Last week's game between Arkansas and TCU was an instant classic for many reasons. For one thing, there were more plot changes and twists and turns than you could shake a stick at. Then, a fourth quarter meltdown by Arkansas saw the score go from 20-7 in Arkansas' favor to the Frogs pulling ahead, 28-20, with a couple of minutes left to play in regulation.
Early on, it looked as if Arkansas was going to shut out #15 TCU, which the team did in the first half, 13-0. Then Arkansas missed several opportunities to put the game away. The Razorbacks were unable to punch it in after making it to the TCU 2-yard line. Then they missed a critical field goal that would have made the score 27-7. With a shift in momentum, TCU went on to score three touchdowns in a row to take the lead, 28-20. Things were looking pretty dark for Arkansas right about then. You could see it on the fans' faces and, if you could have seen me, you would have thought the sky had fallen. I actually thought about taking a walk in disgust and disappointment. Good thing I didn't.
Austin Allen marched the Razorbacks down the field and, with four-of-four passing including a neat touchdown pass to Keon Hatcher, he brought the score to within two points, 26-28. The Hogs had to go for a two-point conversion in order to tie the score, and they did it in style. Allen handed the ball off to Drew Morgan, who came in motion from the left side. Morgan then handed the ball off to Keon Hatcher, who was coming across from the right side. Hatcher then threw the ball to Allen in the backfield to score and tie the game. It was a wild sight and very satisfying to watch.
Unfortunately, on the ensuing kickoff, Arkansas kicked the ball right to TCU's best return specialist, who returned the ball 64 yards to the Arkansas 27-yard line. So TCU was in field goal range with about a minute left to play. After a couple of plays (one of which was a touchdown pass that got called back because the receiver stepped out of bounds), it was third down with the clock showing 16 seconds left to play.
At this point, TCU decided to kick a field goal to win the game in regulation. After an Arkansas timeout, everyone lined up, and the kicker kicked the ball to seal the win. Only the ball came in contact with Arkansas' left tackle -- big (6-foot, 10-inch) Dan Skipper's hand -- and got blocked, so regulation came to an end with the game tied.
In the first overtime period, Arkansas got the ball first and scored a touchdown. TCU got their turn and also scored a touchdown. Then TCU got the ball again and Arkansas was able to hold them to a field goal. The score was then 38 to 35 in TCU's favor. Arkansas then got the ball at the 25-yard line and the first play got them down close to the 10-yard line. This was a sweep to the right side with Dominque Reed, who is a real speedster.
It was first and goal at the 10 for Arkansas. After a couple more plays, the ball was down around the 5-yard line. Austin Allen took the snap and, keeping the ball, ran a quarterback sneak to the right side. It looked like a long way to the goal line and the TCU defenders were quick to get to the ball. But Austin Allen powered his way closer to the goal line and, when he got pretty close, Arkansas' center, Frank Ragnow, literally pushed Allen across the line for a touchdown and the victory.
Talk about exciting! Talk about fun to watch! Talk about cliffhangers! This game had it all and was a signature win for Arkansas. Woo Pig Sooie! Go Hawgs!
Sam Byrnes is a Gentry-area resident and weekly contributor to the Eagle Observer. He may be contacted by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 09/21/2016