<
>

Arkansas continues upswing with blowout win over UT Martin

Alex Collins would like to remind everyone that there are running backs in the SEC not named Leonard Fournette and Derrick Henry.

Arkansas’ talented junior scored a career-high five rushing touchdowns in a 63-28 rout of UT Martin on Saturday. He’s now up to 11 touchdowns and is just 40 yards shy of the 1,000-yard mark this season.

After starting off 1-3 and falling out of the polls, the Razorbacks accomplished two firsts against the Skyhawks: their first winning streak of the season and their first time reaching .500 in the win-loss column.

What the win means for Arkansas: They’re not going to get back into the SEC West race. That ship has sailed. But by getting back to .500 and winning two in a row coming out of the bye week, the Razorbacks have some momentum heading into the home stretch of the season. As long as there aren’t anymore significant injuries and Brandon Allen continues playing well under center, they have a chance to play the role of spoiler with No. 19 Ole Miss up next and No. 4 LSU to follow.

What the loss means for UT Martin: You’re 5-2, a 37-point underdog and you’re playing on the road. So what is the one thing you can’t do if you’re trying to pull off an upset? That’s right, turn the ball over. And UT Martin just couldn’t hang onto the football. Quarterback Jarod Neal had one interception and WR William Tanner made it two picks before the first quarter was even over, putting his team in a hole it couldn’t climb out of.

Play of the game: Tight ends aren’t supposed to be this athletic, especially those that are as big and block as well as Arkansas’ Hunter Henry. But then Henry goes and makes a catch like this, reminding everyone that he’s the total package.

Unsung hero: His numbers didn’t jump off the page, but Jared Cornelius' mere presence had to be uplifting for Arkansas. When he injured his forearm against Texas Tech on Sept. 19, it didn’t seem likely that he’d come back after only four weeks away. But there he was on Saturday against UT Martin in the starting lineup. The sophomore from Louisiana caught four passes for 33 yards, giving Allen another playmaker at receiver where he so desperately needed one considering the injuries to Keon Hatcher and others.