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Breakdown
Quarterbacks
Arkansas, which has hung its hat on its pass defense, will be the first real test for Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, who has gone against Florida Atlantic (230 passing yards allowed per game), Rice (277.8) and UTEP (277.3). But Arkansas QB Casey Dick struggled in his first test of the season last week against Alabama, in which he put up one touchdown and three interceptions in a 49-14 rout. Head coach Bobby Petrino said afterward that true freshman Tyler Wilson would receive more work in practice.
Running Backs
In most cases, having a quarterback as your leading rusher should throw up a red flag. But Texas’ running-back-by-committee approach has worked out well this season, with the Longhorns averaging 204.3 rushing yards per game, almost 100 yards more than the Razorbacks. Cody Johnson, who was not mentioned by most as a threat at the beginning of the season, has scored a touchdown in each game, showing the depth at back for the Longhorns. Arkansas’ Michael Smith has shouldered the load the last two games but has only found the end zone twice on the ground.
Receivers
The loss of Blaine Irby is going to hurt the Longhorns more than most might think. Irby has developed into a dependable third option in addition to Quan Cosby and Jordan Shipley, and there is no experienced backup for Irby. Whoever lines up for the Longhorns will have to battle an Arkansas defense that is averaging only 149 passing yards per game, which is good for 11th best in the nation.
Offensive Line
Dick’s problems in the passing game have stemmed from the Razorbacks’ issues on the front line. In three games, Arkansas has given up 10 sacks, the eighth most in the nation. The youth on the Arkansas line, which features three sophomore starters, hasn’t worked out as well as Petrino would have liked. Meanwhile, Texas has only given up three sacks this season, though they benefit from having a mobile quarterback in McCoy.
Offensive Line
Dick’s problems in the passing game have stemmed from the Razorbacks’ issues on the front line. In three games, Arkansas has given up 10 sacks, the eighth most in the nation. The youth on the Arkansas line, which features three sophomore starters, hasn’t worked out as well as Petrino would have liked. Meanwhile, Texas has only given up three sacks this season, though they benefit from having a mobile quarterback in McCoy.
Linebackers
The Alabama running back duo of Glen Coffee and Roy Upchurch found its way into the Arkansas second level and beyond last week, breaking runs for 87 and 62 yards. The longest run Texas allowed to a Rice running back: 5 yards. However, the Longhorns haven’t faced a rusher as polished as Arkansas’ Michael Smith, who still managed to tally 97 yards against the tough Alabama defense and recorded 157 against Louisiana-Monroe.
Secondary
Despite being lit up by the Alabama rushing game last week, Arkansas still held the Crimson Tide to an impressive 74 yards through the air, tallying an interception late. The Texas secondary, however, is averaging 274.3 yards allowed through the air per game, the fifth worst among teams from major conferences.
Special Teams
Neither team has done particularly well running back kicks, with both averaging only 21 yards per kickoff return. Last week, both teams started with the ball beyond their own 40 only once. Neither team has relied on their kickers, either. Both have only kicked two field goals, but Arkansas has yet to make one, making them one of only a handful of teams that have yet to earn a 3-pointer. Expect touchdowns or nothing from these two.
