Of all the teams in the SEC so far this season, none have bigger energy and momentum than the #20 Arkansas Razorbacks.
After defeating the Rice Owls at home 38-17 in week one, the Razorbacks had a big test last Saturday as they hosted the #15 Texas Longhorns, led by Heisman Trophy contender in running back Bijan Robinson. The Longhorns were looking on their talented offense to create some offensive rhythm against the defense of Arkansans.
Arkansas' defense, however, suffocated the Longhorns' offense as they held them to just 256 total yards. The Razorbacks pass rush, zone presence in the linebackers and press-man coverage completely shut down Texas' passing offense.
Arkansas forced Texas into a one-dimensional offense that relied on their rushing game to create momentum.
The Razorbacks' defense allowed 138 rushing yards on 41 carries for an average of 3.4 yards per rush. Arkansas forced Robinson to rush for only 69 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries.
The defense accumulated ten tackles for loss and three sacks as they constantly crashed into the backfield. Linebackers Hayden Henry and Grant Morgan each accumulated 2.5 tackles for loss and combined for 28 total tackles. Senior linebacker Bumper Pool accounted for ten total tackles against the Longhorns.
The Razorbacks only allowed two runs of at least ten yards in the two games against Rice and Texas. The longest rush from Robinson was 20 yards, while Longhorns quarterback Hudson Card had a quarterback scramble. Outside of two plays, the Razorbacks' rush defense has been hard to penetrate past the second level.
If the Hogs continue to remain efficient at stopping the run, they will be a serious contender in the SEC West when conference play starts.