effectively. You possibly can try Razorbacks Wire’s behind enemy traces submit right here.
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