Arkansas leads Texas Tech 28-21 at halftime of a game where both offenses have played the part of irresistible force, and each defense has complied by playing the part of eminently movable objects.
The key sequence came at the end of the first half. After converting consecutive 3rd-and-longs through the air and generally treating Texas Tech’s defense like an uninvited guest, Arkansas for some reason called a reverse on 1st-and-10. Hogs running back Alex Collins tossed the ball into thin air, and Texas Tech recovered with 2:02 remaining at their own 27.
Red Raiders signal caller Davis Webb threw incomplete on first and second down, and then tossed an ugly interception to Arkansas’ Martrell Spaight, which he returned to the Texas Tech 12. Jonathan Williams scored one play later, giving the Hogs a 28-21 lead.
Texas Tech simply put, has not played smart football. Far from it. The Red Raiders’ defense has played dumb - three personal foul calls committed - and poorly - multiple third-and-longs allowed, a non-existent rush defense - and, as a result, is in position to lose this game.
Webb has completed 18-of-30 passes for 141 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Webb could - should - have thrown three more picks if only Razorbacks defenders managed to hold on to the ball in bounds. DeAndre Washington has been the bright spot for the Red Raiders’ attack, totaling six rushes for 40 yards and three grabs for 32 yards.
Arkansas has had its way with the Texas Tech front, powering its way for 28 carries for 152 yards and four touchdowns. The running back tandem of Williams and Collins have combined for 20 rushes, 110 yards and all four of those scores. They’ve been a question that Texas Tech can not answer. Quarterback Brandon Allen has added 49 passing yards on only 10 attempts and one rush for 21 yards.
Arkansas gets the ball to open the second half.