PRE-GAME: Over the last couple games, it appears the Hogs have cleaned up their issues with punt alignment and protection and have done a better job in coverage. The Razorbacks return game is still non-existent, but there is only so much they can do when kickoffs fly through the back of the end zone and punts don't present opportunities for safe returns.
The latest concern with special teams is the accuracy of field goal kicker AJ Reed, who missed two of three attempts at Texas A&M last weekend. In fairness, 48 and 49-yard field goals are not easy, but Reed is a former Lou Groza Award semifinalist and the six points left off the board in the first half changed the trajectory of the game.
The Vols have a pair of weapons in the return game in running back Eric Gray and wideout Velus Jones Jr to be aware of. Tennessee has allowed some sizable kickoff returns this season. Kicker Brent Cimaglia is 2-4 in field goal attempts this season and has not connected beyond 33 yards.
ARKANSAS WON: This could have easily been a wash. Arkansas did not punt particularly well, averaging just 37.5 yards on six punts. Meanwhile Tennessee averaged 45.7 yards on their six attempts. As a nice change of pace, De'Vion Warren was actually able to return a kickoff, which netted 26 yards and is just the second return for the Razorbacks this season.
Cimaglia drilled two first half field goals from 48 and 50 yards out while Reed shanked a 21 yard second quarter attempt, leaving Arkansas fans pulling their hair out. Late in the third quarter, Pittman trotted his kicker right back out and he redeemed himself by knocking through a 48-yard attempt that gave the Hogs a two score lead. What gave Pittman the confidence to trust Reed in that situation after his recent struggles?
"Because I knew he’d make it," Pittman said. "You know, if you give up on a kicker, you might as well just go for it all the time. I told him, I said, ‘Hey, I’ve got the ultimate confidence in you. I know you’re going to make the next one, and he did. It was huge by the way, putting up up 11. I’ve got confidence in him because I see him every day at practice, and I’m sure he appreciates that. I appreciate him. He did a nice job."
"five" - Google News
November 08, 2020 at 10:59PM
https://ift.tt/36l9cHm
Arkansas 24, Tennessee 13: Five Questions 'Answered' - 247Sports
"five" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2YnPDf8
https://ift.tt/2SxXq6o
No comments:
Post a Comment