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Bret Bielema praises Austin Allen after Arkansas’ 100-play scrimmage
By Nick Cole
Published:
Arkansas coach Bret Bielema put the Razorbacks through a 100-play scrimmage on Saturday.
What he may have come away with is a leader in his competition to replace Brandon Allen as the Razorbacks’ starting quarterback in 2016.
As it turns out, it may be Brandon’s younger brother Austin Allen.
The numbers certainly played out in Allen’s favor during the scrimmage:
Hogs scrimmage over: 100 plays: AAllen 14-18-0, 200 yds, 3 TD, Peavey 6-11-0, 130 yds, 1 TD, Story 6-10-0, 94 yds, Town 1-1, 19 yds
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) April 9, 2016
That stat line, both in accuracy and touchdown passes, may remind some Razorbacks fans of older brother Brandon.
Bielema indicated that the consistent performance was nothing new for Austin Allen this spring in his post-scrimmage comments:
Bret Bielema, post scrimmage: Austin Allen has been consistent all season. Peavey had an up-and-down day. Storey had one of his better days.
— Bo Mattingly (@SportandStoryBo) April 9, 2016
Bielema, on Austin Allen: He definitely has the best comprehension of what needs to happen.
— Andrew Hutchinson (@NWAHutch) April 9, 2016
Coach B: Austin has been the most consistent, Rafe did well, Ty had his best day, Ricky still learning his way
— Hawgs Illustrated (@HImagazine) April 9, 2016
While Arkansas is probably still not close to naming a starter, signs of separation in the four-player race are becoming clear.
Here’s a look at some of Bielema’s non-QB comments about the scrimmage:
Brian Wallace sat out this scrimmage and the last couple of practices with concussion like symptoms. Should be back soon.
— Andrew Hutchinson (@NWAHutch) April 9, 2016
Coach B: We need to get those young TEs going in the run game. They all love catching passes, but have to do both
— Hawgs Illustrated (@HImagazine) April 9, 2016
Coach B: Duwop Mitchell looks like he is going to be fine. Kody Walker had a great day. Juan Day just waiting for that big play to break out
— Hawgs Illustrated (@HImagazine) April 9, 2016
BB: Pulled Brooks Ellis and Deatrich Wise midway through the scrimmage because they'd been playing so well and didn't want to risk injury
— Doc Harper (@doc_harper) April 9, 2016
Bielema on McTelvin Agim, who threw a punch today: There were some upperclassmen trying to put him in his place. He can't react like that.
— Andrew Hutchinson (@NWAHutch) April 9, 2016
BB- "Kendrick Jackson has had a nice week of practice. Im very impressed with him."
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) April 9, 2016
Bielema, on Will Gragg: Will is a very good athlete. From last spring to this spring, it's like a completely different human being.
— Andrew Hutchinson (@NWAHutch) April 9, 2016
Coach B on Drew Morgan, who is not practicing: He is awesome. His enthusiasm and leadership has been great for the younger guys.
— Hawgs Illustrated (@HImagazine) April 9, 2016
Coach B: If we had to start a game tomorrow, Ragnow at C, Rogers or Brian Wallace and Froholdt at guards, Skipper & Jackson at the tackles
— Hawgs Illustrated (@HImagazine) April 9, 2016
The Razorbacks will host the SEC’s final spring game on April 23.
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
