WKU Football: Arkansas Q&A with Arkansas Fight
We’re just three days away from WKU’s trip to Fayetteville to take on Arkansas. There is a lot a stake in this one. WKU is looking for a…
We’re just three days away from WKU’s trip to Fayetteville to take on Arkansas. There is a lot a stake in this one. WKU is looking for a signature win against an SEC program and also still needs another victory for bowl eligibility. Needless to say, this is a big game. With that in all of that in mind, we thought that we’d get an Arkansas perspective on the game. Luckily for us, we got Tucker Partridge and Saul Malone from Arkansas Fight to give us their thoughts on the Arkansas program, the game, and some predictions. Without further adieu, here is our conversation with the guys from Arkansas Fight.
2019 was expected to be a rebuilding season for the Razorbacks but it’s hard to see anyone expecting the 2–7 start. Why has 2019 gone so wrong for the Hogs thus far?
Tucker: If I knew, I’d be the athletic director. It’s been a mix of lack of identity, lack of consistency, and lack of coaching that addresses those issues. Something different seems to break every week, and at the end of the day, I’d probably say coaching is the biggest issue.
Saul: We’re just bad on both sides of the ball. No identity on offense, no consistency at the QB position and a defense that is susceptible to giving up the big play.
Chad Morris is now 4–17 during his short tenure. Obviously he’s on the hot seat. Does a win Saturday move the needle at all and do you see him surviving another potential winless season in the SEC?
Saul: Maybe a little? Not to be mean, but this was an expected win for us and now it’s somehow a must-win game for Chad. I think it takes a win against y’all and a win against Mizzou in Little Rock to buy him some more time.
Tucker: I’ve already called for him to be fired in an article, but I don’t think he’ll lose his job UNLESS we lose to WKU. A win against WKU might buy him a little more time.
The Ty Storey back in Fayetteville narrative looms large on this game. How do Razorback fans view Storey and his time in Fayetteville?
Tucker: It’s kind of sad. If I could talk to him, I’d use the Robin Williams line from Good Will Hunting: “It’s not your fault.” We had a lot of the same issues last year that we had this year, but with a much less talented group. Unfortunately, I think the transfer QBs coming in pushed Ty out, even though he probably would’ve ended up starting a couple of games this year. I don’t wish him ill at all. He wasn’t the problem.
Saul: Ditto.
Arkansas has juggled Storey’s replacements with Ben Hicks, Nick Starkel and John Stephen Jones all playing over the first 9 games. Who do you see playing Saturday and what are that player’s strengths as a signal-caller?
Tucker: John Stephen Jones was named the starter, but KJ Jefferson will play. KJ has a higher ceiling but is a raw prospect. Jones has had incredible success moving the ball this year though, however briefly he’s played. It’s going to be them. If we see Ben Hicks or Nick Starkel things have gone very poorly.
Saul: Chad recently said the John Stephen Jones is going to be our starter on Saturday with KJ Jefferson backing him up. He also said he expects both guys to play. JSJ has looked comfortable running the read option and commanding our offense all things considered. KJ is a FREAK athlete who is a home-run threat any time he has the ball in his hands.
Last Chance U fans might be familiar with Arkansas’s leading rusher Rakeem Boyd, How important is he to Arkansas’ offense?
Saul: Right now he IS our offense. He’s the only true consistent playmaker we have (besides CJ O’Grady who’s now off the team.) If he gets going, he’s tough to contain and can really help open up other facets of our game.
Tucker: Rakeem has been the sole bright spot in an otherwise dark season on offense. I’ve said before that we don’t deserve him. He’s absolutely critical to our success.
Who are some other skill position players that WKU fans should worry about on Saturday?
Tucker: This game will probably showcase young talent since the season is lost. There will be new bodies at tight end due to CJ O’Grady leaving the team, so I’d be interested in looking at Hudson Henry (Chargers TE Hunter Henry’s younger brother) at tight end. A’monte Spivey at running back might get to play as well.
Saul: Treylon Burks and Trey Knox are incredible receivers and freak athletes. If we can get them involved consistently, they can be matchup nightmares
Arkansas’ Defense has struggled mightily giving up 35 points and 443 yards per game. Do they have any impact players that could finally shine against WKU’s inconsistent offense?
Tucker: Defensive lineman McTelvin Agim and linebacker Scoota Harris are both good athletes. Defensive backs Busta Brown and Kam Curl are good too. I don’t think it will matter though. DC John Chavis seems washed up, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see us hemorrhage points again.
Saul: We’ve got talent on the defensive side of the ball, particularly Bumper Linebacker Pool and defensive back Joe Foucha, though they’re coming off one of the worst games in their careers. I think playing you guys could hopefully get them back on track and get them some confidence going into LSU.
How do you see the game playing out? What is your prediction?
Saul: Honestly? I can’t call it. Going with two younger QBs and a defense that’s shaky right now. Storey could easily pull a revenge game on us. I’m going to go with an optimistic 24–17 Arkansas win.
Tucker: Optimistic prediction: Arkansas 24–20.
Pessimistic prediction: Ty Storey has a revenge game and wins 34–14.
I want to thank Tucker and Saul for taking the time to do this q&a with us. You can read their work here and listen to their podcast Wooo Pod Sooie weekly here and can also follow their twitter account for fun analysis and reaction to Saturday’s matchup.