Alex Collins Rushes for Five Touchdowns in Razorbacks Win over UT-Martin

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The Arkansas Razorbacks (4-4) won Homecoming in style 63-28 on Saturday against University of Tennessee-Martin (5-3) thanks in large part to running back Alex Collins’ five rushing touchdowns.

Collins rushed for 173 yards off 16 carries with scoring runs of two, six, five, three, and 63 yards sitting out the fourth quarter after Arkansas stretched their lead to 56-21 entering the fourth quarter.

The Razorbacks offensive production was surprisingly needed against the FCS Skyhawks’ program after the Hogs defense was roughed up for 519 yards of offense. Skyhawks starting quarterback Jarod Neal finished the game 30 of 43 for 380 yards with one touchdown toss and one interception. The Razorbacks normally stout run defense allowed 139 yards on the ground with the Skyhawks averaging six yards per carry.

During the first quarter, the Skyhawks had little trouble moving the ball up and down the field against Arkansas but threw two interceptions, one by Neal and one by wide receiver William Tanner on a double pass, limiting scoring threats. The Razorbacks finished the quarter up 7-0 but used an explosive second quarter to gain a 35-14 lead going into halftime.

Arkansas starting quarterback Brandon Allen had an efficient game hitting 14 of 19 pass attempts for 265 yards with two touchdowns and zero picks. Backup quarterback Austin Allen, younger brother to Brandon, came into the game in the fourth quarter completing one pass on one attempt for a 35-yard touchdown to tight end Jeremy Sprinkle.

The Hogs emptied their bench in the fourth quarter giving rushing attempts to Denzell Evans, six carries for 48 yards, and Juan Day, four carries for 17 yards. The carries were the first for both players this season.

Junior college transfer Dominique Reed led the Hogs with 71 yards receiving off one catch on a long bomb from Allen early in the third quarter. Sprinkle had two receptions for 67 yards and All-SEC tight end Hunter Henry had two receptions for 55 yards. Wide out Drew Morgan had two receptions for 14 yards but left the game in the third quarter with an apparent shoulder injury but is expected to be able to return next week.

The Skyhawks were led on the ground by Trent Garland. Garland had 55 yards off 11 carries with one score. Jaimiee Bowe had 33 yards off four carries with a touchdown and Najee Ray had 30 yards off seven carries with a touchdown. UT-Martin had 10 different receivers catch a pass with three players hauling in six receptions each, Caylon Weathers (111 yards), Rod Wright (84), and Najee Ray (59).

Arkansas finished the game with 591 yards of total offense with zero turnovers. The Hogs were penalized just three times for 25 yards, UT-Martin was penalized four times for 27 yards but turned the ball over three times. Arkansas’ inability to get to pick up sacks consistently continued against the Skyhawks but the Hogs did put pressure on Neal throughout the game. Arkansas’ offensive line allowed Brandon Allen to get sacked once.

Collins fell one touchdown shy of the school record of six in a game set by Madre Hill in 1995 against South Carolina.

Arkansas goes back out on the road next week to face No. 19 Mississippi while Tennessee-Martin heads to Eastern Kentucky.

Photo credit: Samantha Baker; Alex Collins rushes for a 5-yard second quarter touchdown.