Jump to content

2009 Arkansas Razorbacks football team: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 18: Line 18:
|StadiumArena = [[Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium|Razorback Stadium]]<br>[[War Memorial Stadium (Arkansas)|War Memorial Stadium]]
|StadiumArena = [[Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium|Razorback Stadium]]<br>[[War Memorial Stadium (Arkansas)|War Memorial Stadium]]
|Champion =
|Champion =
|BowlTourney=
|BowlTourney= Liberty Bowl Champions
|BowlTourneyResult= Liberty Bowl Champions
|BowlTourneyResult= Liberty Bowl Champions
}}
}}

Revision as of 02:12, 3 January 2010

{{{year}}} [[{{{team}}} football]]
2009 Southeastern Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
Eastern Division
No. 3 Florida x%   8 0     13 1  
Georgia   4 4     8 5  
Tennessee   4 4     7 6  
Kentucky   3 5     7 6  
South Carolina   3 5     7 6  
Vanderbilt   0 8     2 10  
Western Division
No. 1 Alabama x$#   8 0     14 0  
No. 17 LSU   5 3     9 4  
No. 20 Ole Miss   4 4     9 4  
Arkansas   3 5     8 5  
Auburn   3 5     8 5  
Mississippi State   3 5     5 7  
Championship: Alabama 32, Florida 13
  • # – BCS National Champion
  • $ – BCS representative as conference champion
  • % – BCS at-large representative
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2009 Arkansas Razorbacks football team represent the University of Arkansas in the 2009 football season. The Razorbacks play five home games at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas and two home games at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas. Head coach Bobby Petrino is his second season at Arkansas.

Leading into the 2009 season

Former Michigan State head coach John L. Smith was hired as special teams coordinator.[1] He replaced Lorenzo Ward who took a spot with the South Carolina Gamecocks.[1] Quarterback Ryan Mallett and linebacker Ryan Powers were both arrested before the season. Mallett's charge of public intoxication garnered national headlines, and Powers was charged with shoplifting from a Fayetteville Wal-Mart.[2][3] Neither player was suspended.[4]

Players

Additions

Punter Briton Forester signed with the team on March 2 out of Palomar College.[5] Forester had previsouly competed at Hawaii in 2006 and 2007, and will be designated a junior at Arkansas.[6] New special teams coach John L. Smith was integral in Forester's signing.[5]

Southern Cal transfer Broderick Green was cleared to play by the NCAA on July 31, 2009.[7] The running back transferred to Arkansas to be nearer his ill grandmother, who resides in Little Rock, Arkansas. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.[8]

Departures

In a press release on December 16, 2008, Nathan Dick, brother of Casey Dick, announced his intentions to transfer from the University of Arkansas.[9] His release was granted by Bobby Petrino.[9] Dick transferred to in-state UCA.[10] Crosby Tuck, a sophomore receiver from Shiloh Christian School, announced that he would no longer compete with the Razorbacks on February 23, 2009.[11] The Springdale native's decision was based on an elbow injury against Kentucky in 2007, from which he has not returned. Tuck will remain at the University of Arkansas.[11]

Sophomore linebacker Khiry Battle was dismissed from the team on June 29, 2009, due to an unspecified violation of team rules.[12]

Recruits

US college sports recruiting information for 2009 recruits
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40 Commit date
Alvin Bailey
OL
Broken Arrow, OK Broken Arrow HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 330 lb (150 kg) 5.3 Aug 14, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 76
Neal Barlow
WR
Little Rock, AR Pulaski Academy 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 4.55 Sep 18, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 75
Colby Berna
OL
Fayetteville, AR Fayetteville HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 275 lb (125 kg) 5.1 Feb 6, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 80
Shauntez Bruce
OL
Tallahassee, FL Lincoln HS 6 ft 4.5 in (1.94 m) 295 lb (134 kg) N/A Jan 12, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 76
Ryan Calender
DE
Caddo Mills, TX Caddo Mills HS 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 4.8 May 28, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 74
Rudell Crim
DB
Tallahassee, FL Butler County (KS) 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 4.4 Jan 20, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247SportsN/A
Knile Davis
RB
Missouri City, TX Marshall HS 6 ft 1.5 in (1.87 m) 209.5 lb (95.0 kg) 4.48 Jan 9, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 80
David Gordon
DB
Tulsa, OK East Central HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 4.4 Jul 18, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 80
Cobi Hamilton
WR
Texarkana, TX Texas HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 194 lb (88 kg) 4.56 Jan 27, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 78
John Henderson
DT
Oakland, CA College of the Sequoias 6 ft .5 in (1.84 m) 305 lb (138 kg) 4.95 Feb 2, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247SportsN/A
Rickey Hughey
ATH
Lewisville, AR Lafayette County HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 221 lb (100 kg) 4.7 Oct 14, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 40
DeQuinta Jones
DT
Bastrop, LA Bastrop HS 6 ft 4.5 in (1.94 m) 305 lb (138 kg) 4.70 Feb 4, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 77
Anthony Leon
DB
Miami, FL College of the Sequoias 6 ft 3.5 in (1.92 m) 230 lb (100 kg) 4.55 Jan 23, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247SportsN/A
Kevin Lowery
DT
Gainesville, FL Gainesville HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 285 lb (129 kg) 5.1 Oct 15, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 78
Brandon Mitchell
ATH
Amite, LA Amite HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 4.5 Jan 14, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 76
Jerry Mitchell
DB
Mandeville, LA Mandeville HS 6 ft 1.5 in (1.87 m) 197 lb (89 kg) 4.5 Sep 8, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 77
Austin Moss
LB
Rockwall, TX Rockwall-Heath HS 6 ft 2.5 in (1.89 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 4.57 Jul 31, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 77
Colton Nash
DE
Sulphur Springs, TX Sulphur Springs HS 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 243 lb (110 kg) 4.8 Jan 25, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 75
Anthony Oden
OL
Chatham, VA Hargrave Military Academy 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 314 lb (142 kg) 4.87 Aug 9, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 72
Ross Rasner
ATH
Waco, TX Reicher Catholic HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 4.6 Jul 17, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 75
Lance Ray
ATH
Havana, FL East Gadsden HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 193 lb (88 kg) 4.45 Dec 8, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 79
Andru Stewart
DB
Bakersfield, CA College of the Sequoias 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 191 lb (87 kg) 4.5 Dec 20, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A
Travis Swanson
OL
Kingwood, TX Kingwood HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 271 lb (123 kg) 5.45 Aug 4, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 76
Austin Tate
TE
Harrison, AR Harrison HS 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 228 lb (103 kg) 4.75 May 30, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 76
Robert Thomas
DT
Muskogee, OK Muskogee HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 305 lb (138 kg) N/A Oct 20, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 74
Zhamal Thomas
OL
New Iberia, LA Navarro CC 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 325 lb (147 kg) 5.05 Dec 8, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A
Terrell Williams
ATH
Tulsa, OK Union HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 4.59 Jan 18, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 75
Turell Williams
RB
West Helena, AR Central HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 4.5 Apr 3, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 77
Ronnie Wingo Jr.
ATH
St. Louis, MO St. Louis University HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 212 lb (96 kg) 4.4 Jan 27, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 79
Darius Winston
DB
West Helena, AR Central HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 4.3 Sep 5, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:5/5 stars   247SportsN/A    ESPN grade: 84
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 20   Rivals: 15
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Arkansas 2009 Football Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
  • "2009 Arkansas Commits". Scout.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
  • "2009 Player Commitments - Arkansas". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
  • "2009 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.

Regular season

Schedule

September 56:00 p.m.Missouri State*

PPVW 48–1055,572 September 197:45 p.m.No. 20 Georgia

ESPNL 41-5274,210 September 262:30 p.m.at No. 3 Alabama

CBSL 7-3592,012 October 36:30 p.m.vs. Texas A&M*

ESPN2W 47-1971,872 October 1011:00 a.m.No. 17 Auburn

  • Razorback Stadium
  • Fayetteville, AR

ESPNW 44-2372,559 October 172:30 p.m.at No. 1 Florida

CBSL 20-2390,508 October 2411:21 a.m.at Ole Miss

SEC NetworkL 17-3060,622 October 316:00 p.m.Eastern Michigan*dagger

  • Razorback Stadium
  • Fayetteville, AR

ESPNUW 63-2762,501 November 711:21 a.m.South Carolina

  • Razorback Stadium
  • Fayetteville, AR

SEC NetworkW 33-1668,865 November 146:30 p.m.Troy*

  • Razorback Stadium
  • Fayetteville, AR

CSSW 56-20 66,442 November 2111:21 a.m.Mississippi State

  • War Memorial Stadium
  • Little Rock, AR

SEC NetworkW 42-2155,634 November 286:00 p.m.at No. 17 LSU

ESPNL 30-33 OT93,013 January 25:30 p.m.vs. East Carolina*

ESPN

Template:CFB Schedule End

Rankings

Ranking Movement
Poll Pre Wk 1 Wk 2 Wk 3 Wk 4 Wk 5 Wk 6 Wk 7 Wk 8 Wk 9 Wk 10 Wk 11 Wk 12 Wk 13 Wk 14 Final
AP NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR
Coaches NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR
Harris Not released NR NR NR NR NR NR NR
BCS Not released NR NR NR NR

Personnel

Coaching staff

2008 Arkansas Razorbacks coaching staff

Head Coaches

Offensive Coaches

  • Offensive Coordinator - Paul Petrino
  • Quarterbacks - Garrick McGee
  • Running Backs - Tim Horton
  • Tight Ends - Tim Horton
  • Offensive Line - Mike Summers
  • Graduate Assistant - Chip Long

Defensive Coaches

  • Defensive Coordinator - Willy Robinson
  • Linebackers - Reggie Johnson
  • Defensive Tackle - Bobby Allen
  • Defensive Ends - Kirk Botkin
  • Secondary - Willy Robinson
  • Graduate Assistant - Courtney Sanders
 

Special Teams

Administrative Staff

  • Athletic Director (AD) - Jeff Long
  • Director of High School Relations - Dean Campbell
  • Director of Football Operations - Mark Robinson
  • Strength and Conditioning - Jason Veltkamp
  • Recruiting Coordinator - Tim Horton

Roster

Template:2009 Arkansas Razorbacks football roster

Game notes

Missouri State

1 2 3 4 Total
Bears 7 3 0 0 10
Razorbacks 21 10 10 7 48

Arkansas began the season with a bang as Dennis Johnson returned the opening kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown.[13] The Razorbacks also threw for over 400 yards as a team for the first time in school history.[14]

Ryan Mallett went 17 for 22 passing for 309 yards and a touchdown in his Razorbacks debut. He transferred from the University of Michigan following the 2007 season, and had to sit out the 2008 season in accordance with NCAA regulations.[15] His backup, Tyler Wilson, was more efficient but less productive going 13 for 19 for 138 yards with an interception and two touchdowns.[16] Senior running back Michael Smith scored from 15 yards out to make the score 14–0 Razorbacks. Broderick Green scored on a 1 yard touchdown plunge to make the score 21–3 to close the first quarter.

Van Stumon caught a Wilson pass for a two-yard touchdown, followed by a Bears score to push the Razorback advantage to 28–10. Alex Tejada added a short field goal before halftime to give the Hogs a 21 point lead.[16] Joe Adams caught a 40 yard touchdown pass from Mallett to start the third quarter scoring, with the Hogs also notching another Tejada field goal. The fourth quarter produced another TD strike from Wilson, this time to Cobi Hamilton.

Smith finished with four carries for 43 yards and the score. True freshman Ronnie Wingo Jr. rushed eight times for 50 yards, Broderick Green rushed 10 times for 31 yards and a touchdown.[16] Jarius Wright caught 6 passes for 139 yards, with Joe Adams snagging 4 for 70 and a TD. Cobi Hamilton had four grabs for 56 and a TD, Greg Childs caught 4 for 50 yds. Tight end D.J. Williams, named to the Mackey Award watch list, caught two passes for twenty yards.[17] Razorback linebackers Wendel Davis and Jerry Franklin had five solo tackles each.[18]

#20 Georgia

1 2 3 4 Total
#20 Bulldogs 10 17 15 10 52
Razorbacks 21 0 17 3 41

The fifth-largest crowd in Razorback Stadium history watched the Hogs and Dogs pile up over 1,000 yards of offense and numerous school records.[19] Georgia QB Joe Cox threw for 375 yards and five scores. Bulldogs receiver A. J. Green had seven catches for 137 yards and two scores. Ryan Mallett of Arkansas completed 21 of 39 for 408 yards and five touchdowns. The yardage and touchdown totals both are school records. Razorback receiver Greg Childs caught five passes for 140 yards and two TDs.[20]

Arkansas scored on their first two plays; Joe Adams catching an 18 yard pass from Ryan Mallett (Alex Tejada kick) followed by a Jarius Wright 48 yard pass from Mallett. Georgia would score on a Joe Cox TD pass and Blair Walsh field goal, followed by a Greg Childs 30 yard TD reception from Ryan Mallett to make it a 21-10 Razorback lead to end the first period. Early in the second quarter, Razorback linebacker Jerry Franklin was assessed two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and was ejected. Georgia opened the second quarter scoring with an 80 yard run by Richard Samuel, followed by a 25 yard pass from Joe Cox to A.J. Green. Walsh would add a field goal as time expired, giving UGA the first half, 27-21.[21]

Arkansas forced Georgia into a three-and-out, followed by a 40 yard Ryan Mallett aerial to Greg Childs, to make it a 28-27 Arkansas advantage. Tavarres King of Georgia responded by catching a 50 yard pass from Cox. Arkansas replied when D.J. Williams snagged a 2 yard pass from Mallett. Georgia two-way player Orson Charles caught a 44 yard pass from Joe Cox to make the score 40-35. The Dogs attempted a two point conversion, and A.J. Green caught the lob from Cox to make it 42-35. Razorback kicker Alex Tejada added a short field goal, making the score 42-38 to Georgia's advantage.

A.J. Green caught a 28 yard touchdown pass from Cox to give UGA an 11 point lead in the fourth quarter. The Razorbacks drove inside the Georgia 10 yardline, but settled for a field goal. Georgia subsequently took the ball and tacked on another field goal, making the final score 52-41.[22]

The three-hour and forty-five-minute affair contained 25 penalties for 193 total yards. The two teams combined to run 125 plays.[19] Joe Cox was named National Offensive Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Football Foundation for his efforts.[23]

#3 Alabama

1 2 3 4 Total
Razorbacks 0 0 7 0 7
#3 Crimson Tide 0 14 14 7 35

Arkansas visited Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 26 to play the third-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.

Arkansas and Alabama battled to a 0-0 tie after the first quarter, with the two teams combining for five punts and six first downs. Trent Richardson got the scoring started for 'Bama, breaking numerous tackles on his way to a 52-yard touchdown run. After Arkansas punted on the ensuing possession, Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy completed a deep pass to Julio Jones for 50 yards and a touchdown out of the wildcat formation. Arkansas rushed for negative yardage in the second quarter, but was losing by only 14 at halftime.

Arkansas' offense got started in the third quarter on a Greg Childs 18 yard touchdown reception from Ryan Mallett. The Alex Tejada kick made it a 14-7 Alabama lead. Alabama's response was a single play: McElroy to Marquis Maze for an 80-yard touchdown pass. Arkansas' Dylan Breeding had his punt attempt blocked, setting up Mark Ingram to catch a 14 yard TD pass from McElroy. The Crimson Tide led 28-7 entering the fourth quarter, and Ingram's 2 yard run produced the 35-7 final score.[24]

Texas A&M, Southwest Classic

1 2 3 4 Total
Aggies 10 0 3 6 19
Razorbacks 7 23 7 10 47

Texas A&M and Arkansas renewed their past rivalry, now named the Southwest Classic, in Cowboys Stadium on October 3, 2009. Texas A&M would take an early 10-0 lead on a Randy Bullock field goal and Jerrod Johnson 60-yard pass to Bran Jackson, but Arkansas would respond with 30 unanswered points before halftime. TD passes from Ryan Mallett to Broderick Green and DeAnthony Curtis, followed by a 85-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Jerry Franklin, gave the Hogs a 21-10 lead. Alex Tejada would make a field goal and Jarius Wright's 31-yard TD reception would give the Razorbacks a 30-10 lead at halftime.

The Aggies replied with a field goal from Bullock with 8:16 to play in the third quarter. Mallett would hit Michael Smith for a 29-yard passing touchdown to close the third quarter scoring. Texas A&M receiver Ryan Tannehill would catch a 3-yard pass from Johnson to make it a 19-37 game, but the Aggies failed the two-point conversion. After another Tejada field goal, Razorback true freshman Ronnie Wingo, Jr. would break loose for a 62-yard touchdown to produce the final margin of 47-19.[25]

Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson completed 30 of 58 passes for 345 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Mallett was 17 of 27 passing for 271 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. Joe Adams caught three passes for 110 yards to lead Arkansas in receiving. The contest took three hours and twenty six minutes to complete, and contained 151 plays, 91 of which were run by Texas A&M.[26]

#17 Auburn

1 2 3 4 Total
#17 Tigers 0 3 20 0 23
Razorbacks 6 21 7 10 44

Former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville provided his insight on the contest, stating over the radio on WJOX, "Arkansas can’t stop a cold, but they’ll try to score some points" and that Auburn would win "by three touchdowns".[27] Bobby Petrino was an offensive coordinator for the Tigers under Tuberville in 2002, and was considered as Tuberville's successor after a dismal 2003 campaign.[28]

Arkansas forced a three-and-out on the game's opening drive, and scored on a Broderick Green 2 yard run to give the Hogs an early 7-0 lead. Early in the second quarter, Michael Smith broke a 25-yard touchdown run to give the Razorbacks a 13-0 edge. Tigers running back Mario Fannin fumbled the ensuing kickoff, recovered by Arkansas' Jerell Norton at the Auburn 34 yard line. Two plays later, Ryan Mallett completed a 16-yard touchdown pass to Greg Childs to stretch the lead to 20-0. Auburn's Wes Byrum hit on a 37-yard field goal before halftime, and Mallett completed a five-yard touchdown pass to D. J. Williams to make the Arkansas lead 27-3.[29]

Arkansas punted to open the third quarter, but Jake Bequette's recovery of Ben Tate's fumble gave the Hogs the ball at the Arkansas 5 yard line. Ten plays later, Ryan Mallett rushed for a four-yard touchdown to make it 34-3 Hogs. Tate would reply twice, first on a one-yard touchdwon run, and later on a 60-yard touchdown scamper. Onterio McCalebb would also score on the ground for Auburn in the third quarter, cutting the Razorbacks' lead to 23-34. Broderick Green responded early in the fourth quarter on a 3-yard rushing score. Alex Tejada would add a field goal to produce the final 44-23 margin. Arkansas won by 21 points, totally reversing Tommy Tuberville's prediction that the Tigers would prevail by three scores.

#1 Florida

1 2 3 4 Total
Razorbacks 0 10 3 7 20
#1 Gators 0 3 10 10 23

Favored to lose by 25 points, the Arkansas Razorbacks pushed the top-ranked Gators to the edge.[30] Arkansas sacked 2008 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow six times and forced four turnovers, but missed a 31-yard Alex Tejada field goal that would've given the Hogs a 23-20 lead with 3:08 to play.[31]

Jake Bequette set up the game's first points be forcing a Tebow fumble, recovered by Zach Stadther. The Hogs would drive to the one yard line before the first quarter ended tied scoreless.[31] USC transfer Broderick Green plunged into the end zone to start the second quarter, and gave the Hogs a 7-0 lead. Tebow would fumble again on his ensuing possession, but the Razorbacks could not capitalize.[31] UF receiver Aaron Hernandez would fumble for the third straight Gator possession, but the Hogs were forced to punt. Florida's kicker, Caleb Sturgis, kicked a 30 yard field goal on Florida's next possession to make the game 7-3 in favor of Arkansas.[31]

The Razorbacks drove inside the UF five yard line before halftime, but could only get a field goal. This gave the Hogs a 10-3 lead at the break, despite missing on every third down conversion.[31]

Following the half time performance, Florida connected on a 51-yard field goal from Sturgis to cut the Razorbacks' lead to 10-6. Tramain Thomas made an outstanding play on UF's Chris Rainey later in the third quarter. He attempted to tackle Rainey in the open field, but fell to the turf. While falling, Thomas kicked the ball cleanly out of Rainey's arm, and it fell right to Thomas.[32] The Hogs took over at Florida's 28 yard line, but missed a short field goal and were forced walk away empty from the encounter.[31]

On Florida's ensuing possession, Tim Tebow connected with Deonte Thompson for a 77-yard touchdown pass. Ramon Broadway was peeking into the backfield on the play, and took a false step towards the line of scrimmage.[32] This allowed Thompson to give the Gators a 13-10 lead. Arkansas replied with a drive fueled mostly by the efforts of Dennis Johnson, who started at running back instead of an injured Michael Smith. The drive's deciding play, however, was when Ryan Mallett missed an open Van Stumon in the end zone.[32] The Hogs did connect on another Tejada field goal, tying the game at 13.

Early in the fourth quarter, Mallett was forced to step up in the pocket and sling a pass to Greg Childs on 3rd and 17.[31] Childs caught the ball and outran several UF defenders to the end zone. It appeared that Childs lost the ball on the one yard line, but after review it was decided that he maintained possession on the 75-yard scoring play.[32] Arkansas had a 20-13 lead with 9:40 to play.[31]

Florida responded with a 67-yard scoring drive, assisted by a 15-yard pass interference penalty and 15-yard personal foul penalty called consecutivley against Arkansas.[31] The CBS broadcasting team said that the calls were both "questionable".[32] Top-ranked Florida tied the game at 20. The officiating crew was suspended by the Southeastern Conference the following week,[33][34] and will remain on suspension until November 14.[35] Florida coach Urban Meyer later said that the SEC was right by suspending the crew, and Bobby Petrino was reprimanded by the SEC for publicly criticizing the crew after the contest.[36]

Ryan Mallett later led a 56-yard drive to the UF 21-yard line, but Alex Tejada missed a potential game-winning field goal with 3:08 remaining. Tebow and company marched down the field to the Arkansas 10 yard line, finding Riley Cooper for three first downs on the drive.[31] With thirteen seconds to play, Sturgis kicked the game-winning field goal, ending the Razorbacks' upset bid and preserving Florida's homecoming.[32]

Ole Miss

1 2 3 4 Total
Razorbacks 0 7 10 0 17
Rebels 14 3 7 6 30

The Arkansas Razorbacks traveled to Oxford, Mississippi to match up against former coach Houston Nutt.

Jevan Snead opened the scoring for the Ole Miss Rebels, running in from one yard out. The University of Texas transfer also completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to Shay Hodge to take a 14-0 Rebels lead. Ole Miss would also add a field goal from Joshua Shene before Arkansas would dent the scoreboard. Knile Davis rumbled in from three yards out to draw the Razorbacks within 10. Before halftime, Snead lead what looked like a last-minute scoring drive until Arkansas defensive back Jerico Nelson intercepted a pass at the Arkansas six yard line.

Andru Stewart would intercept another Snead pass early in the third quarter, leading to an Alex Tejada field goal. Ole Miss would respond when Snead hit Dexter McCluster on a screen pass that McCluster took for a 64-yard touchdown. Arkansas would score on the ensuing possession when Ryan Mallett connected with Carlton Salters for a 58-yard touchdown. The ball was intended for Greg Childs, but Childs and two Rebel defenders tipped the ball to an uncovered Salters for the score. The Rebels would add two more Shene field goals to make the final score 30-17.[37] McCluster rushed 22 times for 123 yards. He also caught 7 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown.

Statistics

Footnotes

References

  1. ^ a b "Former Michigan State coach joins Arkansas staff." January 16, 2009. International Herald-Tribune. Story.Retrieved on January 17, 2009.
  2. ^ "Mallett pleads guilty to public intoxication." April 4, 2009. Sports Illustrated. Article. Retrieved on April 14, 2009.
  3. ^ "Hogs linebacker arrested on shoplifting charge." April 4, 2009. Associated Press. Article. Retrieved on April 11, 2009. Archived 2009-06-11.
  4. ^ Abrams, Alex. "Petrino ‘Not Happy’ With Latest Arrests." March 23, 2009. The Morning News. Article. Retrieved on April 11, 2009. Archived 2009-06-11.
  5. ^ a b "Briton Forester." Rivals.com. Article. Retrieved on March 3, 2009.
  6. ^ "Punter Briton Forester signs with Arkansas, joins 2009 recruiting class." KFSM. Article. Retrieved on March 3, 2009.
  7. ^ "Green cleared to play for Arkansas." July 31, 2009. Article. Retrieved on August 7, 2009. Archived 2009-08-11.
  8. ^ "Green eligible to play in 2009." July 30, 2009. Article. Retrieved on August 7, 2009.
  9. ^ a b "Nathan Dick Granted Release." 12/16/2008. arkansasrazorbacks.com. Story. Retrieved on January 17, 2009.
  10. ^ "Nathan Dick Headed to UCA." 01/06/09 KATV. Story. Retrieved on January 17, 2009.
  11. ^ a b Trainor, Kevin. "Tuck will no longer play football." 02/23/2009 Article. Retrieved on February 24, 2009.
  12. ^ "Battle dismissed from football team." 06/29/2009 Article. Retrieved on August 7, 2009.
  13. ^ Murphy, Tom. "ARKANSAS 48, MISSOURI STATE 10: Fast-break fun." Northwest Arkansas Times. Sept 6, 2009. Article. Retrieved 2009-09-06.
  14. ^ Edwards, Mark. "Petrino Opens 2009 With Offensive Record." Sept 5, 2009. Article. Retrieved 2009-09-06.
  15. ^ Henry, Clay. "Passing Fancy Sets Record." Hawgsillustrated.com. Article. Retrieved 2009-09-06.
  16. ^ a b c Trister, Noah. "Arkansas defeats Missouri St. 48-10." Sept 5, 2009. Associated Press. Article. Retrieved 2009-09-06.
  17. ^ "UAB's Jeffery Anderson Named To Mackey Award Watch List." July 29, 2009. Article. Retrieved 2009-09-06.
  18. ^ "Arkansas sets record with 447 yards passing, cruises by Missouri State." Article. Retrieved 2009-09-06.
  19. ^ a b Smith, Bill. "Dogs outlast Hogs in shootout." 9/19/2009. Article. Retrieved 2009-09-21.
  20. ^ "Georgia vs Arkansas (Sep 19, 2009)." Stats. Retrieved 2009-09-21.
  21. ^ Low, Chris. "What a second quarter for Georgia." September 19, 2009. Article. Retrieved 2009-09-21.
  22. ^ "SEC: Georgia beats Arkansas for wild win." Article. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2009-09-21.
  23. ^ Tucker, Tim. "Georgia QB Joe Cox wins national player of week award." September 20, 2009. [Georgia QB Joe Cox wins national player of week award Article.] The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved 2009-09-21.
  24. ^ "No. 3 Alabama is all over Arkansas." Sept. 26, 2009. NBC Sports.Article. Retrieved 2009-10-04.
  25. ^ Carlton, Chuck. "Mallett, Razorbacks lower hammer on A&M, 47-19." October 4, 2009. Dallas Morning News. Article. Retrieved 2009-10-30.
  26. ^ "Texas A&M Aggies vs Arkansas Razorbacks (Oct. 3, 2009)." Article. Retrieved 2009-10-30.
  27. ^ Low, Chris. "Tuberville says Auburn will win by three TDs." ESPN.com. October 7, 2009. Article. Retrieved 2009-10-08.
  28. ^ Paramore, Phil. Dothan Eagle. May 28, 2008. "Petrino, Tuberville move past ‘jetgate’." Article. Retrieved 2009-10-08.
  29. ^ "#17 Auburn 23, Arkansas 44." Play-by-play. Retrieved 2009-11-10.
  30. ^ "Arkansas Razorbacks Team Page." vegasinsider.com. Oct 18, 2009.Team Page. Retrieved 2009-10-18.
  31. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Arkansas vs #1 Florida (Oct 17, 2009 at Gainesville, Fla.)." Game Statistics. Retrieved 2009-10-18.
  32. ^ a b c d e f Danielson, Gary, and Lundquist, Verne (October 17, 2009). Arkansas at Florida (Television broadcast). Gainesville, Florida: CBS.
  33. ^ "Crew removed from Oct. 31 game." ESPN.com. October 22, 2009. Article. Retrieved 2009-11-1.
  34. ^ "SEC suspends UF-Arkansas crew." SportsIllustrated.com. October 21, 2009. Article. Retrieved 2009-11-1.
  35. ^ "SEC suspends Florida-Arkansas crew." Yahoo.com. October 21, 2009. Article. Retrieved 2009-11-1.
  36. ^ "Meyer says SEC right in suspending officials." NBC Sports.com. October 23, 2009. Article. Retrieved 2009-11-1.
  37. ^ Trister, Noah. "Nutt, Mississippi roll over Arkansas 30-17." Oct 24, 2009. The Associated Press.Article. Retrieved 2009-11-12.