Final Score
It wasn’t a perfect night for the Hogs by any means, but the Razorbacks’ 46-26 victory is a foundation they can build upon. And they do have a construction job ahead of them.
Obviously, the Hogs’ rushing game is as strong as ever with Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, Michael Smith and Peyton Hillis chewing up yards like Juicey Fruit. But the Hogs’ passing game leaves much to be desired. Arguably, McFadden’s 42-yard touchdown strike to Crosby Tuck was the best thrown ball of the night.
Defensively the Hogs had their moments, but it’s clear they miss the strength of suspended defensive tackle Marcus Harrison in the middle as well as the push Antwain Robinson can provide at defensive end when he’s practicing with the conviction his coaches desire.
Troy had too much time to throw all night and the key adjustment at halftime to slow them down was to put eight men in coverage. It would also appear that an SEC-caliber team determined to rush the football would be able to do it against the Razorbacks as this time.
Catching punts and covering kickoffs were a problem much of the night, too.
Obviously, it was a season opener, and much can be corrected, but if the Razorbacks hope to win 10 games and vie for the SEC Championship, they must make considerable improvement as the season moves along.
An open date is ahead of the Razorbacks this week. It needs to be used wisely in preparation for their Sept. 15 date with Alabama at Tuscaloosa.
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