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Arkansas Football: Razorbacks lead New Mexico State at halftime

By Matthew Bartlett

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 9: Head Coach Bret Bielema of the Arkansas Razorbacks walks off the field during a game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Horn Frogs defeated the Razorbacks 28-7. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 9: Head Coach Bret Bielema of the Arkansas Razorbacks walks off the field during a game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Horn Frogs defeated the Razorbacks 28-7. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Arkansas football needs a win in the worst way. An FCS team is typically the cure for a losing streak, and it looks like the Hogs have the NMSU in the bag at half.

Austin Allen needed a get right game. The poor outings produced by the offensive line against TCU and Texas A&M made it nearly impossible for the senior quarterback to find any rhythm. He found it against the Aggies of New Mexico State on Saturday.

Allen went 13-of-15 for 203 yards, two touchdowns and one interception through the first half. Both touchdowns came from beyond the NMSU 30-yard line, proving that the Razorbacks offense still has some explosiveness.

It wasn’t just Allen who had a good day. Three different running backs have carried the ball six-plus times for the Hogs so far. Each of them has averaged at least 4.4 yards per carry, led by Devwah Whaley, who has seven carries for 45 yards (6.4 per carry) and a score.

Whaley was in danger of losing his job to freshman Chase Hayden. A big performance for him today is a must if he wants to keep his spot in the pecking order in the Razorbacks backfield. It’s going to be a committee this year, but who gets the first crack is still up for grabs.

What to watch for in the second half

Arkansas leads 28-10 at the break, but the game hasn’t been that close. They should pile on a few more scores before the backups get their crack at the end of the third quarter.

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Backup quarterback Cole Kelley was utilized as a runner on a few plays against Texas A&M last weekend. The more wrinkles the Hogs can find this season the better, especially if Allen continues to be up and down. He’ll probably get some more snaps after half time and should have ample opportunities to gain much-needed experience.

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