TAT: Players Returning From Injury Have Impact on Hogs

This article originally appeared on September 24, 2013 on The Arkansas Traveler website, uatrav.com.

Despite playing a backup quarterback, several players returned from injuries in the Razorbacks’ 28-24 loss to Rutgers Saturday.

Junior quarterback AJ Derby made his first start for Arkansas after it was determined that sophomore Brandon Allen wasn’t healthy enough to play.

“If (Allen) had said Saturday that he was ready to go, and the doctors gave him permission, we would have went with him,” head coach Bret Bielema said in his press conference Monday. “It’s the same thing this week.”

Allen will participate in a limited practice Tuesday, but if he isn’t able to play against No. 10 Texas A&M, Derby will make his second start.

Against the Scarlet Knights, Derby was 14-for-26 with 137 yards and one touchdown.

“I don’t think AJ did anything that caused great alarm,” Bielema said. “He could have done some things here and there, but for the most part, I thought he did really well.”

Senior tight end Austin Tate and sophomore linebacker Otha Peters saw their first game action against Rutgers, after missing the first three games with injuries.

Bielema said Tate brings a “calmness” to a tight end group that includes true freshman Hunter Henry, and sophomores Alex Voelzke and Mitchell Loewen.

“Austin Tate was awesome,” Bielema said. “I think he really gives us some leadership at the tight end position.”

Although Peters played a lot Saturday, he probably won’t play as much against the Aggies this week. Texas A&M runs a completely different offense than Rutgers and he will still be wearing a cast, which “limits you on certain plays,” Bielema said.

Sophomore wide receiver Keon Hatcher and sophomore safety Rohan Gaines also returned against Rutgers.

Hatcher led the team with four receptions and 45 yards and tacked on 19 yards on two carries.

“I wish we got (Hatcher) involved more in the game plan, but he wasn’t full go until Thursday afternoon,” Bielema said.

Gaines saw limited action, playing only seven snaps and making two tackles.

Both Hatcher and Gaines should have a full week of practice and play more against the Aggies.

Another sophomore wide receiver, D’Arthur Cowan, is expected to return this week.

“He’s been pretty active this week,” Bielema said. “We’ll throw him into tomorrow’s practice and as long as he keeps moving forward, (he’ll play).”

After a “very quiet” ride home Saturday night and “somber” meeting Sunday afternoon, Bielema said that the team has put the Rutgers loss behind it and has shifted its focus to Texas A&M.

Many of Arkansas’ mistakes, including their six penalties, are “easily correctable,” Bielema said.

Those mistakes must be fixed because they will be magnified Saturday when the Razorbacks take on Texas A&M and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel.

“This summer, I dedicated a two day study to (Texas A&M),” Bielema said. “(Manziel) can get rid of the ball in the most unusual situations. You need to have someone constantly stay in his face.”

The game is scheduled to kickoff at 6 p.m. Saturday and will air nationally on ESPN2.