Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

ARKANSAS 52, NEW MEXICO 3

OFFENSE – A-minus
HIGHLIGHTS: For the first time since 1928, the Razorbacks put up more than 50 points in consecutive games. That’s not entirely the doing of the offense, but they deserve a big part of the credit. They posted 632 yards of total offense against New Mexico. Arkansas ran for 259 yards (more on that below). Cobi Hamilton did what he typically does in Little Rock, catching his sixth career touchdown pass in five games at War Memorial Stadium. Brandon Mitchell did an admirable job filling in for Tyler Wilson in the second half, throwing for 114 yards and a touchdown, while running for 59 yards and another score. Wilson also threw and ran for a score. Kody Walker picked up another couple of touchdowns and has now run for four in two games as a Razorback. Jarius Wright caught a touchdown pass that highlighted his speed and hands. And, saving the best for last here, Joe Adams was spectacular. He started at tailback (yes, tailback) and ran for 33 yards on two carries and caught six passes for 78 yards.

LOWLIGHTS: Tyler Wilson threw an interception and seemed to force some passes that should have just been thrown away. He also got knocked in the head at the end of a seven-yard touchdown run that was admirable for the grit he showed, but should serve as a reminder of how important it is to know when to run and when not to. Wilson is too important to lose on a meaningless play against an opponent that doesn’t matter. Where was Greg Childs? Not a single catch against the Lobos and he had at least two drops. Those 259 rushing yards are a bit deceiving. Tyler Wilson and Joe Adams were the leading rushers in the first half. Ronnie Wingo did finish with 73 yards on 12 carries, but he’s got to do more in the future. A penalty negated a 75-yard catch and run for a score from Adams.

DEFENSE – B-plus
HIGHLIGHTS: An early field goal was all New Mexico could muster against the Razorbacks, who have given up only 10 points in two weeks so far. Arkansas held the Lobos to 5 of 17 on third downs and less than 300 yards of total offense. Plenty of players got an opportunity to play, which keeps guys happy and helps develop depth.

LOWLIGHTS: For all the talk about a shutout and matching or besting the nine sacks New Mexico allowed a week earlier, the defense’s effort fell flat. It wasn’t terrible by any stretch; it just didn’t live up to what the players built it up to be prior to kickoff. Arkansas didn’t force any turnovers, did not record a single sack and gave up points less than 11 minutes into the game.

SPECIAL TEAMS A-minus
HIGHLIGHTS:  Teammates praised Marquel Wade for his return ability throughout camp. He showed us all what they’ve been talking about, returning a kickoff 85 yards to help break the game open in the first quarter. Kicker Zach Hocker connected from 24 yards out and averaged 68.3 yards per kickoff.

LOWLIGHTS: Marquel Wade might be just a little too much like Joe Adams. Wade showed off the same dynamic playmaking ability and similarly poor decision-making when fielding a punt he should have just allowed to bounce. Arkansas recovered, but that’s a dangerous precedent to set with SEC play coming soon. Zach Hocker missed a 48-yard field goal. Missed field goals from 48 yards aren’t a big deal, but Hocker missed an extra point last week. And you just hope the sophomore troubles of so many past Arkansas kickers aren’t creeping in here.

OVERALL — A-minus
WHAT WE LEARNED
Even on a night Arkansas doesn’t seem crisp and the starting quarterback makes a couple of questionable decisions, the Razorbacks can light up the scoreboard. Running still isn’t great, but the passing game can do a lot for Arkansas. This team is good enough to put together an OK night on defense and maul a really bad opponent. Special teams seems much improved from 2010. As it turns out New Mexico wasn’t much more of a test than Missouri State. Perhaps Troy will be a step up in the week before Arkansas gets Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

PLAYERS OF THE GAME
OFFENSE: Joe Adams looked like the answer at tailback for a couple plays. He averaged 16.5 yards on two carries, including one to start the game. Adams also contributed in the passing game, catching six passes for 78 yards. Arkansas got an average of 15 yards each time Adams touched the ball on offense. He now has a catch in 36 consecutive games.

DEFENSE: Last week when transfer Alonzo Highsmith had a big week, some wondered if mainstay Jerry Franklin was in for a less productive year. Perhaps he doesn’t lead the team in tackles for a fourth consecutive year, but Franklin is still going to make plays. He finished with a team-high nine tackles and seemed to be all over the field.

SPECIAL TEAMS:Blocking earned Marquel Wade recognition last week. This time around he showed off his ability to make plays, returning a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. Teams are going to have some tough decisions to make with return threats like Wade and Joe Adams waiting.