The Run Game Will Be Key To Razorback Victory On Saturday

So far in the 2020 season, Arkansas has not been able to solidify a run game consistently. There has been flashes though on Saturday. Although, 63 yards rushing doesn’t pop off the screen there were moments during the win against Mississippi State that showed it was developing.

Trelon Smith came in for relief of the injured Rakeem Boyd and was quite the weapon for the Hogs this past Saturday. Smith rushed 14 times for 48 yards at a 3.4 yard per carry rate. Key first downs and the ability to turn the edge against State will give Hog fans hope that their offensive line is continuing to mature.

The middle of the Razorback offensive line has three second year players in center Ricky Stromberg, left guard Brady Latham and right guard Beaux Limmer. Yes, being young along the offensive line is troublesome in the night SEC these three have really played well through the first two games of the season.

Fans should look for Arkansas’ offensive line to have success against the Auburn defensive line on Saturday. Yeah, stats don’t always tell the whole story of what a team will accomplish especially this early on in the season.

Auburn is 53rd nationally in run defense which is noticeably lower than normal Tigers’ standards. So far in the 2020 season, the Tiger defense has allowed 4.08 yards per rush this season, 173 yards per game and allowed 3 total touchdowns.

Arkansas has obviously not had a good go against Auburn since Gus Malzahn became their head coach in 2013. The Hogs have lost six of their seven games against the Tigers. With the lone win coming in Fayetteville during a four-overtime thriller.

Arkansas cannot be one dimensional this week so getting the run game completely on track will be the biggest key to a Razorback victory on Saturday. Here is how Arkansas has fared rushing the football against the Tigers since 2013:

2019- 52 yards (Rakeem Boyd 39 yards)

2018- 149 yards (Rakeem Boyd 66 yards)

2017- 171 yards (David Williams 86 yards)

2016- 25 yards (Rawleigh Williams 22 yards)

2015- 213 yards (Alex Collins 105 yards)

2014- 153 yards (Alex Collins 68 yards)

2013- 222 yards (Jonathan Williams 104 yards)

BOLD is the lone Razorback victory.

Like what you’re reading? Give me a follow on Twitter @jacobscottdavis!