After defeating the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff 70-0 and barely losing in double overtime 39-31 to Oklahoma State after amassing 648 yards of total offense, the Arkansas Razorbacks will play its first game on its campus of the season against the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Blazers.
The Blazers defeated Alcorn State 41-3 in their first game. However, three costly turnovers and a failure to generate points on offense led to the Blazers’ 32-6 loss at the University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks. The Razorbacks know how crucial turnovers are, given that they had three costly ones that ultimately allowed Oklahoma State to defeat them in double overtime.
This article briefly examines the key players and information you should know before watching Arkansas battle UAB in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
UAB’s Passing Game
When UAB, a 24.5-point underdog according to ESPN BET, has the ball, the team hopes to challenge the Razorbacks’ defense with a balanced attack. The Blazers’ balanced attack is led by senior quarterback Jacob Zeno, who is six-foot-four and 210 pounds. This is Zeno’s sixth collegiate season; therefore, he’s not lacking in experience. Each season, beginning with his first one at Baylor, he has improved as a passer.
Although Zeno’s two passing touchdowns and 382 passing yards in two games this season may not fascinate many, he has completed 70.3% of his passes, connecting on 45 of 64 attempts. Therefore, he’s an accurate passer when given adequate time to deliver his passes. He loves throwing to his leading receiver, Kam Shanks, who is five-feet-eight and 180 pounds. Shanks is a freshman.
The Blazers’ Rushing Game
The Blazers have two players they depend on primarily to carry the football. The leading rusher is Lee Beebe Jr., a five-foot-ten, 220-pound sophomore running back. Beebe Jr. has 29 carries, 144 rushing yards, averaging 5.0 yards a carry, and two rushing touchdowns. Isaiah Jacobs, a five-foot-ten senior running back, has 19 carries, 88 rushing yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, and no rushing touchdowns.
Arkansas Passing Game
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The Arkansas Razorbacks’ starting quarterback, Taylen Green, is second in the SEC in passing yards. Green, six-foot-six and 230 pounds, has 42 completions on 68 attempts, 645 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and one interception. The Hogs are explosive in the passing game, and the Blazers’ defense will have their hands full trying to figure out Arkansas offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino’s sophisticated offensive schemes.
Razorbacks’ Rushing Game
Arkansas has an equally explosive rushing attack. Ja’Quinden Jackson, six-foot-two and 233 pounds, has 32 carries, 250 rushing yards, averaging 7.8 yards per carry, and five rushing touchdowns. Jackson is second in rushing yards in the SEC. To make the challenge of pulling off the upset against Arkansas even more difficult for UAB, the team must contend with Taylen Green’s rushing prowess. Green has 24 carries, 149 rushing yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry, and two rushing touchdowns.
UAB on Defense
The UAB defense will have difficulty stopping an Arkansas offense that scored 70 points against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and overwhelmed the Oklahoma State defense with 648 total yards. Yes, Oklahoma State inevitably defeated the Razorbacks in double overtime. However, the offensive production was more than enough to win the game. Again, costly mistakes and turnovers caused the Hogs to lose. Safety Sirad Bryant leads UAB with 18 tackles. The Blazers will need him to play well today if the team is to have any chance of an upset.
Hogs on Defense
The Arkansas defense only surrenders 19.5 points a game. Xavian Sorey Jr. is leading the Razorbacks with 15 tackles. He also has one sack. While the Hogs’ defense played well against Oklahoma State, they will look to make some critical improvements as they head to Auburn next Saturday.
Final Thoughts
Arkansas is ninth in scoring offense in the NCAA Division I and fourth in the SEC, averaging 50.5 points per game. UAB will arrive in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and give the Razorbacks their best effort. Without question, though, the Blazers face a mighty arduous task in attempting to upset the Hogs.
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