Week 10: Tulsa at Arkansas

A lot of intrigue here. Tulsa offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, is the architect of the nation's top-ranked offense and a former Arkansas assistant, who left after one controversial season in northwest Arkansas two years ago. He and former Arkansas coach Houston Nutt didn't see eye-to-eye so Malzahn joined Todd Graham, who was taking over the program at Tulsa.

It's been a harmonious relationship in Oklahoma. Malzahn's offense is averaging 55.6 points and 601 yards per game, but is actually coming off a sub-par performance according to the lofty standards set by Malzahn. In a 49-19 win over Central Florida, the Golden Hurricane were held — yes, held — to 436 yards. It marked the first time this season Tulsa failed to surpass 500 yards.

What makes this matchup even more intriguing is Tulsa's lack of success against schools from Bowl Championship Series conferences. The Golden Hurricane have dropped 17 straight games to BCS programs by an average of 29 points — or the exact margin of victory by Tulsa over its opponents this season.

Arkansas is led by running back Michael Smith, the Southeastern Conference's leading rusher, but the Razorbacks will be facing C-USA's second-ranked rush defense, one that has allowed only five rushing TDs. The Razorbacks are coming off difficult, close losses to Kentucky and Ole Miss after upending Auburn.

Notes

Although he ran for two scores in the victory Sunday over Central Florida, Tulsa quarterback David Johnson remains the national leader in touchdown passes with 31, two more than Oklahoma's Sam Bradford.

Arkansas running back Michael Smith rushed for 129 yards on 19 carries in the loss to Ole Miss, one week after suffering a concussion in a close loss to Kentucky.

Tulsa ran for a season-high six touchdowns in the win over Central Florida, including two by running back Courtney Tennial. Tennial has only 20 carries, but seven have resulted in touchdowns.

Compounding Arkansas's frustrations in last weekend's loss to Ole Miss was a late offensive pass interference call against Joe Adams. A completion to Adams, after the Razorbacks had recovered an onside kick, was negated by the penalty, ending Arkansas's chances for a last-second, game-winning field goal.

Key player (Golden Hurricane) — David Johnson, QB

The leading candidate for Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year, Johnson remains in the running, albeit a longshot, for Heisman Trophy consideration. Johnson, in his only season as a starter, has excelled in leading the Golden Hurricane to an 8-0 start and a top 25 national ranking. He is the national leader in pass efficiency, rating higher than Texas's Colt McCoy and Oklahoma's Sam Bradford.

Key player (Razorbacks) — Michael Smith, RB

There may not be a tougher running back in the Southeastern Conference. Smith leads the SEC with 920 yards rushing and is averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Smith ranks sixth nationally with a 131.4 per-game rushing average. Tulsa ranks second in C-USA in rush defense, but its 136-yard rushing yards allowed per game is only 60th nationally.

Arkansas by 2