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Ohio State Football: Know the Opposition- Arkansas Razorbacks
David ThurmanJan 3, 2011
Mascot: Razorbacks
Stadium: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (72,000)
2010 Record: 10-2
Head Coach: Bobby Petrino (Third season at Arkansas, 23-14; 64-23 overall)
Lettermen Returning: 59 (12 lost)
Returning Starters: Offense - 10; Defense - 7; Specialists - 2
Base Offense: Multiple
Base Defense: 4-3
Returning Stars: QB Ryan Mallett, TE D.J. Williams & DE Jake Bequette
Notable Alumni:
Pat Summeral, Sportscaster
Jerry Jones, Owner of Dallas Cowboys
John Daly, PGA golfer
Cliff Lee, Cy Young Award winning pitcher
Admiral Vern Clark, Chief of US Naval Operations
Jimmy Johnson, NFL Coach & Sportscaster
Mike Conley Sr., Track & Field Gold Medalist
Cheerleading Scouting Report:
Stadium: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (72,000)
2010 Record: 10-2
Head Coach: Bobby Petrino (Third season at Arkansas, 23-14; 64-23 overall)
Lettermen Returning: 59 (12 lost)
Returning Starters: Offense - 10; Defense - 7; Specialists - 2
Base Offense: Multiple
Base Defense: 4-3
Returning Stars: QB Ryan Mallett, TE D.J. Williams & DE Jake Bequette
Notable Alumni:
Pat Summeral, Sportscaster
Jerry Jones, Owner of Dallas Cowboys
John Daly, PGA golfer
Cliff Lee, Cy Young Award winning pitcher
Admiral Vern Clark, Chief of US Naval Operations
Jimmy Johnson, NFL Coach & Sportscaster
Mike Conley Sr., Track & Field Gold Medalist
Cheerleading Scouting Report:
Arkansas Preview:
After a long 5 1/2 weeks since Ohio State defeated the Wolverines, it is finally game time, as the Buckeyes prepare to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Sugar Bowl Tuesday night. If it wasn't enough that the team had to face all of the questions concerning Ohio State's 0-9 all time bowl record against SEC teams, they have also had to deal with TatGate. But all of that won't matter at 8:30 pm when the ball is finally teed up in the Superdome. Two high powered offenses will take the field in New Orleans in what promises to be an exciting contest as the past is pushed aside, and we may not know the winner until midnight.
Arkansas presents the Silver Bullets with their toughest challenge of the season, boasting a potent offense that averages 489 yards and 37.3 points per game. The straw that stirs the drink is quarterback Ryan Mallett, a fourth year junior who began his career at Michigan. After a very good initial season in Fayetteville in 2009, he was spectacular this year, throwing for 3592 yards, completing 66.5% of his passes, while tossing 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The big Texan has possibly the strongest arm of any quarterback in the nation, and is complete control of the Razorback offense. If there is one knock on Mallett it is the fact that he is not mobile, and is basically no threat to run the ball. He had a couple of games where interceptions hurt him as well, but for the most part he was outstanding - probably the best quarterback in the nation not named Cameron Newton.
After a long 5 1/2 weeks since Ohio State defeated the Wolverines, it is finally game time, as the Buckeyes prepare to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Sugar Bowl Tuesday night. If it wasn't enough that the team had to face all of the questions concerning Ohio State's 0-9 all time bowl record against SEC teams, they have also had to deal with TatGate. But all of that won't matter at 8:30 pm when the ball is finally teed up in the Superdome. Two high powered offenses will take the field in New Orleans in what promises to be an exciting contest as the past is pushed aside, and we may not know the winner until midnight.
Arkansas presents the Silver Bullets with their toughest challenge of the season, boasting a potent offense that averages 489 yards and 37.3 points per game. The straw that stirs the drink is quarterback Ryan Mallett, a fourth year junior who began his career at Michigan. After a very good initial season in Fayetteville in 2009, he was spectacular this year, throwing for 3592 yards, completing 66.5% of his passes, while tossing 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The big Texan has possibly the strongest arm of any quarterback in the nation, and is complete control of the Razorback offense. If there is one knock on Mallett it is the fact that he is not mobile, and is basically no threat to run the ball. He had a couple of games where interceptions hurt him as well, but for the most part he was outstanding - probably the best quarterback in the nation not named Cameron Newton.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Most outstanding passing teams don't run the ball too effectively, but that isn't the case with the Hogs, who ran for 151 yards a game at 4.6 per carry. Leading the way is sophomore Knile Davis who combines size (220 pounds) with super speed. On the season he has run for 1183 yards at 6.6 ypc with 13 touchdowns, and added 16 catches and a touchdown catching passes out of the backfield. Davis is a threat to take one to the house at any time. Backing him up is Broderick Green who is huge (6'2", 248) but has never lived up to his impressive high school resume. He did rush for 365 yards, but did most of his damage early in the season. Arkansas also plays Ronnie Wingo who is an excellent pass catcher. While he only rushed for 239 yards, he caught 27 passes for 274 tards and 4 td's, and will be featured on third downs of medium to long distance. When the Razorbacks employ a fullback it is hammering 266-pound senior Van Stumon. Outside of Wisconsin this is probably the most talented backfield the Buckeyes will have faced.
When Mallett passes (which is often) he has a bevy of fine receivers to throw to. Although they will miss talented Greg Childs who is hurt, don't cry for the Razorbacks, who still have three excellent wideouts: Junior Jarius Wright (38, 718, 4); Junior Joe Adams (41, 693, 5); and, Sophomore Cobi Hamilton (31, 609, 6). Wright and Adams are not rreal big but very quick, while Hamilton has nice size (6'3", 209) but is still plenty fast. They will certainly test the still depleted OSU secondary.
Possibly the best receiver on the team, though, is tight end D.J. Williams, who won the Mackey Award at the conclusion of the regular season. He is an excellent blocker and a tremendous pass catcher, who presents a mismatch for most defensive units. On the season he has caught 49 passes for 589 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Providing time for Mallett and holes for Davis to run through is a huge line which seems fitting for a team that calls themselves the Hogs. All five starters are at least 6'4" and range in weight from 302 to 329 pounds. The best may be senior left tackle Demarcus Love. However, right tackle Ray Dominguez is also very good, and is the biggest of the starters. Arkansas does start freshmen at both center and right guard, but each has done a fine job and there don't appear to be any weak links along the o-line.
The Razorback defense is not as talented as their offensive counterparts but are not slouches by any means, surrendering 22.8 points per game against a brutal schedule. Up front they are big and talented, especially at defensive end. The ringleader is junior Jake Bequette (6'5", 271), who led the team with seven sacks. Across from him, senior end Damario Ambose has identical size to Bequette and has totaled 31 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Sophomore Tenarius Wright comes off the bench at end and is also very good, as evidenced by his 36 tackles and 6 sacks. In the middle are two tackles, Alfred Davis and DeQuinta Jones, who each weigh over 300 pounds. While neither is all-world they get the job done. However, Arkansas does surrender 157.4 yards per game on the ground, and was gouged by both Auburn and Alabama. While they get a lot of sacks (37 as a team) they can be run against, and mobile quarterbacks have frustrated them.
The linebacking crew is led by junior Jerry Franklin (6'1", 241) in the middle and he may be the most talented player on the Arkansas defense. He leads the team with 93 tackles, including 12.5 for loss with 6.5 sacks. On the outside, senior Anthony Leon has 58 tackles with 10.5 for loss, and Jerico Nelson (a glorified safety at 5'10", 214) has totaled 83 tackles, with 11 for loss, and one interception. This is a good unit, but certainly not great.
Defensive backfield, while not a liability, may be the weakest unit on the team. The best of the bunch is probably junior safety Tramian Thomas who boasts 71 tackles and 4 interceptions. He is joined at safety by Rudell Crim who has 48 tackles and 3 picks. Corners Isaac Madison and Darius Winston do not have outstanding statistics and could be the players Ohio State looks to attack.
Arkansas special teams are really good in most spots and not so hot in a couple of others. The good: Freshman kicker Zack Hocker is 13-16 on field goals with a long of 51, punter Dylan Breeding averages 42.4 per boot, and punt returner Joe Adams averages 17.9 per return including taking a 97 yarder to the house. The not so great: Kick returners, led by Lance Ray average only 19.6 per return, while opponents are averaging 25.9 per kickoff return, with one touchdown.
Game Outlook:
This could be a wild one and should be fun to watch. Arkansas has been dynamic on offense and will come out throwing, relying on the strong arm of Ryan Mallett. Ohio State will attempt to stop the run and keep Knile Davis from any big runs, opting to take the poison of Mallett's passes. Make no doubt about it, the Razorbacks will move the ball, but look for OSU to try and keep everything in front of them, hoping that long drives will eventually stall out due to penalties or turnovers. At the very least the Silver Bullets will attempt to get tough in the red zone and hold Arkansas to field goals. Early on it could be ugly, but the Buckeyes usually make adjustments, and I look for them to have some success as the game wears on. Expect a good deal of blitzing from Ohio State as they must get pressure on Mallett.
On the other side of the ball, the Bucks should be able to move the ball if (and this is a big if) Pryor and company are focused and have put TatGate behind them. Mobile quarterbacks have bothered the Hogs, so look ofr Terrelle to use his legs as well as his arm. He could have a big night running the ball. Ohio State will want to control the clock with rushes and high percentage passes, but will also take a few shots down the field. Protecting Pryor will be essential as Arkansas is excellent at getting to the quarterback. If focus is lacking, evidenced by penalties and turnovers, it will be a long night for the Buckeyes, and they will wind up 0-10 against the SEC in bowls. Somehow, though, I think Tress will get the job done in a close one, which may come down to special teams in the end.
Father vs. Son Prediction Battle:
Drew: OSU 27-24
Dave: OSU 31-27
When Mallett passes (which is often) he has a bevy of fine receivers to throw to. Although they will miss talented Greg Childs who is hurt, don't cry for the Razorbacks, who still have three excellent wideouts: Junior Jarius Wright (38, 718, 4); Junior Joe Adams (41, 693, 5); and, Sophomore Cobi Hamilton (31, 609, 6). Wright and Adams are not rreal big but very quick, while Hamilton has nice size (6'3", 209) but is still plenty fast. They will certainly test the still depleted OSU secondary.
Possibly the best receiver on the team, though, is tight end D.J. Williams, who won the Mackey Award at the conclusion of the regular season. He is an excellent blocker and a tremendous pass catcher, who presents a mismatch for most defensive units. On the season he has caught 49 passes for 589 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Providing time for Mallett and holes for Davis to run through is a huge line which seems fitting for a team that calls themselves the Hogs. All five starters are at least 6'4" and range in weight from 302 to 329 pounds. The best may be senior left tackle Demarcus Love. However, right tackle Ray Dominguez is also very good, and is the biggest of the starters. Arkansas does start freshmen at both center and right guard, but each has done a fine job and there don't appear to be any weak links along the o-line.
The Razorback defense is not as talented as their offensive counterparts but are not slouches by any means, surrendering 22.8 points per game against a brutal schedule. Up front they are big and talented, especially at defensive end. The ringleader is junior Jake Bequette (6'5", 271), who led the team with seven sacks. Across from him, senior end Damario Ambose has identical size to Bequette and has totaled 31 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Sophomore Tenarius Wright comes off the bench at end and is also very good, as evidenced by his 36 tackles and 6 sacks. In the middle are two tackles, Alfred Davis and DeQuinta Jones, who each weigh over 300 pounds. While neither is all-world they get the job done. However, Arkansas does surrender 157.4 yards per game on the ground, and was gouged by both Auburn and Alabama. While they get a lot of sacks (37 as a team) they can be run against, and mobile quarterbacks have frustrated them.
The linebacking crew is led by junior Jerry Franklin (6'1", 241) in the middle and he may be the most talented player on the Arkansas defense. He leads the team with 93 tackles, including 12.5 for loss with 6.5 sacks. On the outside, senior Anthony Leon has 58 tackles with 10.5 for loss, and Jerico Nelson (a glorified safety at 5'10", 214) has totaled 83 tackles, with 11 for loss, and one interception. This is a good unit, but certainly not great.
Defensive backfield, while not a liability, may be the weakest unit on the team. The best of the bunch is probably junior safety Tramian Thomas who boasts 71 tackles and 4 interceptions. He is joined at safety by Rudell Crim who has 48 tackles and 3 picks. Corners Isaac Madison and Darius Winston do not have outstanding statistics and could be the players Ohio State looks to attack.
Arkansas special teams are really good in most spots and not so hot in a couple of others. The good: Freshman kicker Zack Hocker is 13-16 on field goals with a long of 51, punter Dylan Breeding averages 42.4 per boot, and punt returner Joe Adams averages 17.9 per return including taking a 97 yarder to the house. The not so great: Kick returners, led by Lance Ray average only 19.6 per return, while opponents are averaging 25.9 per kickoff return, with one touchdown.
Game Outlook:
This could be a wild one and should be fun to watch. Arkansas has been dynamic on offense and will come out throwing, relying on the strong arm of Ryan Mallett. Ohio State will attempt to stop the run and keep Knile Davis from any big runs, opting to take the poison of Mallett's passes. Make no doubt about it, the Razorbacks will move the ball, but look for OSU to try and keep everything in front of them, hoping that long drives will eventually stall out due to penalties or turnovers. At the very least the Silver Bullets will attempt to get tough in the red zone and hold Arkansas to field goals. Early on it could be ugly, but the Buckeyes usually make adjustments, and I look for them to have some success as the game wears on. Expect a good deal of blitzing from Ohio State as they must get pressure on Mallett.
On the other side of the ball, the Bucks should be able to move the ball if (and this is a big if) Pryor and company are focused and have put TatGate behind them. Mobile quarterbacks have bothered the Hogs, so look ofr Terrelle to use his legs as well as his arm. He could have a big night running the ball. Ohio State will want to control the clock with rushes and high percentage passes, but will also take a few shots down the field. Protecting Pryor will be essential as Arkansas is excellent at getting to the quarterback. If focus is lacking, evidenced by penalties and turnovers, it will be a long night for the Buckeyes, and they will wind up 0-10 against the SEC in bowls. Somehow, though, I think Tress will get the job done in a close one, which may come down to special teams in the end.
Father vs. Son Prediction Battle:
Drew: OSU 27-24
Dave: OSU 31-27
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.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
