Published October 6, 2012 - 3:25pm
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Here’s a couple quick thoughts on the Razorbacks’ win over the Tigers today.
What it means: Plummeting Arkansas takes care of business on the road against a battered and struggling Auburn 24-7. The Hogs get their first win in the SEC for 2012 and sit 1-2 in conference, and it was a must-win for the Hogs if they had any bowl aspirations. Auburn, on the other hand, struggled mightily on offense and could be labeled as the worst team in the SEC West this season. Auburn moves to 0-3 in conference play.
What I liked: Arkansas’ defense had a ton of energy today, and the Hogs had eight total sacks on the day, after only having seven the entire year. John L. Smith also had an energy on the sidelines, fist pumping and excited for his first SEC win of the season in what has been a terrible month for the coach. Arkansas’ defense also forced five takeaways, after only having a total of two takeaways through five games. Arkansas came in allowing offenses over 500 yards of total offense and over 40 points. This has to feel good for Hogs fans and John L. Smith. Congrats to him after a tumultuous month.
What I didn’t like: Coming into the game, Auburn’s passing offense was ranked 118th out of 124 teams in the country, and they showed exactly why today. Kiehl Frazier looked okay but was shut out in the first half, and Gene Chizik made the change to Clint Moseley in the second half hoping to boost the offense, but he still couldn’t get anything going because of turnovers. Arkansas’ defensive line just totally dominated the offensive line for the Tigers the entire game. Frazier finished 9 of 14 for 118 yards and one interception. Moseley finished 11 of 19 for 148 yards and two interceptions. Five turnovers will lose football games in a hurry.
Who’s the man: My game ball goes to Arkansas running back Dennis Johnson. Knile Davis really struggled today and has all season, and Johnson answered the bell and played huge today. He had 17 carries for 76 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson was physical, and the senior has played his way into a starting role. I’m not sure where the 2010 Knile Davis is right now.
Key play: Wide receiver Brandon Mitchell hit Javontee Herndon for a 26-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter to take a commanding 17-7 lead. The Hogs never looked back.
What’s next: Arkansas gets hurting Kentucky next week in a game the Hogs should win and further improve their record, while Auburn takes a trip to Oxford against a much-improved Ole Miss squad. Things are very unsettled on The Plains right now for Auburn and their team, especially on offense. All problems really start up front for the Tigers.
Hopefully recruits will take notice of where the Auburn ship is headed….