SEC Power Rankings: LSU – Alabama set up for another instant classic

Oct 31, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Alex Collins (3) rushes for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Tennessee Martin Skyhawks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

It took a while, but following a 63-28 Homecoming victory over FCS opponent UT-Martin, the Arkansas Razorbacks are back to .500. Now 4-4 overall, and still 2-2 in SEC play, the Hogs need to win two of their final four games to reach bowl eligibility for the second straight season.

More from Alabama Crimson Tide

• #10 Alabama football: 3 takeaways from close road win against USF
• College Football Playoff: Projected top 4 after Week 2
• Biggest winners and losers from College Football Week 2
• Alabama football: Is the Nick Saban Dynasty officially over?
• Alabama football: 3 bold predictions vs. No. 11 Texas in Week 2

It will be a difficult road, with trips to Oxford and Baton Rouge over the next two weeks followed by home games against Mississippi State and Missouri, but Arkansas is trending in the right direction having won three of its last four contests.

Running back Alex Collins was the star of the game, having gained 173 rushing yards with five touchdowns. It was Collins’ sixth game with at least 100 rushing yards, and his fourth with more than 150. The junior now has 960 rushing yards and 13 TDs this season.

Quarterback Brandon Allen was also very effective for the Razorbacks, who tallied 591 total yards as a unit. Allen completed 14 of 19 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns – a 49-yard play-action bomb to Damon Mitchell and a 71-yard scoring strike to Dominique Reed.

Tight end Jeremy Sprinkle caught a 35-yard TD pass from backup QB Austin Allen, and fellow tight end Hunter Henry also caught two passes for 55 yards, including an athletic 37-yard grab late in the first quarter.

The Arkansas offense was explosive, but the defense was very shaky. The Razorbacks allowed 519 yards of offense, including 380 passing yards, but did force three turnovers including two interceptions. If Arkansas expects to compete with Ole Miss next weekend, they’ll need to be much better defensively.

Next Game: Saturday November 7 at Ole Miss

Next: Georgia