Checking in on the Week 8 temperatures in Fayetteville, Ark. … 

HOT

Arkansas’ run defense. The Hogs allowed just 66 rushing yards last week to a very good Alabama backfield featuring T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry, who could muster just 2.1 yards per carry. The Razorbacks rank seventh in the SEC in rushing defense, but senior defensive end Trey Flowers spent most of his night in the Crimson Tide backfield. If Arkansas can maintain that level of success stopping the run this week against Georgia, the Hogs could secure its first conference win under Bret Bielema. Georgia has been one-dimensional on offense most of the year, so that could be a huge key.

WARM

Brandon Allen. The signal caller’s been better than most people give him credit for this season, but he lacks that go-to target on the outside. A.J. Derby was the leading receiver in the loss to Alabama and Keon Hatcher has been a reliable receiver for Allen. However, Arkansas lacks that explosive big-play threat that is capable of finding the end zone on any play. Bad decisions have also cost Allen, at times. Can he be the guy to step up during a key moment of a game to win it?

COLD

Turnovers. The Hogs are actually plus one in turnover margin on the year, but giving the ball away killed drives last week against Alabama. Two first half fumbles killed drives that could have led to points and an interception with under three minutes left sealed the game for the Tide. Arkansas is a good team, but it can’t afford to turn the ball over against better teams.

FROZEN

Second half performances. Many thought they were close last week, but the defense surrendered a touchdown drive to give Alabama a one-point lead and that’s all it would need. The improvement in Fayetteville is noticeable, but Arkansas must learn to finish games in the SEC. Part of that is capitalizing on takeaways. Alabama last week gave the Razorbacks plenty of chances to open up a sizable lead throughout that game, but they could never take advantage.