University of Arkansas
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Students: 23,199 (undergrad 18,863)
Stadium: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, capacity 72,000
Mascot: Tusk
Head Coach: Bobby Petrino, 4th year at Arkansas, 30-16 overall record.
2011 Record: 7-1, 3-1 SEC
Overall record vs. USC: Arkansas leads the series 12-7
Famous Alumni: Pat Summerall (Sportscaster), Jerry Jones (owner of Cowboys), Walter Keller (inventor of Pacemaker), Cliff Lee (MLB), and Darren McFadden (NFL).
Lets break the game down:
USC is down to its final two games of the SEC season and with a chance to win the SEC East every game matters. Arkansas has not been a easy place to win for the Gamecocks since joining the SEC back in 1992. USC has only won twice in Arkansas and this year might be one of the toughest matches up ever.
Arkansas’s offense: The Razorbacks are led by junior QB Tyler Wilson. On the season, Wilson has thrown for an SEC leading 290 yards per game, 13 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. Wilson’s favorite target is Jarius Wright, who has 44 receptions for 709 yards and 7 touchdowns. Arkansas has a deep WR group and USC better be able to cover them all. The speedy Joe Adams will play a major factor in the game on Saturday, so far this season he is averaging 12 receptions per game. Adam’s also returns punts for the Hogs and has already returned two back for touchdowns this season. The Hogs lost start running back Niles Davis over the summer to a injury and has been looking for a replacement ever since. Dennis Johnson has been the best replacement for Davis; he has rushed for one touchdown and only 325 yards.
Look for Arkansas to pass the ball early and often. Hopefully USC’s Ellis Johnson has the secondary coached up, as we do not need a repeat performance of last year’s game.
Hogs on Defense: Arkansas’s defense so far this season is giving up 22 points per game and 396 yards per game. The defense is led by linebacker Jerry Franklin. Franklin on the season has 68 tackles, 9.5 for loss and one safety. The Razorback’s defense is currently ranked 10th in the SEC giving up on average 188 yards per game on the ground. Just like last week, Carolina will look to run the ball a lot. The other top defensive player for the Hog’s is Alozo Highsmith, who has 48 tackles, nine for loss and two sacks on the season. Overall the Arkansas defense can give up a lot of yards and points but the key to the game will be if USC keep Arkansas’s defense on the field and there offense off.
Prediction Time: Before the season, I think everybody had this game as a loss for the Gamecocks. Well a lot of things have changed since the beginning of the season but I still don’t feel great about this game. I think Spurrier’s game plan will to be run the ball and keep Arkansas’s offense off the field. Look for Brandon Wilds to have another big game. If the Gamecock’s have any chance of winning, they will need to get Alshon Jeffery involved early. Look for Bruce Ellington to play a key roll in the offense as well.
Arkansas 31 Gamecocks 27
Don’t forget to set your clocks back on Sunday.
