Hogs showing signs of improvement
Robert Beckmann
Issue date: 10/8/08 Section: Sports
Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino will see a familiar face when he looks across the field this Saturday. On the opposing sideline will be Tommy Tuberville, head coach of the No. 20 Auburn Tigers (4-2, 2-2 Southeastern Conference).
In 2002, Petrino worked as offensive coordinator for Tuberville at Auburn. On the season, the Tiger offense averaged 30.3 points per game. The previous year they had averaged 21.2.
Against Arkansas in 2001, Auburn was crushed 42-17. With Petrino in 2002, the Tigers seized retribution 38-17.
This season Auburn has implemented a new offensive system, after a steady decline in their offensive production last year. The Tigers hired Tony Franklin, the former offensive coordinator of the Troy Trojans.
In 2007, Franklin inherited a Troy team that had not ranked better than 109th nationally in the previous four consecutive seasons. By season's end under Franklin, the Trojans were averaging 453 yards per game (16th nationally) and scoring 34 points per game (25th nationally).
This season at Auburn, however, Franklin's offense has sputtered thus far. In six games, they have averaged 18.7 points per game.
"We've watched a lot of their offense," Petrino said. "I think we might see the version where they run the ball and have a big physical offensive front running the football. Anytime you change schemes there's an adjustment period and a lot of it is the quarterback play and you kind of go as your quarterback plays."
In practice this week, Arkansas looks to see continued progress from their offensive line.
Against Florida, the Hogs gave up four sacks for negative eight yards.
This was marked improvement from previous weeks, especially considering that the Razorbacks were dealing with several injuries and an absence. Redshirt freshman Grant Cook filled in at guard because of sophomore DeMarcus Love's ankle injury.
"Cook played well and I would anticipate him having a good week of practice and being the starter there, but that's still yet to be seen," Petrino said.
In 2002, Petrino worked as offensive coordinator for Tuberville at Auburn. On the season, the Tiger offense averaged 30.3 points per game. The previous year they had averaged 21.2.
Against Arkansas in 2001, Auburn was crushed 42-17. With Petrino in 2002, the Tigers seized retribution 38-17.
This season Auburn has implemented a new offensive system, after a steady decline in their offensive production last year. The Tigers hired Tony Franklin, the former offensive coordinator of the Troy Trojans.
In 2007, Franklin inherited a Troy team that had not ranked better than 109th nationally in the previous four consecutive seasons. By season's end under Franklin, the Trojans were averaging 453 yards per game (16th nationally) and scoring 34 points per game (25th nationally).
This season at Auburn, however, Franklin's offense has sputtered thus far. In six games, they have averaged 18.7 points per game.
"We've watched a lot of their offense," Petrino said. "I think we might see the version where they run the ball and have a big physical offensive front running the football. Anytime you change schemes there's an adjustment period and a lot of it is the quarterback play and you kind of go as your quarterback plays."
In practice this week, Arkansas looks to see continued progress from their offensive line.
Against Florida, the Hogs gave up four sacks for negative eight yards.
This was marked improvement from previous weeks, especially considering that the Razorbacks were dealing with several injuries and an absence. Redshirt freshman Grant Cook filled in at guard because of sophomore DeMarcus Love's ankle injury.
"Cook played well and I would anticipate him having a good week of practice and being the starter there, but that's still yet to be seen," Petrino said.
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