Western Illinois at Arkansas: Inside the Matchups

Western Illinois at Arkansas
WHEN Saturday, 6 p.m.
WHERE Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville
RECORDS Western Illinois 0-0, 0-0; Arkansas 0-0, 0-0

INSIDE THE MATCHUPS

ON THE GROUND
If there is one category where the Leathernecks hold an advantage, this would be it. Senior running back Herb Donaldson (5-11, 225) was a FCS All-American as a junior, running for a second consecutive 1,400-yard season. Donaldson has two 300-yard games to his credit and will be a tough test for a Razorback defense that is unproven up the middle. Arkansas will counter on the ground with a bevy of small-ish running backs who have little game experience. Michael Smith (5-7, 173) averaged 6.8 yards per carry his first two years, but had only 81 carries working behind NFL first-round draft picks Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. Talented freshmen Dennis Johnson (5-7, 195) and De'Anthony Curtis (5-7, 205) have looked good in practice, but have no college experience.
EDGE Wetern Illinois

THROUGH THE AIR
Last year Arkansas relied almost entirely on the talents of McFadden and Jones, as quarterback Casey Dick (6-2, 215) put up numbers that were far more steady than spectacular. Dick averaged a little more than 130 yards passing per game, throwing 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. This could be a new era for the Razorbacks, though. Dick threw for 404 yards in the spring game and his arm was used enough in camp to prove he'll do more than handoff this year. Freshmen receivers Jarius Wright (5-10, 170) and Joe Adams (6-0, 175) have added a much-needed playmaking element to the receiving corps. Western Illinois could easily be described as the "Arkansas" (the old one, at least) of the FCS. Quarterback Matt Barr (6-2, 215) threw for 102.8 yards per game last year as a freshman as the Leathernecks relied almost entirely on the running game.
EDGE Arkansas

IN THE TRENCHES
There are plenty of questions about this Razorback football team, but the constants seem to be the overall strength of the offensive and defensive lines. Arkansas builds its offensive line around Rimington Award winner Jonathan Luigs (6-4, 314) and has a unit that is now proficient in pass protecting to go along with being tough and adept at run blocking. Sophomore Wade Grayson (6-4, 292) was recently promoted to the starting position at guard. Defensive ends Antwain Robinson (6-2, 258) and Adrian Davis (6-4, 238) should give the Razorbacks a threat to rush the passer. Western Illinois has three starters returning on both the offensive line and defensive lines. Sophomore left end Victor Visoky (6-4, 255) recorded 57 tackles and had a hand in five sacks in 2007.
EDGE Arkansas

SPECIAL TEAMS
Arkansas has to hope the rewards outweigh the risks in the return game. Freshman Jarius Wright (5-10, 170) is slated to handle punt-return duties and classmate Elton Ford (6-0, 208) is the listed as the primary kick returner. Both have shown athleticism, but it remains to be seen how they handle the pressure of a game. Sophomore kicker Alex Tejada (6-1, 207) is a great example of the inconsistencies that can plague a first-year player. His strong leg has Razorback coaches feeling good about the kicking game, though. Western Illinois will counter on special teams with an almost automatic kicker. Taylor Rowan (6-0, 190) is nine extra points away from tying the FCS record for consecutive made PATs. Rowan hit all 25 of his point-after attempts last year.
EDGE Even

INTANGIBLES
Excitement has been building since Bobby Petrino was announced as head coach in December. Because of that, the atmosphere in Reynolds Razorback Stadium should be electric even though Western Illinois isn't a name opponent. A sellout is expected and a number of pre- and in-game tweaks to the overall presentation of Razorback football should only add to the atmosphere. Arkansas players should be equally excited about the on-field beginning of the Petrino era, which is expected to provide the sort of offense Razorbacks fans have been clamoring for the last few years. Western Illinois will face a number of challenge. Beyond a talent differential, the Leathernecks must open the season without their head coach, Don Patterson, who is undergoing cancer treatment and has not been around since fall camp opened. This won't be easy for Western Illinois.
EDGE Arkansas