Arkansas copies Tennessee's winning strategy versus MSU

By By Danny P. Smith / special to The Star
Nov. 24, 2002
STARKVILLE The Arkansas Razorbacks must have gotten a glimpse at last week's Tennessee-Mississippi State game on film.
That's because the Razorbacks accomplished exactly what the Volunteers did against the Bulldogs in a 26-19 win Saturday, especially in the first quarter.
After Tennessee collected 232 yards rushing with 88 yards coming in the first quarter last week, Arkansas had 237 yards against Mississippi State with 84 yards coming in the opening quarter.
The option game the Bulldogs were expecting from the Razorbacks never materialized.
The only option Arkansas exercised was to run the ball down the Bulldogs' throat.
By halftime, the Razorbacks had collected 150 yards on the ground.
Mississippi State football coach Jackie Sherrill said Arkansas seemed to take advantage of linebacker Mario Haggan and defensive lineman Tommy Kelly absense with ankle injuries.
For the second straight game, an opponent was able to rush for a career-high against the Bulldogs.
After Tennessee's Cedric Houston enjoyed a career-high 149 yards on 32 carries last week, freshman De'Arrius Howard finished with 121 yards on the ground for the Razorbacks. His previous high was 77 yards against, ironically, Tennessee.