GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu was a key factor in the run game against ULM with touchdown runs of 1 and 39 yards. Ta’amu has done a good job of scrambling to avoid pressure while looking for big plays downfield — and often finding them. But he hasn’t done much running since two Alabama defenders hit him pretty hard after a 10-yard gain to force a fumble three weeks ago.
As offensive coordinator Phil Longo talks about finding different ways to help his receivers create space against SEC defenders, Ta’amu’s running could offer a new wrinkle to create hesitation in the Arkansas defensive backs. The Hogs are giving up 247 passing yards a game.
Arkansas has two of the best linebackers in the SEC in Dre Greenlaw and De’Jon Harris, who will roam the middle and make it more difficult for Ta’amu to find space.
DRAFT SLANT
–WR A.J. Brown had nine catches for 133 yards against ULM. He scored on a ridiculous 20-yard play in which two ULM defenders had him overplayed. When Brown caught the ball he gave a head fake to the right; as the defenders bit, Brown spun back left and trotted to the end zone. Brown didn’t show a hint of the hamstring issue that bothered him to some degree the week before against LSU.
ROSTER REPORT
–FS C.J. Miller, the next man up as defensive backs have dropped like flies, twisted an ankle against ULM. He’ll be limited this week but is expected to play against Arkansas.
–DB Myles Hartsfield suffered an ankle injury last week. He will be monitored this week but is expected to play Saturday. Hartsfield is a starting cornerback but played some free safety against ULM, a trend that will continue.
–RB Eric Swinney continues to work his way back from mononucleosis, which caused him to miss the first three weeks. Swinney is the team’s No. 3 running back.
–RB Isaiah Woullard continues to receive praise from his coaches as the No. 2 back. He has improved in his pass-blocking and had two carries for 54 yards against ULM, one of those going for 46 yards.
–FS Armani Linton moved from running back during practice last week to bolster that position after the injury to C.J. Moore. Linton was expected to play some against ULM but not as early as he did. He got in the game after Miller’s injury and made a quick impact. He finished the game with six tackles, a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss and a pressure.
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