Arkansas looks to bounce back against high-flying Texas Tech

Arkansas (minus-12) 38, Texas Tech 27 – The Razorbacks figure to plow through Tech’s weak run defense again, but Patrick Mahomes will direct a late drive to pull them past the spread.

Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen (10) passes against the UTEP Miners during the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

Arkansas (1-1), known for its power running game in two seasons under coach Bret Bielema, rushed for only 103 yards on 31 carries in a stunning 16-12 loss to Mid-American Conference member Toledo a week ago.

None, however, were more memorable than the career day of 212 yards the junior had last season against Texas Tech.

The Arkansas Razorbacks’ defense ranks No. 23 in the nation, allowing an average of just 261 total yards offense per game.

“We’re just going to go back to Square One”, Enos said. “That was our big thing, our big focal point this week”.

MISSING PIECES: Arkansas entered the season with questions about its wide receiving corps, a group that enters Saturday without two of its most experienced receivers. They didn’t run the ball effectively versus Toledo and are looking to get there running game back on track.

Last year’s matchup between these teams is one to forget. “I don’t think you can put on last year’s film and even compare that football team to the one that’s going to be coming in here”. That’s a ton of yards and the Red Raider defense will simply have to do better than that in this one, but maybe that’s why the Hogs are favored.

Sure Allen threw for 412 yards, but he failed to throw a touchdown and struggled when the game was on the line. “That’s an emphasis in our program that has got to come to light more than at any time every before”. “So they have to face a hungry Texas Tech team just like we have to face them”, Ward said. We had six opportunities where if guys had just stayed on their feet they would have been in the end zone untouched. Before the season began, they lost star running back Jonathan Williams, whose return is doubtful for the remainder of 2015.

A bunch of drunken Arkansas fans got into a nasty brawl at a tailgate party prior to last weekend’s game against Toledo. They’ve got a new offensive coordinator who seems to favor the pass more than the run.

Prediction: I want to believe this team has improved enough to stroll into Fayetteville and come out with a win. That I can not say.