Louisiana Tech at Arkansas: Three Things to Watch

The Arkansas Razorbacks kick off the 2016 season at home against Louisiana Tech. Below we share our “three things to watch”. These are things that will be a factor not just in today’s game, but will also show signs of things to come over the course of the season. Let’s begin.

1. Is Austin Allen as Good as His Brother?

Oct 31, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Austin Allen (8) hands the ball off to running back Denzell Evans (25) in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Martin Skyhawks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated UTM 63-28. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Last season Brandon Allen had an amazing year. He completed 66 percent of his passes and threw 30 touchdowns. But now Brandon is gone, and his younger brother Austin is set to take over. Austin is, to put it lightly, very inexperienced. He has attempted 19 passes over two seasons, of which he has completed nine for 188 yards and one touchdown.

For Bret Bielema’s run-heavy offense to work as effectively as possible, it needs an efficient quarterback who can open things up with play-action passing. Is Austin Allen that guy? Bielema had better hope so.

2. Who Will Replace Alex Collins?

Oct 3, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Rawleigh Williams (22) runs the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Arkansas won 24 to 20. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Also gone to the NFL is Arkansas running back Alex Collins. Collins was an incredibly underrated back who averaged 5.6 yards per carry over the course of his three-year career. He also scored 36 touchdowns.

This year, Arkansas may rely on two running backs to try to replicate Collins’s production. Currently Kody Walker and Rawleigh Williams III are on top of the depth chart together. Walker is a big power back, while Williams is more balanced. It should be fun to see who gets the nod in important situations.

3. Will the Secondary be Improved?

Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back D.J. Dean (2) celebrates after intercepting a pass in the end zone intended for LSU Tigers wide receiver Malachi Dupre (15) during the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. Arkansas Razorbacks defeated LSU 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

Last season Arkansas’s secondary was atrocious. The Hogs were ranked 116th in the country in passing yards allowed. Arkansas returns four out of their top five defensive backs, so that’s the good news. Also, Bielema hired Paul Rhoads as the Hogs new secondary coach. The Hogs should be better in theory. Whether or not they actually will be remains to be seen.

Conclusion

Dan Skipper will make life easy for Austin Allen and the Hog running backs.Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Louisiana Tech at Arkansas: 3 Things to Watch

By Justin Melton | Sep 2, 2016

1. Is Austin Allen as Good as His Brother?

2. Who Will Replace Alex Collins?

3. Will the Secondary be Improved?

Conclusion