It’s been pretty simple to figure out the common denominator in Arkansas’ success this season.
When the Razorbacks avoid turnovers and sacks, they win. When opponents make them cough up the ball and get to quarterback Taylen Green, as Texas did last week in a 20-10 decision, Arkansas loses.
At 5-5 and needing a win to become bowl-eligible, the Razorbacks seek the mistake-free version of themselves Saturday in Fayetteville when Louisiana Tech visits for a non-conference contest.
Arkansas has allowed 20 sacks in four Southeastern Conference losses, including six last week. It also gave up a pair of crushing turnovers, including a fumble by freshman CJ Brown after his first career catch deep in Texas territory with 6:55 left. The Razorbacks never saw the ball again.
“That’s kind of been the story of all our losses and all our wins, you know, depending on what we do with turnovers,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said.
Green has thrown for 2,363 yards and 11 touchdowns but has also tossed eight interceptions and hung on to the ball too long at times.
“That’s one thing in my game that I have to be better at,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs (4-6) kept their bowl hopes alive with a 12-7 Conference USA win at Western Kentucky, which was 5-0 in the league. Buck Buchanan hit four field goals for Louisiana Tech and the defense held the high-powered Hilltoppers to just 215 total yards.
Third-year coach Sonny Cumbie said his team persevered after enduring adversity most of the season.
“I talked to our team about being uncommon,” he said. “They have an uncommon fight and grit. You see the belief they have in each other, that is the most important thing.”
The Bulldogs average just 112.2 yards per game on the ground but surprised Western Kentucky by coming up with 209 in 49 attempts, including 103 from Amani Givens.
Arkansas has won all four previous meetings including a 21-20 verdict in Fayetteville to open the 2016 season.
–Field Level Media
