2009 Arkansas Razorbacks football
Liberty Bowl champion
Liberty Bowl, W 20–17 OT vs. East Carolina
ConferenceSoutheastern Conference
DivisionWestern Division
Record8–5 (3–5 SEC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorPaul Petrino (2nd season)
Offensive schemeMultiple
Defensive coordinatorWilly Robinson (2nd season)
Base defense4–3
Home stadiumDonald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium

War Memorial Stadium
2009 Southeastern Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
Eastern Division
No. 3 Florida x%  8 0   13 1  
Georgia  4 4   8 5  
Tennessee  4 4   7 6  
Kentucky  3 5   7 6  
South Carolina  3 5   7 6  
Vanderbilt  0 8   2 10  
Western Division
No. 1 Alabama x$#  8 0   14 0  
No. 17 LSU  5 3   9 4  
No. 20 Ole Miss  4 4   9 4  
Arkansas  3 5   8 5  
Auburn  3 5   8 5  
Mississippi State  3 5   5 7  
Championship: Alabama 32, Florida 13
  • # BCS National Champion
  • $ BCS representative as conference champion
  • % BCS at-large representative
  • x Division champion/co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2009 Arkansas Razorbacks football team represented the University of Arkansas in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Razorbacks played five home games at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas and two home games at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas. Head coach Bobby Petrino was in his second season at Arkansas. The Razorbacks finished the season 8–5, 3–5 in SEC play and won the Liberty Bowl 20–17 against East Carolina.

Additions

Punter Briton Forester signed with the team on March 2 out of Palomar College.[1] Forester had previously competed at Hawaii in 2006 and 2007, and will be designated a junior at Arkansas.[2] New special teams coach John L. Smith was integral in Forester's signing.[1]

Southern Cal transfer Broderick Green was cleared to play by the NCAA on July 31, 2009.[3] The running back transferred to Arkansas to be nearer his ill grandmother, who resides in Little Rock, Arkansas. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.[4]

Departures

In a press release on December 16, 2008, Nathan Dick, brother of Casey Dick, announced his intentions to transfer from the University of Arkansas.[5] His release was granted by Bobby Petrino.[5] Dick transferred to in-state UCA.[6] Crosby Tuck, a sophomore receiver from Shiloh Christian School, announced on February 23, 2009 that he would no longer play for the Razorbacks.[7] The Springdale native's decision was based on an elbow injury against Kentucky in 2007, from which he has not returned. Tuck will remain at the University of Arkansas.[7]

Sophomore linebacker Khiry Battle was dismissed from the team on June 29, 2009, due to an unspecified violation of team rules.[8]

Recruits

US college sports recruiting information for 2009 recruits
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40 Commit date
Alvin Bailey
OL
Broken Arrow, OK Broken Arrow HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 330 lb (150 kg) 5.3 Aug 14, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
Neal Barlow
WR
Little Rock, AR Pulaski Academy 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 4.55 Sep 18, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Colby Berna
OL
Fayetteville, AR Fayetteville HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 275 lb (125 kg) 5.1 Feb 6, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 80
Shauntez Bruce
OL
Tallahassee, FL Lincoln HS 6 ft 4.5 in (1.94 m) 295 lb (134 kg) N/A Jan 12, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
Ryan Calender
DE
Caddo Mills, TX Caddo Mills HS 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 4.8 May 28, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 74
Rudell Crim
DB
Tallahassee, FL Butler County (KS) 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 4.4 Jan 20, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A
Knile Davis
RB
Missouri City, TX Marshall HS 6 ft 1.5 in (1.87 m) 209.5 lb (95.0 kg) 4.48 Jan 9, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 80
David Gordon
DB
Tulsa, OK East Central HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 4.4 Jul 18, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 80
Cobi Hamilton
WR
Texarkana, TX Texas HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 194 lb (88 kg) 4.56 Jan 27, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
John Henderson
DT
Oakland, CA College of the Sequoias 6 ft .5 in (1.84 m) 305 lb (138 kg) 4.95 Feb 2, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A
Rickey Hughey
ATH
Lewisville, AR Lafayette County HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 221 lb (100 kg) 4.7 Oct 14, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 40
DeQuinta Jones
DT
Bastrop, LA Bastrop HS 6 ft 4.5 in (1.94 m) 305 lb (138 kg) 4.70 Feb 4, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Anthony Leon
DB
Miami, FL College of the Sequoias 6 ft 3.5 in (1.92 m) 230 lb (100 kg) 4.55 Jan 23, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A
Kevin Lowery
DT
Gainesville, FL Gainesville HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 285 lb (129 kg) 5.1 Oct 15, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Brandon Mitchell
ATH
Amite, LA Amite HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 4.5 Jan 14, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
Jerry Mitchell
DB
Mandeville, LA Mandeville HS 6 ft 1.5 in (1.87 m) 197 lb (89 kg) 4.5 Sep 8, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Austin Moss
LB
Rockwall, TX Rockwall-Heath HS 6 ft 2.5 in (1.89 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 4.57 Jul 31, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Colton Nash
DE
Sulphur Springs, TX Sulphur Springs HS 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 243 lb (110 kg) 4.8 Jan 25, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Anthony Oden
OL
Chatham, VA Hargrave Military Academy 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 314 lb (142 kg) 4.87 Aug 9, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 72
Ross Rasner
ATH
Waco, TX Reicher Catholic HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 4.6 Jul 17, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Lance Ray
ATH
Havana, FL East Gadsden HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 193 lb (88 kg) 4.45 Dec 8, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Andru Stewart
DB
Bakersfield, CA College of the Sequoias 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 191 lb (87 kg) 4.5 Dec 20, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A
Travis Swanson
OL
Kingwood, TX Kingwood HS 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 271 lb (123 kg) 5.45 Aug 4, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
Austin Tate
TE
Harrison, AR Harrison HS 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 228 lb (103 kg) 4.75 May 30, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
Robert Thomas
DT
Muskogee, OK Muskogee HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 305 lb (138 kg) N/A Oct 20, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 74
Zhamal Thomas
OL
New Iberia, LA Navarro CC 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 325 lb (147 kg) 5.05 Dec 8, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A
Terrell Williams
ATH
Tulsa, OK Union HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 4.59 Jan 18, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Turell Williams
RB
West Helena, AR Central HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 4.5 Apr 3, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Ronnie Wingo Jr.
ATH
St. Louis, MO St. Louis University HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 212 lb (96 kg) 4.4 Jan 27, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Darius Winston
DB
West Helena, AR Central HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 4.3 Sep 5, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:5/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 84
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 20   Rivals: 15
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Arkansas 2009 Football Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 14, 2009.
  • "2009 Arkansas Commits". Scout.com. Retrieved February 14, 2009.
  • "2009 Player Commitments - Arkansas". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 14, 2009.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved February 14, 2009.
  • "2009 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 14, 2009.

Regular season

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
September 56:00 pmMissouri State*PPVW 48–1055,572
September 197:45 pmNo. 20 GeorgiaESPNL 41–5274,210
September 262:30 pmat No. 3 AlabamaCBSL 7–3592,012
October 36:30 pmvs. Texas A&M*ESPN2W 47–1971,872
October 1011:00 amNo. 17 Auburn
  • Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
  • Fayetteville, AR
ESPNW 44–2372,559
October 172:30 pmat No. 1 FloridaCBSL 20–2390,508
October 2411:21 amat Ole MissSECNL 17–3060,622
October 316:00 pmEastern Michigan*dagger
  • Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
  • Fayetteville, AR
ESPNUW 63–2762,501
November 711:21 amSouth Carolina
  • Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
  • Fayetteville, AR
SECNW 33–1668,865
November 146:30 pmTroy*
  • Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
  • Fayetteville, AR
CSSW 56–2066,442
November 2111:21 amMississippi State
  • War Memorial Stadium
  • Little Rock, AR
SECNW 42–2155,634
November 286:00 pmat No. 17 LSUESPNL 30–33 OT93,013
January 25:30 pmvs. East Carolina*ESPNW 20–17 OT62,742

Personnel

Coaching staff

2009 Arkansas Razorbacks coaching staff

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

  • Defensive coordinator – Willy Robinson
  • Linebackers – Reggie Johnson
  • Defensive tackle - Bobby Allen
  • Defensive ends – Kirk Botkin
  • Secondary - Willy Robinson
  • Graduate assistant - Courtney Sanders
 

Special teams

Administrative staff

  • Athletic Director (AD) - Jeff Long
  • Director of High School Relations - Dean Campbell
  • Director of football operations - Mark Robinson
  • Strength and conditioning – Jason Veltkamp
  • Recruiting Coordinator - Tim Horton

Roster

2009 Arkansas Razorbacks roster
Post-Spring Roster from the University of Arkansas Razorbacks Athletics

Quarterbacks

  • 8 Tyler Wilson - Redshirt Freshman
  • 10 Nick Petrino - Sophomore
  • 14 Jim Youngblood - Redshirt Freshman
  • 15 Ryan Mallett - Redshirt Sophomore
  • 17 Brandon Mitchell - Freshman
  • -- Derek Hatcher - Freshman

Tailbacks

  • 6 Brandon Barnett - Senior
  • 7 Knile Davis - Freshman
  • 20 Ronnie Wingo, Jr. - Freshman
  • 21 Michael Smith - Redshirt Senior
  • 23 De'Anthony Curtis - Sophomore
  • 29 Broderick Green - Sophomore
  • 33 Dennis Johnson - Sophomore
  • 35 Ronald Watkins - Redshirt Freshman
  • -- Garry Grace - Freshman

Fullbacks

  • 30 Mitchell Bailey - Sophomore
  • 44 Van Stumon - Redshirt Junior
  • 48 John Durmon - Senior

Wide receivers

  • 1 Reggie Fish - Redshirt Senior
  • 2 London Crawford - Senior
  • 3 Joe Adams - Sophomore
  • 4 Jarius Wright - Sophomore
  • 6 Bobby Petrino - Freshman
  • 11 Cobi Hamilton - Freshman
  • 19 Carlton Salters - Redshirt Junior
  • 28 Alvin Chambers - Freshman
  • 83 Neal Barlow - Freshman
  • 85 Greg Childs - Sophomore
  • 80 Chris Gragg - Sophomore
  • 81 Marques Wade - Redshirt Junior
  • 82 Lance Ray - Freshman
  • 84 Price Holmes - Freshman
  • 88 Lucas Miller - Redshirt Senior
  • 89 Austin Tucker - Redshirt Sophomore
  • -- Chris Muncie - Freshman
  • -- Brandon Pyle - Freshman
  • -- Telvin Griffin - Freshman
  • -- William Serrano - Freshman
 

Tight ends

  • 40 Joseph Henry - Redshirt Senior
  • 42 Kevin Glover - Redshirt Junior
  • 90 Colton Nash - Freshman
  • 87 Austin Tate - Freshman
  • 45 D.J. Williams - Junior

Offensive line

  • 54 Colby Berna - Freshman
  • 57 Robby Campbell - Freshman
  • 64 Travis Swanson - Freshman
  • 67 Alvin Bailey - Freshman
  • 69 David Hurd OL - Freshman
  • 78 Anthony Oden - Freshman
  • 70 Zhamal Thomas - Junior
  • -- Blake Gunderson - Freshman
  • -- Jordan Jacobs - Freshman

Offensive tackles

  • 65 DeMarcus Love - Redshirt Junior
  • 73 Ray Dominguez - Redshirt Junior
  • 75 Matt Hall - Redshirt Freshman
  • 76 Tyler Deacon - Redshirt Freshman
  • 79 Grant Freeman - Redshirt Sophomore

Offensive guards

  • 66 Mitch Petrus - Redshirt Senior
  • 72 Grant Cook - Redshirt Sophomore
  • 74 Kareem Crowell - Redshirt Sophomore

Centers

  • 60 Seth Oxner - Redshirt Sophomore
  • 68 Clay Bemberg - Redshirt Junior
  • 71 Wade Grayson - Junior

Defensive ends

  • 18 Adrian Davis - Senior
  • 43 Tenarius Wright - Redshirt Freshman
  • 58 Damario Ambrose - Junior
  • 63 Adam Pearce - Redshirt Freshman
  • 91 Jake Bequette - Redshirt Sophomore
  • 93 Chris Berezansky - Redshirt Senior
  • 98 Caleb Evans - Junior
 

Defensive tackles

  • 92 DeQuinta Jones - Freshman
  • 95 Patrick Jones - Junior
  • 96 Malcolm Sheppard - Senior
  • 97 Ryan Calender - Freshman
  • 99 Lavunce Askew - Sophomore

Nose tackles

  • 51 Alfred Davis - Redshirt Freshman
  • 61 Zach Stadther - Sophomore

Linebackers

  • 10 Wendel Davis - Senior
  • 25 Terrell Williams - Freshman
  • 34 Jerry Franklin - Redshirt Junior
  • 41 Ryan Powers - Redshirt Junior
  • 46 Freddy Burton - Junior
  • 50 Stephen Barnett - Redshirt Junior
  • 52 Robert Salinas - Senior
  • 53 Jermaine Love - Junior
  • 54 Michael Villegas - Freshman
  • 55 Austin Moss - Freshman
  • 45 AJ Nelson - Redshirt Freshman

Cornerbacks

  • 5 Tramain Thomas - Sophomore
  • 24 Isaac Madison - Junior
  • 26 Ramon Broadway - Redshirt Junior
  • 28 Greg Gatson - Sophomore
  • 29 Daniel Baldwin - Freshman
  • 30 Thomas Moss - Sophomore
  • 36 Andru Stewart - Junior
  • -- Devrick Perkins - Freshman
  • -- Justin Wortman - Freshman
 

Defensive backs

  • 1 Anthony Leon - Junior
  • 4 Rudell Crim - Junior
  • 9 Elton Ford - Sophomore
  • 13 Seth Armbrust - Redshirt Junior
  • 16 Darius Winston - Freshman
  • 19 Dustin Cain - Junior
  • 22 David Gordon - Freshman
  • 27 Jerell Norton - Redshirt Junior
  • 31 Jerico Nelson - Sophomore
  • 32 Bret Harris - Redshirt Sophomore
  • 35 Ross Rasner - Freshman
  • 38 Jerry Mitchell - Freshman
  • 39 Matt Harris - Redshirt Senior
  • 47 Matt Marshall - Redshirt Freshman

Punters

  • 14 Dylan Breeding - Freshman
  • 49 Briton Forester - Junior

Kickers

  • 2 Alex Tejada - Junior
  • 37 Cameron Bryan - Redshirt Freshman
  • -- Cameron Craig - Freshman
  • -- Brandon Tierney - Freshman
  • 36 Dylan Zimmerman - Freshman

Long snappers

  • 50 Robby Cox - Redshirt Freshman
  • 53 Derrell Hartwick - Redshirt Sophomore
  • 59 Rhett Richardson - Junior
  • 62 Nick Brewer - Sophomore
  • 94 Will Coleman - Freshman

Terms:

  • Freshman - A player in his first year.
  • Sophomore - A player in his second year.
  • Junior - A player in his third year.
  • Senior - A player in his fourth year.
  • Redshirt Redshirt - A player who sat out a
    previous season.

Game summaries

Missouri State

1 2 3 4 Total
Bears 7 3 0 0 10
Razorbacks 21 10 10 7 48

Arkansas began the season with a bang as Dennis Johnson returned the opening kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown.[9] The Razorbacks also threw for over 400 yards as a team for the first time in school history.[10]

Ryan Mallett went 17 for 22 passing for 309 yards and a touchdown in his Razorbacks debut. He transferred from the University of Michigan following the 2007 season, and had to sit out the 2008 season in accordance with NCAA regulations.[11] His backup, Tyler Wilson, was more efficient but less productive going 13 for 19 for 138 yards with an interception and two touchdowns.[12] Senior running back Michael Smith scored from 15 yards out to make the score 14–0 Razorbacks. Broderick Green scored on a 1-yard touchdown plunge to make the score 21–3 to close the first quarter.

Van Stumon caught a Wilson pass for a two-yard touchdown, followed by a Bears score to push the Razorback advantage to 28–10. Alex Tejada added a short field goal before halftime to give the Hogs a 21-point lead.[12] Joe Adams caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from Mallett to start the third quarter scoring, with the Hogs also notching another Tejada field goal. The fourth quarter produced another TD strike from Wilson, this time to Cobi Hamilton.

Smith finished with four carries for 43 yards and the score. True freshman Ronnie Wingo Jr. rushed eight times for 50 yards, Broderick Green rushed 10 times for 31 yards and a touchdown.[12] Jarius Wright caught 6 passes for 139 yards, with Joe Adams snagging 4 for 70 and a TD. Cobi Hamilton had four grabs for 56 and a TD, Greg Childs caught 4 for 50 yds. Tight end D.J. Williams, named to the Mackey Award watch list, caught two passes for twenty yards.[13] Razorback linebackers Wendel Davis and Jerry Franklin had five solo tackles each.[14]

#20 Georgia

1 2 3 4 Total
#20 Bulldogs 10 17 15 10 52
Razorbacks 21 0 17 3 41

The fifth-largest crowd in Razorback Stadium history watched the Hogs and Dogs pile up over 1,000 yards of offense and numerous school records.[15] Georgia QB Joe Cox threw for 375 yards and five scores. Bulldogs receiver A. J. Green had seven catches for 137 yards and two scores. Ryan Mallett of Arkansas completed 21 of 39 for 408 yards and five touchdowns. The yardage and touchdown totals both are school records. Razorback receiver Greg Childs caught five passes for 140 yards and two TDs.[16]

Arkansas scored on their first two plays; Joe Adams catching an 18-yard pass from Ryan Mallett (Alex Tejada kick) followed by a Jarius Wright 48-yard pass from Mallett. Georgia scored on a Joe Cox TD pass and Blair Walsh field goal, followed by a Greg Childs 30-yard touchdown reception from Ryan Mallett to make it a 21–10 Razorback lead to end the first period. Early in the second quarter, Razorback linebacker Jerry Franklin was assessed two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and was ejected. Georgia opened the second quarter scoring with an 80-yard run by Richard Samuel, followed by a 25-yard pass from Joe Cox to A.J. Green. Walsh added a field goal as time expired, giving UGA the first half, 27–21.[17]

Arkansas forced Georgia into a three-and-out, followed by a 40-yard Ryan Mallett aerial to Greg Childs, to make it a 28–27 Arkansas advantage. Tavarres King of Georgia responded by catching a 50-yard pass from Cox. Arkansas replied when D.J. Williams snagged a 2-yard pass from Mallett. Georgia two-way player Orson Charles caught a 44-yard pass from Joe Cox to make the score 40–35. The Dogs attempted a two-point conversion, and A.J. Green caught the lob from Cox to make it 42–35. Razorback kicker Alex Tejada added a short field goal, making the score 42–38 to Georgia's advantage.

A.J. Green caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from Cox to give UGA an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter. The Razorbacks drove inside the Georgia 10-yard line, but settled for a field goal. Georgia subsequently took the ball and tacked on another field goal, making the final score 52–41.[18]

The three-hour and forty-five-minute affair contained 25 penalties for 193 total yards. The two teams combined to run 125 plays.[15] Joe Cox was named National Offensive Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Football Foundation for his efforts.[19]

#3 Alabama

1 2 3 4 Total
Razorbacks 0 0 7 0 7
#3 Crimson Tide 0 14 14 7 35

Arkansas visited Bryant–Denny Stadium on September 26 to play the third-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.

Arkansas and Alabama battled to a 0–0 tie after the first quarter, with the two teams combining for five punts and six first downs. Trent Richardson got the scoring started for 'Bama, breaking numerous tackles on his way to a 52-yard touchdown run. After Arkansas punted on the ensuing possession, Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy completed a deep pass to Julio Jones for 50 yards and a touchdown out of the wildcat formation. Arkansas rushed for negative yardage in the second quarter, but was losing by only 14 at halftime.

Arkansas' offense got started in the third quarter on a Greg Childs 18-yard touchdown reception from Ryan Mallett. The Alex Tejada kick made it a 14–7 Alabama lead. Alabama's response was a single play: McElroy to Marquis Maze for an 80-yard touchdown pass. Arkansas' Dylan Breeding had his punt attempt blocked, setting up Mark Ingram to catch a 14-yard TD pass from McElroy. The Crimson Tide led 28–7 entering the fourth quarter, and Ingram's 2-yard run produced the 35–7 final score.[20]

Texas A&M, Southwest Classic

1 2 3 4 Total
Aggies 10 0 3 6 19
Razorbacks 7 23 7 10 47

Texas A&M and Arkansas renewed their past rivalry, now named the Southwest Classic, in Cowboys Stadium on October 3, 2009. Texas A&M took an early 10–0 lead on a Randy Bullock field goal and Jerrod Johnson 60-yard pass to Bran Jackson, but Arkansas responded with 30 unanswered points before halftime. TD passes from Ryan Mallett to Broderick Green and DeAnthony Curtis, followed by an 85-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Jerry Franklin, gave the Hogs a 21–10 lead. Alex Tejada made a field goal and Jarius Wright's 31-yard touchdown reception gave the Razorbacks a 30–10 lead at halftime.

The Aggies replied with a field goal from Bullock with 8:16 to play in the third quarter. Mallett hit Michael Smith for a 29-yard passing touchdown to close the third quarter scoring. Texas A&M receiver Ryan Tannehill caught a 3-yard pass from Johnson to make it a 19–37 game, but the Aggies failed the two-point conversion. After another Tejada field goal, Razorback true freshman Ronnie Wingo, Jr. broke loose for a 62-yard touchdown to produce the final margin of 47–19.[21]

Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson completed 30 of 58 passes for 345 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Mallett was 17 of 27 passing for 271 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. Joe Adams caught three passes for 110 yards to lead Arkansas in receiving. The contest took three hours and twenty six minutes to complete, and contained 151 plays, 91 of which were run by Texas A&M.[22]

#17 Auburn

1 2 3 4 Total
#17 Tigers 0 3 20 0 23
Razorbacks 6 21 7 10 44

Former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville provided his insight on the contest, stating over the radio on WJOX, "Arkansas can’t stop a cold, but they’ll try to score some points" and that Auburn would win "by three touchdowns".[23] Bobby Petrino was an offensive coordinator for the Tigers under Tuberville in 2002, and was considered as Tuberville's successor after a dismal 2003 campaign.[24]

Arkansas forced a three-and-out on the game's opening drive, and scored on a Broderick Green 2-yard run to give the Hogs an early 7–0 lead. Early in the second quarter, Michael Smith broke a 25-yard touchdown run to give the Razorbacks a 13–0 edge. Tigers running back Mario Fannin fumbled the ensuing kickoff, recovered by Arkansas' Jerell Norton at the Auburn 34-yard line. Two plays later, Ryan Mallett completed a 16-yard touchdown pass to Greg Childs to stretch the lead to 20–0. Auburn's Wes Byrum hit on a 37-yard field goal before halftime, and Mallett completed a five-yard touchdown pass to D. J. Williams to make the Arkansas lead 27–3.[25]

Arkansas punted to open the third quarter, but Jake Bequette's recovery of Ben Tate's fumble gave the Hogs the ball at the Arkansas 5-yard line. Ten plays later, Ryan Mallett rushed for a four-yard touchdown to make it 34–3 Hogs. Tate replied twice, first on a one-yard touchdown run, and later on a 60-yard touchdown scamper. Onterio McCalebb also scored on the ground for Auburn in the third quarter, cutting the Razorbacks' lead to 23–34. Broderick Green responded early in the fourth quarter on a 3-yard rushing score. Alex Tejada added a field goal to produce the final 44–23 margin. Arkansas won by 21 points, totally reversing Tommy Tuberville's prediction that the Tigers would prevail by three scores.

#1 Florida

1 2 3 4 Total
Razorbacks 0 10 3 7 20
#1 Gators 0 3 10 10 23

With Florida favored to win by 25 points, the Arkansas Razorbacks pushed the top-ranked Gators to the edge.[26] Arkansas sacked 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow six times and forced four turnovers, but missed a 31-yard Alex Tejada field goal that would have given the Hogs a 23–20 lead with 3:08 to play.[27]

Jake Bequette set up the game's first points be forcing a Tebow fumble, recovered by Zach Stadther. The Hogs drove to the one-yard line before the first quarter ended tied scoreless.[27] USC transfer Broderick Green plunged into the end zone to start the second quarter, and gave the Hogs a 7–0 lead. Tebow fumbled again on his team's ensuing possession, but the Razorbacks could not capitalize.[27] UF receiver Aaron Hernandez fumbled for the third straight Gator possession, but the Hogs were forced to punt. Florida's kicker, Caleb Sturgis, kicked a 30-yard field goal on Florida's next possession to make the game 7–3 in favor of Arkansas.[27]

The Razorbacks drove inside the UF five-yard line before halftime, but could only get a field goal. This gave the Hogs a 10–3 lead at the break, despite missing on every third down conversion.[27]

Following the half time performance, Florida connected on a 51-yard field goal from Sturgis to cut the Razorbacks' lead to 10–6. Tramain Thomas made an outstanding play on UF's Chris Rainey later in the third quarter. He attempted to tackle Rainey in the open field, but fell to the turf. While falling, Thomas kicked the ball cleanly out of Rainey's arm, and it fell right to Thomas.[28] The Hogs took over at Florida's 28-yard line, but missed a short field goal and were forced walk away empty from the encounter.[27]

On Florida's ensuing possession, Tim Tebow connected with Deonte Thompson for a 77-yard touchdown pass. Ramon Broadway was peeking into the backfield on the play, and took a false step towards the line of scrimmage.[28] This allowed Thompson to give the Gators a 13–10 lead. Arkansas replied with a drive fueled mostly by the efforts of Dennis Johnson, who started at running back instead of an injured Michael Smith. The drive's deciding play, however, was when Ryan Mallett missed an open Van Stumon in the end zone.[28] The Hogs did connect on another Tejada field goal, tying the game at 13.

Early in the fourth quarter, Mallett was forced to step up in the pocket and sling a pass to Greg Childs on 3rd and 17.[27] Childs caught the ball and outran several UF defenders to the end zone. It appeared that Childs lost the ball on the one-yard line, but after review it was decided that he maintained possession on the 75-yard scoring play.[28] Arkansas had a 20–13 lead with 9:40 to play.[27]

Florida responded with a 67-yard scoring drive, assisted by a 15-yard pass interference penalty and 15-yard personal foul penalty called consecutively against Arkansas.[27] The CBS broadcasting team said that the calls were both "questionable".[28] Top-ranked Florida tied the game at 20. The officiating crew was suspended by the Southeastern Conference the following week,[29][30] and remained on suspension until November 14.[31] Florida coach Urban Meyer later said that the SEC was right by suspending the crew, and Bobby Petrino was reprimanded by the SEC for publicly criticizing the crew after the contest.[32]

Ryan Mallett later led a 56-yard drive to the UF 21-yard line, but Alex Tejada missed a potential game-winning field goal with 3:08 remaining. Tebow and company marched down the field to the Arkansas 10-yard line, finding Riley Cooper for three first downs on the drive.[27] With thirteen seconds to play, Sturgis kicked the game-winning field goal, ending the Razorbacks' upset bid and preserving Florida's homecoming.[28]

Ole Miss

1 2 3 4 Total
Razorbacks 0 7 10 0 17
Rebels 14 3 7 6 30

The Arkansas Razorbacks traveled to Oxford, Mississippi to match up against former coach Houston Nutt.

Jevan Snead opened the scoring for the Ole Miss Rebels, running in from one yard out. The University of Texas transfer also completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to Shay Hodge to take a 14–0 Rebels lead. Ole Miss added a field goal from Joshua Shene before Arkansas scored. Knile Davis rumbled in from three yards out to draw the Razorbacks within 10. Before halftime, Snead lead what looked like a last-minute scoring drive until Arkansas defensive back Jerico Nelson intercepted a pass at the Arkansas six-yard line.

Andru Stewart intercepted another Snead pass early in the third quarter, leading to an Alex Tejada field goal. Ole Miss responded when Snead hit Dexter McCluster on a screen pass that McCluster took for a 64-yard touchdown. Arkansas scored on the ensuing possession when Ryan Mallett connected with Carlton Salters for a 58-yard touchdown. The ball was intended for Greg Childs, but Childs and two Rebel defenders tipped the ball to an uncovered Salters for the score. The Rebels added two more Shene field goals to make the final score 30–17.[33] McCluster rushed 22 times for 123 yards. He also caught 7 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown.

Eastern Michigan

1 2 3 4 Total
Eagles 0 0 20 7 27
Razorbacks 21 21 21 0 63

The Eastern Michigan Eagles came to Fayetteville on Halloween to play the Razorbacks on homecoming. Prior to the game, EMU was the top-ranked defense against the pass, but last against the run.[34] The Hogs were without Michael Smith, who had a hamstring injury, but regained the services of WR Joe Adams.[35]

Arkansas scored on its first drive when running back Knile Davis took the ball in from six yards out. The Hogs also scored on their next possession, a Broderick Green run over right guard for a touchdown.[34] On the ensuing possession, EMU quarterback Kyle McMahon was intercepted by Freddie Burton, who returned the ball 50 yards for a touchdown. Early in the second quarter, Ryan Mallett found Joe Adams on a ten-yard crossing pattern for a score.[35] Following a missed Alex Tejada field goal, Patrick Treppa punted for EMU, leaving the Razorbacks with the ball on their own one-yard line.[36] However, on the next play, Broderick Green broke through the line and rumbled 99 yards for a touchdown.[34] The score was the longest play in Arkansas Razorbacks history, longer than the previous record of 90 yards set by Billy Moore against Tulsa back in 1962.[35] Following another EMU punt, Mallet found Adams for a 78-yard touchdown pass, giving the Hogs a 42–0 lead as the teams went to halftime. The Razorback defense did not allow EMU a single first down in the first half.[34]

Following the homecoming halftime festivities, Seth Armbrust blocked an Eastern Michigan punt, and scooped it up for a touchdown. At this point, Kyle McMahon began to move the Eagles, scoring on their next two possessions, including a TD pass to Kinsman Thomas for 77 yards. Mallett responded with a 55-yard bomb to Cobi Hamilton, and Davis capped the drive two plays later to make it a 56–13 game.[36] After another EMU score, Mallett found Lucas Miller for a sixteen-yard score. EMU tacked on another score, but the Razorbacks prevailed in a 63–27 rout.[34]

Mallett finished completing 14 of 16 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns.[36] Broderick Green had 135 yards on nine rushes, including the 99-yard record-setting score.[36] Joe Adams had 109 yards receiving in his first game after suffering a mild stroke.[35]

Statistics

Team

Statistics[37]ArkansasOpponents
Scoring468326
Points per game 36.025.1
First downs254267
Rushing89112
Passing147136
Penalties1819
Total offensive yards5,5555,215
Rushing1,7131,985
Passing3,8423,230
Fumbles–Lost18–625–17
Penalties–Yards87–67589–671
StatisticsArkansasOpponents
Punts–Yards65–2,45663–2,485
Average per punt37.839.4
Average ToP/game28:5031:09
3rd down conversions54/16266/180
3rd down percentage3337
4th down conversions10/204/16
4th down percentage5025
Touchdowns scored6038
Field goals–Att16–2221–27
PAT–Att58–6033–35
Attendance45,578333,6155
Average65,11284,039

Scores by quarter

1 2 3 4OT Total
Arkansas 100 133 150 823 468
Opponents 57 81 133 523 326

Offense

Rushing

NameGP-GSAttGainLossNet YdsAvgTDLongAvg/G
Broderick Green 13–3104459174424.2119934.0
Michael Smith 8–571413173965.623349.5
Dennis Johnson 13–257369273426.004626.3
Ronnie Wingo Jr. 13–149336173196.536224.5
Knile Davis 13–13316631634.943612.5
Brandon Barnett 13–07460466.60113.5
Joe Adams 10–75365316.21183.1
Van Stumon 12–224042.0020.3
TEAM 7–0411830.80110.4
Deanthony Curtis 13–213033.0030.2
Dylan Breeding 12–011011.0010.1
Tyler Wilson 5–022200.0020.0
Cobi Hamilton 13–1108-8-8.000-0.6
Ryan Mallett 13–1358145174-29-0.5219-2.2
Total 133951,9912781,7134.32399131.8
Opponents 135012,3793941,9854.01580152.7

Passing

NameGP-GSEfficCmp-AttPctYdsTDIntLngAvg/G
Ryan Mallett 13–13152.46225–40355.83,62430783278.8
Tyler Wilson 5–0119.2022–3661.1218222143.6
Total 13149.73247–43956.33,84232983295.5
Opponents 13137.85239–40459.23,230221380248.5

Receiving

NameGP–GSRecYardsAvgTDLongAvg/G
Greg Childs 13–84889418.677568.8
Jarius Wright 13–124168116.655852.4
D. J. Williams 13–93241112.836931.6
Joe Adams 10–72956819.677856.8
Cobi Hamilton 13–11934718.336426.7
Michael Smith 8–51616310.212920.4
London Crawford 10–51418413.102618.4
Dennis Johnson 13–210727.20185.5
Broderick Green 13–3810413.01398.0
Lucas Miller 11–278311.91167.5
Ronnie Wingo Jr. 13–159919.81837.6
Reggie Fish 12–145714.20324.8
Deanthony Curtis 13–245413.51294.2
Carlton Salters 8–038127.015810.1
Ben Cleveland 13–133311.00132.5
Knile Davis 13–1242.0050.3
John Durmon 9–2155.0050.6
Van Stumon 12–2122.0120.2
Total 132473,84215.63283295.5
Opponents 132393,23013.52280248.5

Defense

NameGP–GSTacklesSacksPass Defense FumblesBlkdSafety
SoloAstTotalLoss–YdsNo.–YdsInt–YdsPDQbhRcv–YdsFFKick
Jerry Franklin 13–125143945.0–141.5–83–6132–85
Wendel Davis 11–114633798.5–201.0–41–5311–0
Jerico Nelson 13–74529746.5–322.5–241–39211–01
Matt Harris 12–105120711.0–31–02
Elton Ford 11–83431651.0–2211–3
Ramon Broadway 11–53124552.0–343–01
Freddy Burton 13–73519544.5–262.0–231–50111–01
Adrian Davis 13–1233175010.5–575.5–3821–01
Rudell Crim 13–132518432.0–341
Zach Stadther 13–81725421.0–20.5–22–0
Jake Bequette 13–82019399.0–485.5–37282–02
Tenarius Wright 13–12113347.0–281.5–73
Malcom Sheppard 13–1317163311.0–392.5–19341–0
Tramain Thomas 9–41913321.0–23–371–01
DeQuinta Jones 12–3177243.5–262.5–241
Andru Stewart 12–4183212.0–31–3011
Anthony Leon 13–2119201.0–51
Lavunce Askew 10–1612182.5–91.5–81
Jerell Norton 12–2104142–021–1
Damario Ambrose 13–594130.5–1
David Gordon 10–392111.0–3
Ross Rasner 11–0741111
Terell Williams 13–14591
Austin Moss 11–0718
Patrick Jones 10–04482.0–50.5–31
Greg Gatson 9–05271
Seth Armbrust 13–05272
Bret Harris 13–24261.5–31
Cameron Bryan 8–0516
Darius Winston 4–066
Deanthony Curtis 13–2235
Jarius Wright 13–12235
Knile Davis 13–144
Cobi Hamilton 13–144
Ronnie Wingo, Jr. 13–1224
Jelani Smith 7–0123
Lucas Miller 11–2213
Alex Tejada 13–033
Caleb Evans 3–0221.0–51.0–51
Alfred Davis 11–122
Jermaine Love 3–0112
M. Villegas 1–011
Broderick Green 13–311
Michael Smith 8–511
Robert Salinas 3–0111
C.Berezansky 2–011
D. J. Williams 13–911
Van Stumon 12–211
Dylan Breeding 12–011
Mitch Petrus 13–1311
R. Richardson 13–011
Dustin Cain 1–011
TEAM 7–01
Total 136043981,00285–33929–21113–222342417–891221
Opponents 1350531782272–28124–1689–9653286–341

Special teams

Kicking

NamePATsField Goals
MadeAtt %MadeAtt %
Alex Tejada 585998.3162272.7
Total585998.3162272.7

Punting

NameNo.YdsAvgLongTBFCIn2050+blk
Dylan Breeding 612,35938.7542151461
Briton Forester 39732.33502100
TEAM 100000000
Total 652,45637.8542171561
Opponents 632,48539.46442418112

Returns

NamePunt ReturnsKickoff Returns
No.YdsAvgTDLong No.YdsAvgTDLong
Seth Armbrust 13636.011 58216.4021
Joe Adams 100.000 24120.5028
Jerell Norton 9778.6038
Reggie Fish 2115.5011
Michael Smith 166.006
TEAM 1-3-3.000
Dennis Johnson 401,03125.8191
Brandon Barnett 35217.3022
Terell Williams 2199.5014
Cobi Hamilton 15050.0050
Ben Cleveland 188.008
Total 151278.5138 541,28323.8191
Opponents 2529511.8187 791,67021.1045

References

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