Sep 5, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen (10) celebrates throwing a touchdown against the UTEP Miners during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas (1-0) surprised many with its successful passing game in Saturday’s 48-13 victory over UTEP in a game which saw senior quarterback Brandon Allen complete 14 of 18 passes for a career-high 308 yards and four touchdowns.
“I told you all along we’d be able to throw the football,” Bielema told the media following Saturday’s game. “And I think our guys took that to a level that hopefully is going to prove well for us in the future.”
That’s especially true when teams crowd the line of scrimmage to slow down Arkansas’ prolific running game, which is what UTEP did. New offensive coordinator Dan Enos, Allen and a group of improved receivers took advantage.
While their passing game impressed, the Razorbacks will look to have bigger numbers from their running game this week against the Rockets.
Arkansas had 182 yards on the ground, including 127 from junior Alex Collins. But 70 of Collins’ yard came on one play.
“They were going to make us throw the football,” Bielema said. “So Dan just went to the passing game.”
Arkansas will have to rely on game film from 2014 when preparing for the Rockets, whose season-opener with Stony Brook was cancelled in the second quarter last week due to weather. The Rockets led 16-7.
NOTES, QUOTES
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
–TE Jeremy Sprinkle, figures to be a big part of Arkansas’ offense after two impressive plays last week. The 6-6, 255-pound junior has deceptive speed and caught two passes for 60 yards in the victory over UTEP.
–WR Drew Morgan has emerged as a new go-to receiver. The 6-0 junior is quick and scored the Razorbacks first touchdown last week when he caught a swing pass and made two tacklers miss before racing 26 yards for the touchdown.
–CB Henre’ Toliver is a backup, but will likely see more playing time after deflecting a pass and intercepting it in Saturday’s game.
