As wild as this is, we are now in week four of the college football season. As the Arkansas Razorbacks conclude their non-conference slate with a road trip to Memphis, this is not like other trips to the Bluff City. We at Last Word spoke about the national attention on this game.
Now, we analyze our weekly three keys to success versus Memphis for Arkansas.
Three Keys for Success Versus Memphis for Arkansas
Read It Right
The first key to success for Arkansas is to read defensively. In his weekly press conference, head coach Sam Pittman spoke on the challenges the Tigers present. Pittman said, “They [Memphis] run the read option about as well as anyone.” Pittman is right, as Memphis has scored 11 rushing touchdowns on the season from a multitude of players. For an Arkansas defense that was graded poorly last week, this will be a task watched closely. The Razorbacks gave up 357 passing yards to a backup quarterback in the loss to Ole Miss last week.
Going deeper into this, Pittman told the media that, “In order to beat Memphis defensively, you have to stop them from doing that.” The word “That” is predicated on the Memphis quarterback, Brendon Lewis, and his ability to run a new-look Tigers offense. Based on the recent performance in Oxford from the Hogs’ defense, this key is the most important.
Tough Place To Play
As we look at the second key to success for Arkansas, it is not to get too comfortable in Memphis. Arkansas fans are familiar with Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium as they have competed in a number of Liberty Bowl games. If you recall our article on the game, we mentioned the 29-6 record at home for Ryan Silverfield at Memphis. While not many opponents have the talent of Arkansas, the record is still impressive. In fact, this record is the 6th best in the FBS.
If this wasn’t enough, in the last 32 games, Memphis is 31-1 versus non-conference opponents at home. Arkansas will need to quiet the crowd with effective play early. Similar to how they leaped out to a large lead on Arkansas State in week two. Arkansas did not grade well in this key last week. Will it happen again?
Pedal To Floor
We spoke of quieting the noise, and this is key number three. To do this, you have to play fast and aggressively. Arkansas enters the game averaging nearly 600 yards of offense per game. The Razorbacks are fifth in the country in total offense. The comfort level of the offensive coordinator, Bobby Petrino, and quarterback Taylen Green will be something to watch.
As the Razorbacks face a stingy defense from the Tigers, this game may come down to who can score more effectively. Statistics tell us that this is where Arkansas has an edge. Not to harden bad memories for Arkansas fans but the team needs to be in the left lane and going fast. We know the offense is prolific, but can this unit score at this rate against a top-performing Memphis defense?
In closing, this game is a pivotal game on the schedule. For Arkansas to have success, they need to read well, embrace another road environment, and get in the fast lane. While there are many other keys, these three will be graded closely. Arkansas has passed its report cards through three weeks, but this week’s contest is pivotal at this point in the season.
Will Arkansas find its groove in Memphis, or will the Blues in Oxford turn into ribs returning to Fayetteville? We will soon find out for the nation to see.
Main Image: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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