This article originally appeared on November 7, 2013 on The Arkansas Traveler website, uatrav.com.
1. Win the Turnover Battle
Arkansas has minus-9 turnover margin in its six game losing streak. Last week, turnovers proved especially costly for the Razorbacks. On its first drive of the game, Auburn intercepted a pass by junior AJ Derby deep in the red zone. On the Razorbacks’ next possession, Derby fumbled a snap that the Tigers recovered. The first turnover took away sure points, while the second led to an Auburn touchdown.
Also, Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall fumbled on the Tigers first play after Arkansas scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to make the score 28-17 and seemingly gain the momentum. Instead, despite the Razorbacks having three players around the ball, Auburn recovered it to end the momentum.
2. Protect Brandon Allen
When sophomore quarterback Brandon Allen has been injured this season, Derby has been forced into action. Allen suffered injuries during the Southern Miss and Auburn games, causing Derby to come in mid game. Each time, he has struggled to even field a snap under center. Last week, his two turnovers were extremely costly.
Allen has had his fair share of struggles, but Derby’s play has proven that Allen is Arkansas’ best option at quarterback. For the Razorbacks to have a chance against Ole Miss, he has to stay healthy.
3. Keep Bo Wallace Off-Balance
“When (Wallace) gets in a rhythm, they’re a good football team,” head coach Bret Bielema said Monday. “Their group of receivers has size and an ability to stretch the field vertically.”
The junior quarterback has completed 62.7 percent of his passes and thrown for 1,976 yards for the Rebels this season. He also has 11 touchdowns to only three interceptions. Arkansas’ defensive line needs to knock Wallace down and not allow him to get into a rhythm. In the Rebels’ three losses, Wallace was sacked an average of three times per game, compared to 1.6 average sacks in Ole Miss’ five victories.
4. Get Big Plays from Special Teams
Freshman Korliss Marshall sparked a short lived comeback for the Razorbacks Saturday. After Auburn scored a touchdown on an 88-yard pass, Marshall regained the momentum for Arkansas with an 87-yard kickoff return. The return led to a touchdown, followed by a three-and-out by the Tigers and another touchdown for the Razorbacks.
Marshall had a 38-yard kickoff return on Arkansas’ first possession against Texas A&M earlier this season, which also led to a touchdown. The two field goals the Razorbacks have blocked this season have also led to points. These big plays on special teams are huge momentum shifters.
5. Balance the Offense
Having a run-heavy offense worked well against Arkansas’ nonconference opponents, but since entering Southeastern Conference play, it hasn’t been as effective. If the Razorbacks get the passing game going, it will open up the running game for freshman Alex Collins and sophomore Jonathan Williams.
In its best offensive game of the season, Arkansas scored 34 points against Louisiana while racking up 292 yards rushing and 230 yards passing. The only other game in which Arkansas passed for more than 200 yards was against Texas A&M. The Aggies won the game 45-33, but it was the Razorbacks’ closest SEC loss this year.
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