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FAYETTEVILLE – Surprise, surprise.
Overreaction week is upon us. You know, that second week of the college football season where all the winning teams from Week 1 have a shot at the national title now and all those who lost are destined to go winless the rest of the year.
The shouts of joy in northwest Arkansas are surprisingly understated. Expectations are higher than a simple 35-point pasting of Texas-El Paso. The Razorbacks’ schedule creeps up in difficulty week by week until the team’s bye in mid-October.
Next on the slate is Mid-American Conference favorite Toledo. If you recall, Arkansas dispatched last year’s MAC winners, Northern Illinois, by a handy 52-14 mark. Las Vegas sees the Rockets markedly better, as a 21- or 22-point underdog.
Here are five players to keep an eye on in Week 2.
Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen — Allen set a career high with 308 passing yards against UTEP in the opener. It was the first time a Bret Bielema-coached Arkansas team had put up that many yards through the air. It’s been said the team’s ultimate destination hinges on Allen’s ability to win games from his position. Another game like Saturday’s and he will earn even more believers.
Arkansas wide receiver Keon Hatcher — A big reason for Allen’s new (increased?) confidence is his primary target. Hatcher has gone from a bad case of the dropsies to one of the most reliable, if not explosive, receivers in the SEC. But a two-touchdown, 100-plus-yard game in the opener may change thoughts on that explosiveness.
Arkansas defensive end Jeremiah Ledbetter — The junior-college transfer Ledbetter was a true standout on an Arkansas defense that had an up-and-down day. He had eight tackles, including a half for loss, as a back-up on the edge. Bielema said Monday the newcomer’s play had likely earned him a start come Toledo. He is one of the most athletic defensive linemen on a team that rolls 11 with regularity and stands the best chance to lead the team in sacks.
Arkansas tight end Jeremy Sprinkle — Speaking of athleticism … Sprinkle has it. And then some. He came to Arkansas a shade over 200 pounds. He was from a smaller high school and green with potential. Some of that has clearly been tapped. Sprinkle was the most visible player outside of Hatcher or Allen on Saturday. At 6-foot-6, 255 pounds, he has built himself into a real tight end weapon while keeping that speed that made him touted in the first place.
Toledo quarterback Phillip Ely — Although Ely isn’t the most accomplished player on the Rockets roster, he certainly has a pedigree. Ely began his career at Alabama, even playing in a game against the Razorbacks in mop-up time a few years ago. He won the Toledo starting job last year but an injury washed out that season, mostly. The senior is healthy now and with the team’s best running back, Kareem Hunt, suspended and Hunt’s back-up, Terry Swanson, likely out with an ankle injury, Ely might have to make more than usual standard.
Eric Bolin is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football and Arkansas.
