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MVPs from Texas Tech: Jonathan Williams, Alex Collins, and Sebastian Tretola on offense, Martrell Spaight on defense, and Alan D'Appollonio on special teams. Bielema noted they submitted both Williams and Collins for SEC Player of the Week.
Bielema is certainly not overlooking Northern Illinois. He noted they've won 17 consecutive road games and will be coming into Fayetteville expecting to win. He's worked with some of the coaches there and knows how good they are.
He talked quite a bit about the passing game in light of only attempting 12 throws against Texas Tech. He said that was a game plan that worked for Tech but that can't be the game plan in the future against better run defenses. Expect Arkansas to throw the ball more against the Huskies this weekend.
Bielema described Arkansas passing game as "the best kept secret in Fayetteville." I don't know if I'd go that far. They'll have to prove it. The passing game certainly wasn't effective in the 2nd half at Auburn. It probably should be vs Northern Illinois. I do think the Hogs' passing game has potential - what if Drew Morgan had hauled in that diving touchdown pass that went through his hands? - but not sure the talent is there yet. We'll see. He did note that they're not running it 68 times and passing 12 times in practice.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Coach B: I am labeled as a running guy, but we have been at our best when we are balanced and going for 200-225 rushing and passing both</p>— Hawgs Illustrated (@HImagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/HImagazine/status/511567308855050240">September 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
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There was a lot of praise for the defense. Bielema noted that Saturday was the lowest level of production Texas Tech has had since Kliff Kingsbury took over. He also noted the defense had a ton of interceptions against the scout team in practice earlier in the week so the aggressive play against balls in the air wasn't surprising.
Bielema talked about enjoying listening to talk radio (!) and hearing people discuss Arkansas' win on both national and local shows.
You may have noticed the Pumbaa helmet stickers on the backs of some players' helmets. Bielema said those will be awarded for various achievements, but only after wins. That could mean lots of Pumbaa on some players' helmets.
