RazOrbaX Report: Smithson's pregame hot points vs. Ole Miss

RazOrbaX Report: Smithson's pregame hot points vs. Ole Miss

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Razorback Pregame Hot Points
Program-Defining Game?

 
HOG COACH BOBBY PETRINO
 
Everyone seems to be asking about the state of the Razorback program. After tough losses to No. 1 Alabama and No. 7 Auburn, Arkansas' season is on the brink. Ole Miss comes to Fayetteville in a similar state. The loser falls to last place in the SEC West. I think it will go a long way in defining the program if the Razorbacks come out and play well and win the ball game. It will show that the team has grown and can put behind the heartbreak of last week's game and position itself for a great finish.

Defensive Turnaround
Goal-DISRUPT THE RUNNING GAME

After the rushing yardage Auburn put up (330), Ole Miss must be drooling. The Rebels are second in the SEC in rushing, averaging 215 yards a game. Everyone knows Jeremiah Masoli can be dangerous at QB, but tailback Brandon Bolden averages 92 yards a game and can break a big run. Pine Bluff Dollarway's Jesse Grandy is not Dexter McCluster but he will be all over the field for the Rebels. Arkansas' defense must forget last week and play extremely fast and tackle well.

Goal-KEEP THEM OUT OF THE RED ZONE
Last year the Razorback defense was a national leader in red zone defense. This year the HOGS are 11th in the SEC, and the Rebel offense ranks fourth in the red zone scoring. If Ole Miss gets inside the 20, statistically they score. Arkansas must keep the Black Bears out or change the trend.

Goal-SHUT OUT THE WIDEOUTS
Ole Miss does not throw much, but it is effective. It's time for the Razorback secondary to take advantage of Masoli's penchant for being a little wild at times. He is not as accurate when he is moving. Corners and safeties-LOOK FOR THE BALL!

Kicking Game must find its manhood!
Goal-NO BLOCKED PUNTS
Ole Miss will come after Breeding. Arkansas has had a couple of bad snaps this year and has gotten away with them. Against Auburn, the protection just broke down. Breeding averages 45 yards a punt, and the coverage has been good. Take care of the snaps and the protection, and all will be good.

 
HOG WR JOE ADAMS
 
Goal-Go, Joe, Go
Joe Adams will finally make his mark returning punts. He is No. 3 in the conference even with team's sky kicking for coverage or just kicking away from him. Ole Miss is in the bottom of the conference in punting. It is time for Arkansas to get the kicking game break.

Continue Consistent Offense
Goal-PICK UP THE BLITZ
The defense will come after WHOEVER plays QB Saturday. Mallett and/or Wilson must make quick but good decisions. If the HOGS can do that Saturday, they can pile up the passing yardage against the Rebels.

Goal-GROW THE RUNNING GAME
Knile Davis has shown the power and the speed to be the man at tailback. The Ole Miss front seven will test the Razorback offensive line. Some early success could go a long way.

Goal-WIN
The Razorbacks must do whatever is necessary to win this game, whether it is defense, kicking game or offense. A 5-2 record with Vandy on tap for Homecoming is a good place to be with November looming.

WRAPPING UP
Arkansas has all of the tools to play well and win all three phases of the game. The fans have bought all of the tickets and need to fill the stadium. Forget that it is an 11:20 kickoff with rain in the forecast. It is time for all of the elements to come together this Saturday. Where is the program? It is moving in the right direction, and Saturday will show that the grinding Coach Petrino talks about has taken over, and the Razorbacks understand what it takes. See you on the Hill and GO HOGS!


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