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Arkansas Razorbacks may get challenge from UT Martin passing attack
By Dave Holcomb
Published:
Both Arkansas and UT Martin are riding high. Arkansas got a much-needed boost from an exciting four-overtime victory over Auburn. UT Martin has won four straight games and five of its last six.
The Skyhawks (4-2, 4-1 Ohio Valley Conference) bounced back from a 76-3 loss to Ole Miss in their season opener.
Since that humiliating loss, UT Martin has averaged 488.8 yards and 44.6 points per game. Last week against Murray State, UT Martin totaled 660 yards of offense on its way to 52 points.
The Skyhawks have averaged 174.4 rushing yards per game. Senior running back Trent Garland has led the way with 418 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns — all in the last three weeks.
But Arkansas (3-4, 2-2 SEC) is 18th in the nation in rushing defense, allowing only 114.9 yards per contest. Junior LB Brooks Ellis leads the team with 58 total tackles, including five for a loss. Freshman LB Dre Greenlaw has come on strong, making 16 tackles last Saturday against Auburn.
The Skyhawks may have better luck through the air with senior quarterback Jarod Neal throwing against a mediocre Razorback pass defense ranked No. 101 in the nation in yards allowed.
Neal has completed 61.1 percent of his passes this season for 1,893 yards, 22 TDs and just 4 interceptions. His favorite target, senior Rod Wright, has 42 catches for 671 yards and 10 TDs. Fellow wideouts sophomore Caylon Weathers and senior Williams Tanner have 5 TD receptions each.
Arkansas should win, but it may not be easy.
UT MARTIN SKYHAWKS CLOSER LOOK
Key player, offense: Rod Wright, Sr., WR – Whether in the FBS or FCS, 10 TDs in seven games is no laughing matter for the Arkansas secondary. Wright has averaged 16 yards per catch and 95.9 yards per game.
Key player, offense: Jarod Neal, Sr., QB – Neal threw for 420 yards and 5 TDs with only one interception last Saturday in a victory Murray State.
Key player, defense: Damani Taylor, Jr., DL – The junior defensive end leads UT Martin with 4.5 sacks and 6.0 tackles for a loss. He is fifth on the team with 34 tackles.
Dave covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
