Cotton Bowl: Three keys for Arkansas

[IE]

Here are three keys for Arkansas in its AT&T Cotton Bowl showdown with Kansas State:

Contain Collin Klein: The Razorbacks weren't great at stopping the run this season and Klein knows how to frustrate defenses with his legs. Kansas State's quarterback threw for just 1,745 yards, but he rushed for 1,099 yards and led the Big 12 with 26 rushing touchdowns. Arkansas finished the regular season ranking ninth in the SEC in rushing, allowing 174.3 yards per game. Making sure Klein doesn't extend plays with his legs will be crucial for Arkansas' defense.

Get the running game going: While the Razorbacks' defense will need to contain Kansas State's best runner, Arkansas must also get its running game going. The Hogs' running game was inconsistent for the first part of the year, but seemed to come together in the second half of the season. In order for Arkansas' offense to truly produce, it has to be balanced with the rush and the pass. Pounding the ball with Dennis Johnson will be key, as it should help to wear down that pretty solid Kansas State rushing defense and will definitely open up Arkansas' passing game with stud quarterback Tyler Wilson.

Avoid a slow start: The Razorbacks seemed to get too comfortable during the midpoint of the season and had a knack for falling behind early. That can't happen today. Kansas State has had a wonderful year under coach Bill Snyder and chances are that the Wildcats aren't going to relinquish much of any lead the Hogs give them as they try to end the year on a special note. Arkansas needs to come out fast and put its foot on the Wildcats' throat early if it can.

 

[edludes]

The " lesson" is one some of us have learned,just like you. The thing we are learning is that you are an insufferable person.If you were so sure of yourself you would never need to make such a superior sounding post. You are pumping yourself up because your self assuredness is WEAK.

 

[ejthree]

The " lesson" is one some of us have learned,just like you. The thing we are learning is that you are an insufferable person.If you were so sure of yourself you would never need to make such a superior sounding post. You are pumping yourself up because your self assuredness is WEAK.

Wrong tread i hope...

 

[Livin'tillthEnd]

The " lesson" is one some of us have learned,just like you. The thing we are learning is that you are an insufferable person.If you were so sure of yourself you would never need to make such a superior sounding post. You are pumping yourself up because your self assuredness is WEAK.

yeah I.E. you poser, always doing this shit--:mj07:

:facepalm:

sorry, couldn't help myself--I love this forum and its cast of characters or should I say caricatures

 

[Destructor D]

Edludes is always complaining about something... such a miserable person.

IE: Is Davis playing for Arkansas? Saw he's questionable... excellent RB if healthy.

 

[IE]

IE: Is Davis playing for Arkansas? Saw he's questionable... excellent RB if healthy.

When Kansas State runs

Expect to see a whole lot of Collin Klein bulldozing his way for tough yards. Klein has rushed for 1,099 yards. How much does Kansas State rely on Klein? His 293 rushing attempts rank fourth nationally. Don't overlook sophomore TB John Hubert (933 yards), who lit up Miami for 166 yards early in the season.

When Kansas State passes

The Kansas State coaches say Collin Klein has improved as a passer throughout the season, but he's not exactly drawing comparisons to Andrew Luck. He was just 57.8 percent accurate this season but has become more efficient with 12 touchdowns to five interceptions. Chris Harper (39 catches, 13.7 avg., 5 TDs) has become his top target.

When Arkansas runs

The ground game took a major hit when Knile Davis went down with a season-ending ankle injury in two-a-days. Robert Johnson has given Arkansas a nice all-purpose threat with 637 yards rushing (6.3 avg.) and 22 receptions. Kansas State ranked third in the Big 12 in rushing defense (131.4 yards per game).

When Arkansas passes

Tyler Wilson quieted any concern early about replacing the departed Ryan Mallett and has the two top receivers in Arkansas history in Jarius Wright and Joe Adams. A confident, aggressive Kansas State secondary has alternated between allowing big plays and making them. Lightly recruited Nigel Malone (seven interceptions) has become a playmaker.

Special teams

Each team features solid kickers, who mirror each other. Arkansas sophomore Zach Hocker has 107 points this season but did miss three of 16 attempts inside the 40. Kansas State's Anthony Cantele was also 13-of-16 inside the 40. Each has range out to 50 yards, which could be a factor indoors at Cowboys Stadium. The big difference here is Arkansas' return game.

Intangibles

The Razorbacks will be playing at Cowboys Stadium for the fourth time in three seasons and have grown accustomed to what can be intimidating surroundings. Kansas State has enjoyed a magical season and really believes it will emerge in any close game. The five-week layoff should help Kansas State after the beating Collin Klein took during the regular season.