Chris Bahn: Running Backs Make Their Mark for Razorbacks

ARLINGTON, Texas - Paul Petrino had seen it in his mind. He'd just never seen Arkansas' running backs peform on the field like they did in his head.

Until Saturday at Cowboys Stadium.

Finally, the Razorbacks got the night they wanted from the team's running backs in a 47-19 victory against Texas A&M. All the depth and versatility that appeared to be there in fall camp, appeared to be there in an actual game - when it actually mattered.

When Ronnie Wingo sprinted 62 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown that set the final score in the Southwest Classic, he became the fourth Razorbacks running back to score a touchdown. Wingo helped set the final score as 71,872 witnessed what Petrino had seen play out in his mind.

"That's what we envisioned," Petrino said. "We kept them all fresh. Had them fresh in the fourth quarter. That's what we envisioned. It was good to see it happen. Hopefully it will continue to happen."

What exactly happened? Arkansas (2-2) proved it has a ground game capable of contributing. It remains to be seen what the backs can do against a legitimate Southeastern Conference defense, but it was start.

It went beyond five different running backs carrying the ball for 149 yards. Running backs actually scored more receiving touchdowns than the team's deep, capable receiving corps.

Initially, Arkansas was content to pass the ball to its running backs. Texas A&M seemed content to leave them open, quarterback Ryan Mallett recognized that and distributed the ball effectively to Michael Smith, DeAnthony Curtis and Broderick Green.

Smith, Curtis and Green each caught touchdown passes. Between them they accounted for 108 yards on 8 catches. Curtis had his first career touchdown on a catch that gave Arkansas its first lead of the game, 14-10, with 13:22 left in the opening half.