This article originally appeared in the November 15, 2012 issue of The Arkansas Traveler.
1. Accurate Throws
by Wilson
At times this season, senior quarterback Tyler Wilson hasn’t
been as accurate as he was last year. His completion percentage is down from
63.2 percent to 60.9 percent and he already has 10 interceptions with two games
remaining. Last year, Wilson only threw six interceptions in 13 games. This
weekend, he must find the touch he had last year because Mississippi State’s
defense is tied for 25th in the country with 12 interceptions. The Bulldogs are
led by senior defensive backs Johnthan Banks and Darius Slay, who have four
interceptions this season. Banks, in particular, has been stellar. He is first
in the NCAA among active players in career interception return yards, third in
career interceptions and has been called the Southeastern Conference’s “best
true cornerback” by ESPN’s Chris Low. Wilson must navigate carefully around
Banks and Slay in order for the Razorbacks to win.
2. Win Turnover
Battle
To go with 12 interceptions, Mississippi State has also
recovered 10 fumbles, for a total of 22 turnovers. They have only committed 10
turnovers, which is a positive 1.2 turnover margin per game, tied for
eighth-best in the country. Arkansas, on the other hand, has struggled with
turnovers all season. With 24 turnovers and only 11 forced turnovers, a
negative 1.3 turnover margin per game, the Razorbacks are tied for 115th out of
120 teams. Turnovers proved to be a problem in Arkansas’ 38-20 loss at South
Carolina last week, as they threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the
red zone. If they give Mississippi State the ball three extra times, Arkansas
will have a tough time coming away with a win.
3. Better Pass
Coverage by Linebackers
South Carolina picked on Arkansas’ young linebackers last week.
On their first drive, they scored a touchdown on 10 plays. Four of those plays
were complete passes and none of them were to a wide receiver. Instead, one was
to a running back and the other three were to tight ends. Typically,
linebackers are responsible for these positions in the pass game. Due to
injuries and disciplinary issues, several young players have been thrust into
starting linebacker positions. These players must come prepared because
Mississippi State senior tight end Marcus Green comes into this weekend tied
for second in the country with six touchdowns scored by a tight end.
4. Perform in
Return Game
After starting the season shaky in the return game, Arkansas
seemingly found their new punt and kickoff returner in freshman Nate Holmes. However,
Holmes suffered an above the shoulders injury against South Carolina and his
status is uncertain for this Saturday. If he can’t play, UA interim head coach
expects senior Kaelon Kelleybrew, or freshmen D’Arthur Cowan and Keon Hatcher
to fill in. Field position is vital in all games, so one of these players will
need to have a big game returning kicks and punts if Arkansas is going to play
well.
5. Force
Mississippi St. to be One-Dimensional
Incredibly,
the Bulldogs’ offense is nearly perfectly balanced. They have 652 total
offensive plays this season. Of these, 330 have been running plays – 50.6
percent – and 322 have been passing plays – 49.4 percent. When a team is
running and passing about the same amount, teams are forced to stay honest and
defend both the pass and the run. Although Mississippi State has gained more
yards through the air, in games in which they have passed more than they have
run, they are 0-3, and in games in which they have run more, they are 7-0.
Clearly, if Arkansas can shut down the Bulldogs’ rushing attack and force them
to pass more, they will have a better chance of winning.
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