Here are some quick thoughts regarding Arkansas’ non-conference blowout win over Northern Illinois.

What it means: It’s clear Arkansas has made progress not only talent-wise, but mentally as well in Bret Bielema’s second year as head coach. We’ve been saying all this week that the Huskies are no ordinary non-conference MAC opponent. NIU had won 17 straight games on the road and posted double-digit wins seasons since 2010. That goes to show the resolve the Hogs had to never leave this game in question. Good football teams take care of business against the NIUs of the world. And that’s exactly what the Razorbacks did tonight.

What I liked: Brandon Allen’s day was done with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, but it was a job well done for the Razorback QB. He looked efficient, completing 15-of-22 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns. Specifically, it was the drive Allen led the offense on with just under four minutes left in the first half. Following a Northern Illinois touchdown, Allen showed great poise and was methodical with six completions for 58 yards and a touchdown to cap off the scoring drive. All in all, Allen drove the Hogs 71 yards over 10 plays and left roughly 40 seconds on the clock for NIU in the second quarter. When given the opportunity, Allen has yet to disappoint this season and it’s tough to ignore the stark improvements he’s made from his sophomore year to junior season.

What I didn’t like: Honestly, there really wasn’t much to not like about this game. Arkansas dominated in every facet of the game, took care of the football and never left the result of this game in doubt. The injuries to Rohan Gaines and Brooks Ellis have to be concerning, however. Both Ellis and Gaines left the game early after sustaining injuries. No word yet on their status, but the potential of missing both Ellis and Gaines against a potent Texas A&M offense could spell disaster for Arkansas’ defense.

Key play: Korliss Marshall’s opening 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown really set the tone for the rest of the game. For a player that has seen his playing time diminished as of late, the sophomore running back responded nicely with two touchdowns tonight.

What’s next: Arkansas faces a tall task next weekend as Kenny Hill and the Texas A&M Aggies await them for a neutral-site SEC clash at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.