Texas Football: 3 weaknesses Sarkisian can exploit vs. Arkansas
Keep pounding the ball up the middle with Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson
Between the numbers is a place where Texas can try to exploit a weakness of Arkansas in more than just the passing game. Arkansas proved to be vulnerable down the stretch last season, and at times against Rice last weekend, up the middle in the ground game.
The good news for Texas is that the standout running back duo of star sophomore Bijan Robinson and versatile junior Roschon Johnson can do a lot of damage running up the middle. Of the 87 rushing yards that the Owls managed against Arkansas last weekend, roughly 65 of them came rushing up the middle (between the center at the two guards).
Running up the middle was the only direction for Rice to average at least four yards per carry last weekend against the Hogs too.
The inside zone run is a favorite of Sark’s to set the tone, and it’s something that we’re likely to see again initially from Bijan. Roschon should also work into the mix in this game, as someone who could have success up the middle against this Arkansas defense.
On just eight attempts running up the middle against an experienced Louisiana front last weekend, Bijan registered 50 rushing yards (7.1 yards per carry), four forced missed tackles and 15 yards after contact.
Running up the middle last season against Arkansas, Alabama absolutely gashed this front. Alabama went for 99 rushing yards on seven attempts, largely thanks to an 80-yard scamper from Jase McClellan for a touchdown, running up the middle. That included more than 80 yards after initial contact and nearly 17 yards per carry.
There should be a clear plan of attack as to where Texas will spark the offense again this weekend. The middle of the Arkansas defensive front is prone to giving up yards in chunks on the ground. And while the Arkansas linebacker duo of Bumper Pool and Grant Morgan are capable and proven, but defensive tackle is a question mark.
Arkansas should be starting the former Illinois State transfer, John Ridgeway, for the first time against Texas at one defensive tackle spot. And then, Arkansas looks to start Markell Utsey at the other defensive tackle spot, after he struggled as one of the lowest-graded defensive players for the Hogs in Week 1.