Hogs linebacker Grant Morgan said after the 63-35 loss the Gators are good, but the defense also made a lot of mistakes they’ll fix.
GAMEDAY BLOG: Arkansas can’t keep up with Gators in 63-35 loss
Arkansas tried to stay with Florida for awhile, but a big night by Kyle Trask made that a failed mission with six touchdown passes on his way to a 63-35 win in Gainesville.
Trask was 23-of-29 through the air for 356 yards and six touchdowns while the opportunistic Razorbacks’ defense couldn’t pick up a single turnover all evening.
Hogs quarterback Feleipe Franks, returning to Gainesville to face his old team, didn’t have a bad night. He was 15-of-19 for 224 yards and two touchdowns while the running game added 208 yards.
4Q 11:51: Arkansas doesn’t quit as Mike Woods takes in a long pass from Feleipe Franks, pushes a defender away then out-runs everyone diagonally across the field for an 82-yard scoring pass If you had the over you’d have been good from early in the fourth quarter. Gators 56, Hogs 28
4Q 12:17: Feleipe Franks and Rakeem Boyd mess up a handoff, the ball hits the ground. Florida’s Zachary Carter scoops it up and runs 35 yards untouched down the right sideline and it’s officially a blowout. Gators 56, Hogs 21
4Q 13:08: Kyle Trask throws his sixth touchdown pass of the night with another pass down the seam into the end zone to Keon Zipperer for the second time that connection has worked. The Gators’ offense has 510 yards on the night and has blown this one open. Gators 49, Hogs 21
3Q 3:01: The Hogs’ offense comes up a yard short of a first down when Blake Kern is tackled by a defensive back then the Gators’ offense goes down the field to score on a 1-yard run by freshman quarterback Emory Jones. Gators 42, Hogs 21
3Q 12:00: Arkansas’ offense takes the second-half kickoff and goes 75 yards in nine plays, overcoming a critical third-and-short mistake in the process. Rakeem Boyd broke free up the middle with a slicing cutback to score from 12 yards out. Now the defense needs a stop. Gators 35, Hogs 21
HALFTIME: If Florida’s Kyle Trask wins the Heisman this year it’s a safe bet there will be highlights against the Hogs. Trask has lit up the Hogs’ secondary in the first half, going 18-of-22 for 285 yards and five touchdowns. The last one of those came with a 5-yarder to Keon Zipperer with 17 seconds left in the second quarter. The Hogs’ offense hasn’t struggled. Feleipe Franks is 6-of-8 for 102 yards but 47 of that came on a scoring pass to Mike Woods. The Hogs have rushed for 124 yards (135 without sacks), but 83 of that came on Trelon Smith’s long run. Gators 35, Hogs 14
2Q 4:33: Kyle Trask is making Arkansas’ pass defense look like something that’s never been practiced as he completes a 33-yard scoring pass to Jared Copeland, who beats Joe Foucha and Simeon Blair. Trask is 15-of-18 for 247 yards and four touchdowns … all in the first half. Gators 28, Hogs 14
2Q 6:55: Trelon Smith shows NFL-type moves and speed as he blows through the line, makes one cut and races 83 yards for the Hogs’ longest scoring play of the season (the longest since Rakeem Boyd went 86 yards against Western Kentucky last year). That’s answering the Gators quickly on Smith’s first carry of the night. Gators 21, Hogs 14
2Q 7:17: Gators quarterback Kyle Trask is having a huge night … all in the first half. After Arkansas’ offense bogged down, Trask first converted an awkward-looking flea-flicker into a 43-yard completion to Xzavier Henderson (backpedaling behind Hudson Clark), he threw a 21-yard scoring pass to Justin Shorter, who simply out-jumped Jalen Catalon. The Hogs’ offense has got to avoid mistakes or this is going to get out of hand. Gators 21, Hogs 7
2Q 10:03: After Feleipe Franks doesn’t correctly read a fourth-and-1 pass (Treylon Burks was wide open for a touchdown), the Gators convert a third-and-11 into a 23-yard score from Kyle Trask to Trevon Grimes. Cornerbacks Greg Brooks, Jr., and Hudson Clark didn’t communicate a man coverage correctly and Grimes was wide open in the middle. Gators 14, Hogs 7
1Q 6:03: The Hogs answered the Gators in a hurry. Feleipe Franks got warmed up on short passes to De’Vion Warren and Blake Kern, mixed in a couple of Rakeem Boyd runs, then found Mike Woods down the right sideline for a 47-yard scoring strike to tie the game. Hogs 7, Gators 7
1Q 7:36: Florida takes the opening kickoff and drives 75 yards in 14 plays with quarterback Kyle Trask hitting Trevon Grimes on a sideline screen for the score from 9 yards out. Now, the Razorbacks’ offense has to answer to avoid digging an early hole. Gators 7, Hogs 0
Arkansas looks for a way to keep the momentum going off a surprising 3-3 start to the season on the road against Flordia. LISTEN ONLINE
Report says Gators tight end officially out of Arkansas game
Florida tight end Kyle Pitts, one of the top players in the country, will miss the Arkansas game and maybe more, according to SEC Nation this morning.
#Gators TE Kyle Pitts (concussion) is officially out for tonight’s game vs. Arkansas, and is also expected to miss next week’s game at Vanderbilt, coach Dan Mullen tells @LauraRutledge on #SECNation.
— Brandon Zimmerman (@BZSEC) November 14, 2020
Mullen also told Rutledge that he might miss next week’s game against Vanderbilt, too, after the violent hit he had in the game with Georgia last week.
The Razorbacks and Gators will meet tonight at 6 p.m. in a game televised on ESPN and you can listen online at HitThatLine.com or on the air at ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
Hogs’ offense faces challenge of keeping up with Gators’ attack
Forget about the fact maybe Florida’s best offensive player will be out of tonight’s game against Arkansas … they have others.
The Gators dismantled Georgia last week, but the game really was closer than the score said. The Bulldogs just couldn’t figure out how to catch the ball or there would have been chunk big plays one right after another.
Florida’s defense isn’t that strong and it’s probably had Razorbacks’ offensive coordinator Kendal Briles smiling all week because there are numerous ways he can attack it.
Defensive coordinator and interim coach Barry Odom may not have had time to smile taking over after Sam Pittman’s positive Covid-19 test result Monday.
We won’t know until game time if any players will be out of today’s game.
The Hogs and Gators kick off at 6 p.m. on ESPN and you can listen online at HitThatLine.com or on the air at ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
It’s a game you might want to buckle up for.
Last week, the Hogs stumbled around in the first half offensively never really finding anything that worked consistently.
Of course in the third quarter the offense exploded for 24 points.
Dan Mullen’s teams have always found ways to score … about 18 points a game more than the Hogs have managed. Part of it is Briles’ new offense, but the other part is Florida’s better players, especially in the offensive line.
At quarterback the two are much more even than you’d think. Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask played together at Florida. Franks was injured, Trask got the job and kept it.
To the gratitude of Arkansas fans everywhere, Franks is now in Fayetteville.
The line has dropped to Florida -16.5 for tonight’s game.
That may be a little high. The Hogs are a perfect 6-0 this year against the spread (and if you don’t know why that’s a very important statistic then you are just a fan watching the games).
And I’m just crazy enough to think this is one Arkansas could get.
Florida got an emotional win over Georgia last week and saw one of their best offensive players in Kyle Pitts involved in one of the most violent down-field collisions in recent memory … and he’s also going to be out for next week’s game against Vanderbilt.
Meanwhile, the Hogs have been getting people back. Pittman will be out this week, but he appears to be handling his positive case with relatively mild symptoms so that shouldn’t be a particularly devastating emotional issue to deal with.
I’m not crazy enough to pick the Hogs to win this one, but I think it’s going to be closer than anyone else does and probably higher scoring.
Florida 42, Hogs 38
In other games this week, Covid has forced the postponement of over half the schedule in the SEC and there will likely be games played through Dec. 19.
Arkansas may not be playing that late as they haven’t had any games postponed and have an interesting three-game finish after this one to finish the season with home games against LSU and Alabama while going on the road to Missouri.
Vanderbilt at Kentucky (-17.5): The Commodores are only playing with 58, but having a full team probably wouldn’t help them a whole lot. The Wildcats are playing with emotional after their offensive line coach passed away this week after a long battle with cancer. Lots of emotion that should be channeled into a win. Kentucky 35, Vanderbilt 14
South Carolina at Ole Miss (-13): With the Rebels coming off a bye week, get ready for an offensive explosion. The Gamecocks aren’t built to keep up with the scoring pace Lane Kiffin is going to want to show in this game, although Ole Miss’ defense gave up 21 in a scrimmage last week to the tackling dummies. The Rebels will win this one, though, and probably make the over a good pick. Ole Miss 51, South Carolina 24
PETE’S PICKS: Gators may be too large of hill to climb for Hogs
Things we know and things we may not. Respectively they either directly or indirectly guide us through life.
Every action we take in every aspect has bearing based upon our knowledge, experience, and awareness. The food we order at our favorite restaurant, relationships, and even which Gators cap we wear when attending a Bobby Petrino press conference.
For the record, and on a personal level, I know I have two of those down to perfection.
As Razorbacks fans, something we know is, as tough as it may be and as much as we do not want to, we have got to move on from the asterisk by the Auburn game.
We are 3–3 in 2020, which is better than many expected in Sam Pittman’s first season. What we may not know is our three victories have been over teams with current losing records.
We do know the Hogs showed some moxie by mounting a very impressive second half comeback (which included a shut-out) victory after trailing Tennessee 13–0 at halftime.
What we may not know is the Vols used three quarterbacks in the second half to find some hint of a weakness in our defense.
However, what we do know, is in their losses against three currently ranked opponents, Arkansas has played well, even worrying Georgia by going into halftime with a 7 – 5 lead.
We do know this week we face sixth-ranked Florida in Ben Hill “Peter” Griffin Stadium, which some of you may also know solely as “The Swamp.”
What we may not know is Razorbacks quarterback Feleipe Franks has a love-hate relationship with the Florida fans, and while they will no doubt cheer against his team pulling an upset, there has been discussion on how those in minimal attendance will vocally receive the former Gator who some credit as turning around the program when Florida was struggling to obtain SEC East glory.
Some may also know the Gators faced a Top 5 Georgia Bulldog team last week and somewhat put an unexpected show of confidence and execution on a highly touted Georgia defense.
What some may not know is the Bulldogs were depleted (especially in their secondary) by injury, so there is zero doubt this did impact the final score of the game, but how much?
We know Florida quarterback Kyle Trask is the real deal, and he proved that at some party they held last week Jacksonville.
What we may not know is his tight end Kyle Pitts may not be able to play due to a concussion and whether or not his backup, Kemore Gamble, will be able to fill the role in a capacity which continues to take pressure off Trask.
We know Sam Pittman tested positive for Covid multiple times and will not be in attendance Saturday.
What we don’t know is from where he contracted the virus, although with as much as he interacted with the Tennessee players after the victory on Saturday, my guess is many of those fans donning cardinal and white were immediately worried about the possibility of what has now come to fruition.
If this doesn’t make sense to you, please feel free to ask for clarity. Hint: say hello from a distance. No offense, Coach. We love ya.
Why Arkansas will win:
Feliepe Franks knows this Gator team. He knows their strength and weaknesses. And he knows Treylon Burks.
Kendal Briles has the offense on a roll. Faith is he has them prepared for Florida, but the offensive line may be an exposed weakness against a decent Gator defense.
Barry Odom will assume head coaching duties Saturday. Something tells me he will have the players motivated to play for him as media naysayers have repeatedly given Florida a pass for this week.
Why Florida will win:
Their defense has stepped up as of late, especially on third downs.
Kyle Trask. He’s good. He’s very good. Is he better than Franks – remembering the latter lost his job as QB1 after injury? The answer may be played out in Gainesville.
Their offense is good at getting first downs, while Arkansas’s defense has struggled as of late getting stops on latter downs, even third and long.
Final Thoughts:
As Andy Hodges mentioned in a recent piece, Arkansas should never mess with their traditional logo. Whether it’s the gator or the retro ‘F’, Florida just needs a new emblem all around.
The Razorbacks will be ready to play. Mark my words … unless I am wrong, then forget I mentioned it.
Apparently some may not know how betting lines work. I had a very, very recent conversation in which I was on the receiving end of the following: “Hey, I read somewhere Arkansas is 6–0 against the spread this year. I thought we had lost three, and I didn’t think Tennessee ran the spread.”
It’s always stated, but we have to establish a strong rushing game.
The word “moxie” is highly overused. So are “dedication”, “loyalty”, and “compassion”, but their actions and expectations should not be.
Next week is Week 12 … hopefully. Especially for me.
Florida is too strong at home, and unless Arkansas can show up with a “win one for the Gipper” attitude, we are most likely going to leave the Sunshine State with an L.
Gators, 27 – 17.
Be certain to listen to the game Saturday at 6:30 p.m. via HitThatLine.com, and on the air at ESPN Arkansas 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
SEC Picks for Week 11
I do know Andy seems to have his ducks in a row this season holding a two-game lead. The competition has passed its mid-point, but what he may not realize is this is not over yet.
Vanderbilt at Kentucky: Earlier this season I predicted the Commodores will not win a game all season. Looking at their schedule they still possess three (albeit slight) possibilities of earning a victory. The Wildcats are one of the remaining opponents for which Vanderbilt fans have a glimmer of hope. Sadly, for the Commodores, this game will be played in Lexington. For them and the rest of their season, the question becomes how much pride will the Commodore players will be able to carry out of Kroger Field? Paper or plastic? Kentucky by 12 … or 13.
Arkansas at (6) Florida [GAME OF THE WEEK]: Yes, despite CBS picking up the South Carolina at Ole Miss, this is by far the most interesting match-up this week. Unfortunately it’s still a bit of a mismatch. Gators by 10.
South Carolina at Ole Miss: While both of these 2 – 4 teams had higher expectations coming into this season, neither expected to set the SEC on fire. CBS has this game, so both programs will get some national exposure to help with their rebuilding. Rebuilding you ask? Ole Miss has their new coach in Lane Kiffin who is trying to build up the program, while South Carolina is in its final days with Will Muschamp, and whomever the future coach of the Gamecocks is, they will have to start a rebuild once the clock hits all zeros in the last game of the season. Homefield is the determining factor. Rebels by 7.
(12) Georgia at Missouri; (5) Texas A&M at Tennessee, (24) Auburn at Mississippi State; and (1) Alabama at LSU are all postponed. My guess is the Volunteers are the most thankful in mid-November.
Last current piece of knowledge: no matter what happens in this game against Florida, at least it feels good to know we have Chad Morris in the rearview mirror.
Find me on ‘Twitter’: @PeterMorganWPS
Go HOGS!!!
Fantasy Football Sunday — w/ Denny (C.D.) Carter of RotoWorld
Tye and Evan talk with CD about Week 10 of the NFL Fantasy Football season!
Florida announcer on Franks’ return to Gainesville with Hogs on Saturday
Longtime Gators play-by-play announce Mick Hubert on Halftime with Phil Elson on Hogs quarterback Feleipe Franks getting back for game.
Bud Light Seltzer Morning Rush Podcast – Chuck Barrett joins the show!
Tye & Tommy on who steps up tomorrow, best Hog logo, Chuck joins and more!
Razorbacks will start SEC schedule against Kentucky on New Year’s Eve
Arkansas’ Southeastern Conference slate has officially been released, the league office announced today.
The Hogs will tip off the new conference season on Thursday, Dec. 31, when they will travel to Kentucky to face the Wildcats, who are ranked 11th in the AP’s Preseason Poll.
The last time the two teams met, Arkansas scored 103 points, a then-SEC program record for points in a game, in front of 5,638 Razorback fans, the most at a home game since January of 2011.
Following the opener, Arkansas will welcome rival Missouri (Jan. 3) to Bud Walton Arena for the first home game of the 2021 SEC Season. Arkansas beat Missouri early last season at home, the Hogs’ first win in the series since 2016. Arkansas will then head to Tennessee (Jan. 7).
After the trip to Knoxville, the Razorbacks will host Texas A&M (Jan. 10), who the Hogs once again knocked out of the SEC Tournament in dramatic fashion.
The Aggies are currently ranked one spot ahead of Arkansas in the AP’s Preseason Poll, sitting at 13. Florida (Jan. 14) will then come to the Hill to make it two straight at home for the Hogs.
After the two-game homestand, the Hogs will go on the road twice, both times playing on Monday.
Arkansas is headed to the AP’s Preseason No. 1 first, as the Razorbacks will take on South Carolina (Jan. 18) in Colonial Life Arena. After a week off, Arkansas will resume play the next Monday at Georgia (Jan. 25).
Vanderbilt (Jan. 28) will come to Fayetteville to start the Hogs’ two-game homestand.
Three days later, Arkansas will host Auburn at Bud Walton Arena (Jan. 31).
Mike Neighbors’ squad will then rotate home and road games, traveling to Missouri (Feb. 4), hosting Mississippi State (Feb. 11), who is ranked No. 6 in the AP Preseason Poll, and then traveling to face A&M (Feb. 14) for the second time. The Hogs will then host Ole Miss (Feb. 18).
Similar to the end of last season, Arkansas will be the road team in two straight games before ending the season in front of its fans at the Palace.
Arkansas will first travel to LSU (Feb. 21), followed by a trip to Auburn (Feb. 25), which will be the second matchup between the teams in 2021. Arkansas will close the SEC schedule, and the regular season, with a home battle against Alabama (Feb. 28).
The SEC Tournament, which will be played at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. for the fourth time, will begin on Wednesday March 3.
2021 SEC Schedule:
Thursday, Dec. 31 – @ Kentucky
Sunday, Jan. 3 – Missouri
Thursday, Jan. 7 – @ Tennessee
Sunday, Jan. 10 – Texas A&M
Thursday, Jan. 14 – Florida
Monday, Jan. 18 – @ South Carolina
Monday, Jan. 25 – @ Georgia
Thursday, Jan. 28 – Vanderbilt
Sunday, Jan. 31 – Auburn
Thursday, Feb. 4 – @ Missouri
Thursday, Feb. 11 – Mississippi State
Sunday, Feb. 14 – @ Texas A&M
Thursday, Feb. 18 – Ole Miss
Sunday, Feb. 21 – @ LSU
Thursday, Feb. 25 – @ Auburn
Sunday, Feb. 28 – Alabama
Tip times and TV designations will be announced at a later date.
