Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas running back Knile Davis is aware of what a tough time Georgia had stopping the run last week. Davis is equally aware of how the Razorbacks have struggled to run the ball consistently.

So could this be the week – could Georgia be the opponent — to help Arkansas get going on the ground? The Bulldogs allowed 189 yards rushing to South Carolina, including 182 from freshman running back Marcus Lattimore.

“I hope that we do the same thing,” Davis said. “That’s why I’m really looking forward it. I think we will take advantage of that.”

Arkansas has been missing production from its running attack through the first two games. Currently, the Razorbacks rank No. 10 in the SEC in rushing at 147.5 yards per game. They had only 99 running primarily up the middle in a 31-7 victory against Louisiana-Monroe.

Further complicating matters for the ground game is the loss of Dennis Johnson. He’s out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to repair what coach Bobby Petrino called a “bowel injury.”

Johnson topped a deep group of running backs in yards per carry (9.2).  Davis leads the team in yards per game (43.0), and Broderick Green has a team-high in rushing attempts (21). Ronnie Wingo chipped in a 35-yard reception for a touchdown in last week’s ULM game.

Producing more this week is the emphasis for Arkansas. Georgia, following its struggles with South Carolina, is reportedly focused on getting more physical.

“The talk around here is we’re not producing enough on offense and we’re not running the ball good enough,” offensive coordinator Garrick McGee said. “That’s our emphasis.”

Johnson Update
Teammates said Dennis Johnson has been relocated to a Northwest Arkansas hospital after undergoing surgery in Little Rock.

Davis said he spoke briefly with Johnson on Tuesday and is hoping to visit the injured player soon.

“I did most of the talking. He wasn’t able to talk too much,” Davis said “He’s holding in there. He’s doing pretty good. His mom is confident in the doctors and everything.”

Losing Johnson has been tough for the team, McGee said. It’s not just difficult in terms of lost run production.