Following TCU win, Bielema reiterates goal of winning SEC title at Arkansas
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The best win of the weekend came from Arkansas Saturday night, as the Razorbacks were one of two teams to beat a ranked opponent (the other being Central Michigan’s controversial win over Oklahoma State). However the Hogs didn’t need an gimmicks or help from the refs to get the job done at TCU, they simply went into Fort Worth and took the win from the Frogs.
The performance was all the more incredible considering the game was first-year starting quarterback Austin Allen’s first road game. Following the game, head coach Bret Bielema was eager to praise his signal caller’s poise under the pressure after having to drive the length of the field (and convert a two-point conversion) to tie the game and force overtime.
“Our QB’s film was really impressive to watch today,” Bielema said to Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports. “That (game-tying) 2-minute drive was the moment where he took it to another level. He was really locked in. Our O-line with three new starters also took a big step forward.”
The TCU game marks the second fourth quarter touchdown drive engineered by Allen. While he was able to lead Arkansas to victory against Louisiana Tech with a touchdown drive, the TCU game required Allen to also catch a pass in order to successfully convert the two-point try, leading to the overtime period.
In overtime, all Allen did was throw a touchdown pass to tight end Jeremy Sprinkle in the first period and run the ball in for the game-winning touchdown in the second period.
After failing to start strong the last two seasons, Arkansas has done the complete opposite this season and now ranks in the Top 25 following the huge win. However, Bielema has his aspirations set for much higher than a fast start to the season.
“I didn’t come here to just win six or seven or eight games,” Bielema said. “I came here to win the SEC championship.”
While many may have scoffed at the notion heading into the season, Arkansas won’t have to go on the road to a hostile environment in conference play until the Oct. 22 Auburn game and get Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida and LSU all at home this season.
If Bielema can earn his first win over Texas A&M in two weeks, the 5-0 Hogs will welcome Alabama to Fayetteville with more than just aspirations for a conference title in hand, it will have the opportunity to take the driver’s seat for the SEC West title by mid October.
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
