The Hogs get a much needed break from SEC play this week with the much ballyhoo’ed game with UAPB in Little Rock.
Forced historical significance aside, it represents a chance — hopefully — to take a deep breath, heal up and get some young guys some signifiant reps. That goes for Arkansas players, coaches and fans.
And coming off the inexplicable loss to Auburn — in which the defense held the Tigers to 200-something yards of offense into the 4th but wilted late and the offense went MIA in the red zone but otherwise moved at will — this matchup with the Golden Lions in front of an open date comes at an ideal time.
But the Hogs can’t afford to overlook anyone. Pine Bluff is reeling right now at 1-5 in SWAC play, but it has a playmaker in running QB Skyler Perry, 6-3 and 215. And this game is close to “end-all, be-all” status for the Golden Lion program — the first modern, in-state shot at the Hogs.
The Lions will have nothing to lose, and the ball has been known to take weird hops in recent years for the Hogs on that hard carpet that covers the field at War Memorial. (If these in-state games have to be played, they should be played in Fayetteville. But that’s another column for another time.)
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Ugly recent history in Little Rock aside, it’s hard to believe a Sam Pittman-coached team won’t take any opponent seriously. If all goes to form, the Hogs should get a chance to see how young guys like Myles Slusher and Jaydon Johnson roam the defensive backfield in place of injured Jaylen Catalon. Given that it’s possible Catalon has played his final game for Arkansas — he’s out for the season and might opt for the draft in the spring — Saturday will offer a glimpse into the future in the secondary.
The run game should be able to excel against Pine Bluff. It would be nice to see Rocket Sanders and AJ Green get some extended carries; some of those highly regarded young offensive linemen get some reps. And perhaps the defense can get back a little of its mojo, missing over these past three weeks.
Of course, the SEC West will eat your mojo like cheese dip at a tailgate. I’d prefer Power 5 teams play only Power 5 teams, but if any team deserves a breather, it’s Arkansas. But saying that also makes me a little concerned. Because on any given day and all… But surely not Saturday. Right?
The Hogs just need to stay focused, on task, and they should be fine. And let’s just hope the War Memorial turf doesn’t claim any victims (Ole Miss, 2019, ugh) and the Hogs can return back up the Hill (and Lions back down the road) injury-free.
(Another thing is close to certain about Saturday’s game: I love my Marching Razorbacks, but UAPB’s Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) will put on a show to remember.)
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