This is a preview of the game between University of New Mexico and the University of Arkansas .
Last Week’s Results for the University of New Mexico
UNM and Colorado State are coming off frustrating 2010 seasons. UNM finished 1-11 while CSU finished 3-9. Gauging the level of New Mexico ’s play before facing SEC West powerhouse Arkansas is difficult. The Lobos ended up with 329 yards of total offense, 150 net rushing after 48 yards lost in sacks. If they hope to have a chance against the Razorbacks they will need that type of overall production from either their running game or their passing game alone. The Lobos offensive line is suspect in pass protection allowing the Rams to sack Tarean Austin 10 times.
Last Week’s Results for the University of Arkansas
The Razorback’s defense was ready to play only allowing 163 yards from the line of scrimmage; 84 rushing, 79 passing.
Notes to the Game
The Razorbacks allowed three sacks; Wilson twice and Mitchell once.
Ball control was an issue for the Arkansas offense fumbling the ball three times, losing one fumble.
Wide receiver Jarius Wright had six catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns.
Wide receiver and punt returner Joe Adams had two punts returned for touchdowns, 61-yards and 84-yards.
Overview of the Game: New Mexico Lobos vs. Arkansas Razorbacks
New Mexico head coach Mike Locksley has to fear the Razorback’s defense which ended the 2010 season ranked 36th in total defense. NMU’s offensive line is young and inexperienced. Look for the Razorbacks to take advantage of their lack of experience with blitzes from every angle. The Lobos fumbled the ball six times losing three against CSU adding to the excitement of the Razorback defense. The Lobos will look to run as often as they can, building off their solid run performance against CSU.
The Razorback offensive line is largely inexperienced with only two returning starters. Improvement in pass and run blocking has to be made for Arkansas to have a successful 2011 season.
Keys of the Game
The Lobos will have their hands full with the Razorback defense and the Razorback passing attack. Will the Lobos play to stop the run and hope for the best on pass defense? Or will they play the pass and hope to stop the Arkansas running attack which has not showed up yet this season. Smart money for the Lobos is to try to stop the passing attack of Arkansas first.
If you don’t think defensive coordinator Willy Robinson has turned around the Razorback defense around in three short seasons, think about this: The Razorbacks defensive front is so deep they are redshirting senior defensive lineman Lavunce Askew (6’3”, 290 lbs). Askew has played in 31 games with seven starts for Arkansas .
The Razorbacks will have to improve upon their 102 net rushing yards they posted against Missouri State . Tyler Wilson and the immensely talented receiving unit for Arkansas will still get their chance to shin but Petrino will work the running game to find out his team’s strengths and weaknesses before conference play.
Dennis Johnson will likely miss his second straight game of the season with a hamstring injury.
Final Score
* The game will be played in Little Rock , Arkansas at War Memorial Stadium.
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