Week 5: Arkansas at Texas

When these two renewed their series, kicking off the dust on an old Southwest Conference rivalry, it was hailed as a grand reunion for two of that old league’s power programs.

Oh, for the good old days.

Texas remains a national player, but the Razorbacks no longer bring the bacon, so to speak. The beginning of the Bobby Petrino era may show a 2-1 record, but Arkansas needed desperate rallies to survive against Western Illinois and Louisiana-Monroe was blown out at home by Alabama. And now there are no more softies remaining on the schedule. The Hogs could find themselves as the underdog in every remaining game.

At Arkansas, quarterback is a concern, special teams are a mess and the defense has surrendered yards and points in big bunches.

This is no time to be heading for Texas, which is averaging 48.7 points a game behind a rejuvenated Colt McCoy at quarterback.

McCoy, battered behind a leaky offensive line a year ago, is enjoying much better protection so far this season. As a result, he’s fired 11 passing touchdowns through three games.

The Horns are developing weapons at receiver and running back, answering one preseason concern. The biggest barrier for Texas so far: boredom. This game will get their attention, if for the name Arkansas, and not the game the Razorbacks will provide.

Notes:

Texas quarterback Colt McCoy passed for four touchdowns against Rice, giving him a school career-record 62 scoring passes for this career.

The Longhorn running game has featured several different backs trying to fill the void left by Jamaal Charles’ jump to the NFL. The most productive back – McCoy, who has led Texas in rushing in two of the three games.

UT lost starting tight end Blaine Irby to a dislocated knee that will sideline him for the rest of the season. Irby had caught 10 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

Arkansas ranks last in the SEC in rushing defense (185.3 yards per game) and scoring defense (33.3 points per game).

Despite Arkansas’ split from the old Southwest Conference to the SEC, the Razorbacks have still played more games against Texas than any other foe. The Longhorns lead the series 55-21.

Player to Watch (Longhorns) – Cody Johnson, RB

Johnson is the fourth Texas back to try the feature role this season. A redshirt freshman, he ran for 67 yards and a touchdown on a team-high 15 carries in Saturday’s win over Rice. A rugged runner at 5-foot-11, 255 pounds, Johnson made a push to join an already crowded running back post. Can he step to the front of the pack?

Player to Watch (Razorbacks) – Ray Dominguez, OT

For the Hogs to have any chance in Austin, quarterback Casey Dick needs time to throw. So far, he’s had little. Arkansas is tied for 115th nationally in sacks allowed, allowing 3.3 per game – better than only two other teams. Beyond the sacks, Dick has been under constant pressure. Dominguez and his linemates must do a better job.

Texas by 34