Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Why Arkansas Won
All the woes the Razorbacks (2-4, 1-2) had in previous games — lack of forcing turnovers, inability to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, failure to run the football and score in the red zone — were cured against Auburn. Arkansas forced five turnovers, was 3-for-4 inside the 20 on scoring opportunities and had eight sacks. Dennis Johnson provided a spark in the running game with 17 carries for 76 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Arkansas outgained the Tigers 372-321 and the Razorbacks limited their turnovers (two) in a much-needed win.

Turning Point
A trick play from the LSU-Auburn game kept jumping out at Paul Petrino during film study earlier this week. Inspired, he decided to implement a pass from quarterback-turned-wide receiver Brandon Mitchell into the game plan. Just in case. Petrino found the perfect time to dial it up with the Razorbacks clinging to a 10-7 lead early in the fourth quarter. And the Razorbacks executed it perfectly as Mitchell found Javontee Herndon for a 26-yard touchdown and a 17-7 lead with 13:30 remaining in the game.

Player Of The Game
Trey Flowers grew up about three hours north of Auburn in Huntsville, Ala. But the Tigers didn’t recruit him and he wound up at Arkansas. Flowers said the snub still bothers him and helped fuel his performance on Saturday. Flowers recorded 3.5 of the team’s eight sacks and had two quarterback hurries as Arkansas disrupted the Tigers throughout the afternoon.

The Replacements
• Freshmen cornerbacks Davyon McKinney and Will Hines started against the Tigers. They finished with six total tackles and Hines had a fumble recovery and interception.

• Alonzo Highsmith left the game in the first half with what Arkansas described as a “leg” injury. He was spotted with a walking boot on. Freshman Otha Peters filled in for Highsmith and finished with five tackles.

• Austin Tate was second on the team with four catches for 44 yards. He’s filling in for tight end Chris Gragg, who is out with a deep bone bruise.

Speaking Out
"Our kids, our football team played their ... hearts out today. Relentless effort."
— Arkansas Coach John L. Smith

“We always see ourselves as the team we have been in the past. Guys here aren’t used to losing. We aren’t used to practicing like we’re losers. We know we’re not. Today we really came out and we showed the team that we always see ourselves as.”
— Arkansas safety Ross Rasner

Up Next
Arkansas (2-4, 1-2) plays host to Kentucky (1-5, 0-3). Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. on FSN.