Arkansas DB Ryan Pulley shares his take on Tua Tagovailoa, how to limit the Tide QB
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The Razorback defense faces an incredible task this weekend, one that no team in the nation has yet to solve — stopping Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. At this point, most defenses would probably settle for limiting him the way he’s currently playing.
During individual player media availability on Tuesday, Arkansas junior defensive back Ryan Pulley was asked to share his thoughts on the Tide’s quarterback. Like everyone else around the nation, Pulley has been just as impressed with the nation’s most efficient passer.
“Oh yeah, I’ve been watching on TV and on film, obviously, he’s real good,” Pulley said. “He’s the real deal. He can make plays with his feet and also make the plays with his arm. He’s accurate. He can do it all, he’s an all-around quarterback. He’s pretty good.”
In case you haven’t seen his incredible numbers (Arkansas fans may want to look away): After five games, Tagovailoa has thrown for 1,161 yards, 14 touchdowns with no interceptions and has completed 66 of 88 throws on the season. He’s also rushed for another 115 yards and two touchdowns and has yet to see the field in a single fourth quarter.
What’s the key to limiting Tagovailoa? According to Pulley, the Razorbacks have to keep him contained and in the pocket.
“The guys up front have to keep him contained but he’s going to do what he’s going to do, we just have to keep him contained and our guys on the backend have to plaster the receivers keep covering,” Pulley noted.
It’s a tall task to be sure but Arkansas has been playing very well on defense since conference play begin two weeks ago and this weekend will be the first time the Razorbacks face a conference opponent at home. If the Razorbacks have any chance to pull off the miracle upset, it will start on the defensive side of the ball and limiting the current Heisman Trophy favorite to his worst performance of his college career.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
