This article originally appeared in the November 2, 2012 Football Edition of The Arkansas Traveler.
1. Improve Special
Teams
UA interim head coach John L. Smith pointed to the blocked punt
against Ole Miss as the glaring reason for the loss. Also against the Rebels,
senior Dennis Johnson had two kickoff returns, going for four yards and zero
yards. Both of those drives started at the five-yard line. Every time sophomore
Keante Minor lined up to receive a punt, Razorback fans held their breath. He
returned two punts for a total of six yards, bobbling a couple of fair catches
and even fumbling one out of bounds. No one expects Minor to be Joe Adams, but
Arkansas must get more production out of punt returns. For the Razorbacks to
defeat the Golden Hurricane, they have to play sound special teams.
2. Carry Over 1st
Quarter Momentum
Arkansas has started games this season really well, outscoring
opponents 79-28 in the first quarter. In three of Arkansas’ five losses, they
had the lead at the end of the first quarter. However, they have a significant
drop off in the second, third, and fourth quarters. They have been outscored
86-66 in the second, 72-31 in the third and 55-37 in the fourth. While Arkansas
has gotten worse as the season progresses, Tulsa has gotten stronger. They have
outscored their opponents 76-55 in the second quarter and 74-35 in the third
quarter. In the fourth quarter, when they have had backups playing in blowouts,
they still managed to outscore opponents 60-52. The Razorbacks cannot let up on
Tulsa if they get ahead early, because they have the firepower to battle back.
3. Stop the Run
Tulsa has the ninth-best running game in the country, averaging
248.8 rushing yards per game. Arkansas has improved greatly in run defense over
the last several seasons, but they will have their hands full against the
Golden Hurricane. Senior Alex Singleton and juniors Trey Watts and Ja’Terian
Douglas will take the majority of the reps at running back, and each of them
have already rushed for over 475 yards this season. If Arkansas doesn’t keep
the running game in check, Tulsa will be able to control the game and keep the
Razorbacks’ offense off the field.
4. Spread the Ball
Around in the Passing Game
Last week, senior wide receiver Cobi Hamilton nearly set a UA
record with 12 receptions against Ole Miss – one short of tying the record.
Hamilton’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, but he caught half of
Wilson’s completed passes. Especially with senior tight end Chris Gragg
injuring his knee again and junior wide receiver Brandon Mitchell not playing
because of a violation of team rules, Tulsa’s defense will be able to key in on
Hamilton. This means other wide receivers, such as freshman Mekale McKay and
juniors Julian Horton and Javontee Herndon, will have to step up and make big
plays. Also, junior Austin Tate and redshirt freshman Alex Voelzke will need to
haul in passes at the tight end position in Gragg’s absence.
5. Protect Tyler
Wilson
It
seems that every week Arkansas is facing a team that is in the top 30 in the
country in sacks. This week is no different, as they play the country’s number
one team in sacks. The Golden Hurricane has 35 sacks this season, an average of
4.4 per game. Tulsa is led by senior linebacker DeAundre Brown and senior
defensive end Jared St. John, who have eight and seven sacks, respectively. Yet
again, Arkansas’ young offensive line will have to bring their best performance
this season in order to protect senior quarterback Tyler Wilson.
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