Rapid Reaction: Arkansas offense shines in big win over New Mexico State

The Arkansas Razorbacks used a fast start to get out in front of the New Mexico State Aggies. The Hogs also turned two Aggie turnovers into 14 points in a 42-24 victory for the Razorbacks.

Arkansas was in desperate need of a win after dropping its last two games to TCU and Texas A&M. The Hogs were able to shake off those losses in their quick start with 28 points in the first half. QB Austin Allen threw for 3 TDs while the Razorbacks rushed for 230 yards to keep control of the game in the second half.

What I liked

• Allen put up a strong performance to get the Hogs rolling Saturday. He completed 19 of 26 passes for 264 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 interception. The interception came on an early mistake, but Allen bounced back and put together the kind of solid outing that the Razorbacks were looking for.
• WR Jonathan Nance has stepped up to fill the void left by the injury to WR Jared Cornelius. Nance has turned into a target that Allen can rely on in tough situations, and he proved his worth all afternoon. Nance finished the game with six catches for 58 yards and 2 TDs for the Hogs.
• RB Devwah Whaley went over 100 yards and came up big with 119 yards and a TD on 19 carries.

What I didn’t like

The Razorbacks defense would have liked a stronger performance against New Mexico State. The Hogs allowed 344 yards through the air with the Aggies averaging 9.1 yards a pass. Six Aggie receivers had a catch of 20 or more yards. Arkansas never had an answer for the passing attack and WR Jaleel Scott who finished with 9 catches for 174 yards and a score.

Arkansas will need to improve its defense if the Hogs hope to compete in their remaining SEC games. The Razorbacks will take on South Carolina next weekend in Columbia.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.