2010 Arkansas Razorbacks football team

2010 Arkansas Razorbacks football
Sugar Bowl, L 26–31 vs. Ohio State
Conference	Southeastern Conference
Division	Western Division
Ranking
Coaches	No. 12
AP	No. 12
Record	10–3 (6–2 SEC)
Head coach	Bobby Petrino (3rd season)
Offensive coordinator	Garrick McGee (1st season)
Offensive scheme	Multiple
Defensive coordinator	Willy Robinson (3rd season)
Base defense	4–3
Home stadium	Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (Capacity: 72,000) War Memorial Stadium (Capacity: 53,955)
Seasons ←  2009 2011  →

2010 Southeastern Conference football standings

v t e	Conf							Overall
Team		W		L					W		L
Eastern Division
No. 22 South Carolina x		5	–	3					9	–	5
Florida		4	–	4					8	–	5
Georgia		3	–	5					6	–	7
Tennessee		3	–	5					6	–	7
Kentucky		2	–	6					6	–	7
Vanderbilt		1	–	7					2	–	10
Western Division
No. 1 Auburn x$#		8	–	0					14	–	0
No. 12 Arkansas  %		6	–	2					10	–	3
No. 8 LSU		6	–	2					11	–	2
No. 10 Alabama		5	–	3					10	–	3
No. 15 Mississippi State		4	–	4					9	–	4
Ole Miss*		1	–	7					4	–	8
Championship: Auburn 56, South Carolina 17
# – BCS National Champion $ – BCS representative as conference champion % – BCS at-large representative x – Division champion/co-champions * Ole Miss vacated all wins due to NCAA violations. Rankings from AP Poll

The 2010 Arkansas Razorbacks football team represented the University of Arkansas in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team played five home games at Razorback Stadium and two home games at War Memorial Stadium. Coach Bobby Petrino was in his third year with the Razorbacks. They were members of the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference. The Razorbacks finished the season 10–2, 6–2 in SEC play and earned a berth in the Sugar Bowl, their first appearance in a BCS bowl since the inception of the BCS in 1998, where they were defeated by Ohio State by a 31–26 score.

Before the season

Players

Quarterback Ryan Mallett had successful offseason surgery on a broken left foot. ^[1] The injury occurred during a conditioning drill, and kept the Texarkana native out of spring drills. ^[2] Sophomore defensive backs David Gordon and Hunter Miller were arrested on April 26 for possession of drugs. ^[3] Offensive tackle DeMarcus Love was named to the Outland Trophy watchlist, and Ryan Mallett was named the frontrunner for the Davey O'Brien Award by The Sporting News. ^{[4] [5]} Mallett and tight end D. J. Williams were also named to numerous preseason All-American teams. ^[6] Joe Adams, Greg Childs, Wade Grayson, DeMarcus Love, Jerry Franklin, Jake Bequette, DeQuinta Jones, and Jerico Nelson earned All-SEC honors. ^[6] Coach Bobby Petrino, Mallett, Williams, and back-up quarterback Tyler Wilson all appeared on ESPN's College Football Live. ^{[7] [8] [9] [10]} Wide receiver Carlton Salters left the football team on July 12 in order to pursue his professional baseball career. ^[11]

Recruits

College recruiting information (2010)
Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	40‡	Commit date
Calvin Barnett DT	Tulsa, Oklahoma	Booker T. Washington High School	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	318 lb (144 kg)	5.1	Feb 3, 2010
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 79
Jatashun Beachum ATH	Dallas, Texas	A. Maceo Smith High School	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	270 lb (120 kg)	4.65	Jan 17, 2010
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 79
Eric Bennett ATH	Tulsa, Oklahoma	Booker T. Washington High School	6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)	230 lb (100 kg)	4.29	Oct 18, 2009
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 75
LaCraig Brown DT	Monroe, Louisiana	Richwood HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	268 lb (122 kg)	4.92	Jan 4, 2010
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 40
Eduardo Camara K	Cedar Hill, Texas	Cedar Hill HS	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)	157 lb (71 kg)	N/A	Jul 8, 2009
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 77
Daunte Carr DB	Gainesville, Georgia	Gainesville HS	6 ft 2.5 in (1.89 m)	200 lb (91 kg)	4.57	Jan 17, 2010
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 79
Luke Charpentier OL	River Ridge, Louisiana	John Curtis HS	6 ft 4.5 in (1.94 m)	298 lb (135 kg)	5.1	Nov 10, 2009
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 73
Cam Feldt OL	Pilot Point, Texas	Pilot Point HS	6 ft 4.5 in (1.94 m)	293 lb (133 kg)	5.30	Jul 24, 2008
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 81
Courtney Gaston LB	Fort Gibson, Oklahoma	Fort Gibson HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	215 lb (98 kg)	4.5	Sep 29, 2009
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 76
Brad Hefley ATH	Joplin, Missouri	Joplin HS	6 ft 4.5 in (1.94 m)	253 lb (115 kg)	4.75	Jun 16, 2009
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 76
Javontee Herndon WR	Jacksonville, Florida	Bolles School	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	178 lb (81 kg)	4.5	Feb 3, 2010
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 40
Zach Hocker K	Russellville, Arkansas	Russellville HS	5 ft 11.5 in (1.82 m)	168 lb (76 kg)	N/A	Feb 1, 2010
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 76
Julian Horton ATH	Norcross, Georgia	Greater Atlanta Christian	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	182 lb (83 kg)	4.50	Jan 17, 2010
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 78
Maudrecus Humphrey WR	Hoover, Alabama	Hoover HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	185 lb (84 kg)	4.5	Jan 24, 2010
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 77
Jeremiah Jackson DT	Hoover, Alabama	Spain Park HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	263 lb (119 kg)	N/A	Jun 13, 2009
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 78
Byran Jones DT	Junction City, Arkansas	Junction City HS	6 ft 2.5 in (1.89 m)	304 lb (138 kg)	5.10	Feb 3, 2010
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 78
Jarrett Lake ATH	Jenks, Oklahoma	Jenks HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	205 lb (93 kg)	N/A	Feb 3, 2010
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 79
Braylon Mitchell ATH	Heber Springs, Arkansas	Heber Springs HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	212 lb (96 kg)	N/A	Jul 8, 2009
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 77
Denton Simek OL	Prague, Oklahoma	Prague HS	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	265 lb (120 kg)	4.9	Feb 3, 2010
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 77
Chris Smith DE	Mount Ulla, North Carolina	West Rowan HS	6 ft 1.5 in (1.87 m)	225 lb (102 kg)	4.61	Jun 6, 2009
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 77
Darrell Smith DB	Port Saint Joe, Florida	Point Saint Joe HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	185 lb (84 kg)	4.5	Sep 14, 2009
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 76
Alan Turner ATH	Junction City, Arkansas	Junction City HS	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	183 lb (83 kg)	4.5	Feb 3, 2010
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 60
Garrett Uekman TE	Little Rock, Arkansas	LR Catholic	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	235 lb (107 kg)	4.68	Jun 10, 2009
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 75
Marquel Wade WR	Jacksonville, Florida	Andrew Jackson HS	5 ft 10.5 in (1.79 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	4.49	Nov 1, 2009
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 74
Jacoby Walker QB	Spring, Texas	Westfield HS	6 ft 1.5 in (1.87 m)	204 lb (93 kg)	4.65	Dec 21, 2009
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 75
Montaque Mack OLB	Jacksonville, Florida	Andrew Jackson HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	N/A	Nov 1, 2009
	Star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 35   Rivals: 49
‡ 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: "Scout.com Football Recruiting: Arkansas". Scout.com. Retrieved April 25, 2010. "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved April 25, 2010. "2010 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved April 25, 2010.

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
September 4	6:00 p.m.	Tennessee Tech *	No. 17	Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Fayetteville, AR	PPV	W 44–3	69,596 [12]
September 11	6:00 p.m.	Louisiana–Monroe *	No. 14	War Memorial Stadium Little Rock, AR	SECRN	W 31–7	55,705 [13]
September 18	11:00 a.m.	at Georgia	No. 12	Sanford Stadium Athens, GA	ESPN	W 31–24	92,746 [14]
September 25	2:30 p.m.	No. 1 Alabama	No. 10	Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Fayetteville, AR	CBS	L 20–24	76,808‡ [15]
October 9	2:30 p.m.	vs. Texas A&M *	No. 11	Cowboys Stadium Arlington, TX (Southwest Classic)	ABC	W 24–17	65,622 [16]
October 16	2:30 p.m.	at No. 7 Auburn	No. 12	Jordan–Hare Stadium Auburn, AL	CBS	L 43–65	87,451 [17]
October 23	11:21 a.m.	Ole Miss	No. 21	Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Fayetteville, AR (rivalry)	SECN	W 38–24	73,619 [18]
October 30	7:00 p.m.	Vanderbilt	No. 19	Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Fayetteville, AR	SECRN	W 49–14	70,430 [19]
November 6	6:00 p.m.	at No. 18 South Carolina	No. 17	Williams-Brice Stadium Columbia, SC	ESPN	W 41–20	75,136 [20]
November 13	6:00 p.m.	UTEP *	No. 14	Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Fayetteville, AR	ESPNU	W 58–21	67,330 [21]
November 20	6:00 p.m.	at No. 22 Mississippi State	No. 13	Davis Wade Stadium Starkville, MS	ESPN	W 38–31 2OT	56,406 [22]
November 27	2:30 p.m.	No. 6 LSU	No. 12	War Memorial Stadium Little Rock, AR (Battle for the Golden Boot)	CBS	W 31–23	55,808 [23]
January 4	8:00 p.m.	vs. No. 6 Ohio State *	No. 8	Louisiana Superdome New Orleans, LA (Sugar Bowl) (College GameDay)	ESPN	L 26–31	73,879 [24]
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game All times are in Central time

• ‡ New Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Attendance Record

NOTE: Ohio State's Sugar Bowl win was vacated after Ohio State's 2010 season was vacated, due to several violations of NCAA rules and regulations by numerous Buckeye players, and OSU head coach Jim Tressel's lack of institutional control. Arkansas' loss in the Sugar Bowl remains a loss in the records.

Personnel

Coaching staff

2010 Arkansas Razorbacks coaching staff
	Head coaches Head coach – Bobby Petrino Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks – Garrick McGee Running backs – Tim Horton Tight ends – Chip Long Wide receivers – Kris Cinkovich Offensive line – Chris Klenakis Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator/secondary – Willy Robinson Inside linebackers – Reggie Johnson Defensive tackles – Bobby Allen Defensive ends – Steve Caldwell Graduate assistant – Marty Biagi			Special teams Special teams coordinator/outside linebackers – John L. Smith Administrative staff Athletic director (AD) – Jeff Long Director of high school relations – Dean Campbell Director of on-campus recruiting/eligibility coordinator – Dann Kabala Director of football operations – Mark Robinson Strength and conditioning – Jason Veltkamp Recruiting coordinator – Tim Horton

Roster

2010 Arkansas Razorbacks roster
2010 Roster from the University of Arkansas Razorbacks Athletics
Quarterbacks 8 Tyler Wilson – sophomore 9 Jacoby Walker – freshman 15 Ryan Mallett – junior 17 Brandon Mitchell – sophomore Tailbacks 7 Knile Davis – sophomore 10 Braylon Mitchell – freshman 20 Ronnie Wingo, Jr. – sophomore 24 Larry Ward, Jr.- "Freshman" 29 Broderick Green – junior 33 Dennis Johnson – junior -- Ronald Watkins – sophomore Fullbacks 44 Van Stumon – senior -- Brandon Pyle – sophomore Wide receivers 1 Marquel Wade – freshman 2 Julian Horton – freshman 3 Joe Adams – junior 4 Jarius Wright – junior 11 Cobi Hamilton – sophomore 19 Javontee Herndon – freshman 23 De'Anthony Curtis – junior 83 Lance Ray – freshman 84 Price Holmes – sophomore 85 Greg Childs – junior 89 Austin Tucker – junior -- Alvin Chambers – sophomore -- Ryan Farr – sophomore -- Telvin Griffin – sophomore -- Alex Nerney – junior -- William Seranno – sophomore -- Justin Wortman – sophomore		Tight ends 45 D.J. Williams – senior 48 Brad Hefley – freshman 80 Chris Gragg – sophomore 86 Ben Cleveland – senior 87 Austin Tate – freshman 88 Garrett Uekman – Freshman Offensive line 63 Colby Berna – freshman 66 Denton Simek – freshman 67 Alvin Bailey – freshman -- Blake Gunderson – sophomore Offensive tackles 65 DeMarcus Love – senior 73 Ray Dominguez – senior 75 Luke Charpentier – freshman 76 Tyler Deacon – sophomore 78 Anthony Oden – sophomore 79 Grant Freeman – junior Offensive guards 70 Zhamal Thomas – senior 71 Wade Grayson – senior 72 Grant Cook – junior 74 Cam Feldt – freshman Centers 60 Seth Oxner – junior 64 Travis Swanson – freshman 68 Clay Bemberg – senior Defensive ends 83 Darrick Sullivan – freshman 43 Tenarius Wright – sophomore 58 Damario Ambrose – senior 90 Colton Miles-Nash – sophomore 91 Jake Bequette – junior 97 Ryan Calendar – freshman 98 Caleb Evans – senior -- Will Coleman – sophomore -- Brooks Reimer – freshman		Defensive tackles 51 Alfred Davis – sophomore 54 Byran Jones – freshman 61 Zach Stadther – junior 92 DeQuinta Jones – sophomore 95 Patrick Jones – senior 96 Jeremiah Jackson – freshman -- Jared Green – junior Linebackers 1 Anthony Leon – senior 31 Jerico Nelson – sophomore 25 Chris Milam – sophomore 32 Bret Harris – junior 34 Jerry Franklin – junior 41 Ryan Powers – senior 46 Freddy Burton – senior 50 Stephen Barnett – junior 53 Jermaine Love – senior 55 Austin Moss – sophomore Cornerbacks 4 Rudell Crim – senior 6 Isaac Madison – junior 13 Seth Armbrust – senior 21 Darius Winston – sophomore 26 Ramon Broadway – senior 28 Greg Gatson – sophomore 36 Andru Stewart – junior Safeties 5 Tramain Thomas – junior 9 Elton Ford – junior 24 Daunte Carr – freshman 35 Ross Rasner – freshman 38 Jerry Mitchell – freshman -- Dustin Cain – senior		Athletes 14 Eric Bennett – freshman 22 Darrell Smith – freshman 27 Alan Turner – freshman 39 Jarrett Lake – freshman 49 Jatashun Beachum – freshman Punters/Kickers 2 Alex Tejada – senior 14 Dylan Breeding – sophomore 18 Zach Hocker – freshman 40 Eduardo Camara – freshman -- Cameron Bryan – sophomore Long snappers 59 Rhett Richardson – junior 62 Nick Brewer – junior -- Robby Cox – sophomore -- Derrell Hartwick – junior 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 – A player who sat out a previous season.

Statistics

Team

Team Opp Scoring 474 304   Points per Game 36.5 23.4 First Downs 291 236   Rushing 105 118   Passing 173 102   Penalty 13 16 Total Offense 6273 4523   Avg per Play 7.1 5.2   Avg per Game 482.5 347.9 Fumbles-Lost 23–9 27–14 Penalties-Yards 108–831 92–678   Avg per Game 63.9 52.2

Team Opp Punts-Yards 54-2255 72-3034   Avg per Punt 41.8 42.1 Time of Possession/Game 30:22 29:38 3rd Down Conversions 68/165 62/185 4th Down Conversions 9/19 14/21 Touchdowns Scored 60 37 Field Goals-Attempts-Long 16–19 15–19 PAT-Attempts 56–58 37–37 Attendance 413591 311739   Games/Avg per Game 6/68932 4/77935   Neutral Games/Avg per Game 3/65069

Scores by quarter

1 2 3 4 OT Total Opponents 87 75 39 103 0 304 Razorbacks 121 145 103 98 7 474

Offense

Rushing

Name	GP-GS	Att	Gain	Loss	Net	Avg	TD	Long	Avg/G
Knile Davis	13–8	204	1362	40	1322	6.5	13	71	101.7
Broderick Green	13–2	104	389	24	365	3.5	3	23	28.1
Ronnie Wingo Jr.	13–5	41	260	7	253	6.2	1	32	19.5
Dennis Johnson	2–0	9	85	2	83	9.2	1	49	41.5
Joe Adams	12–4	6	32	0	32	5.3	0	12	2.7
Jarius Wright	13–13	1	9	0	9	9.0	0	9	0.7
Ronald Watkins	2–0	1	5	0	5	5.0	0	5	2.5
Brandon Mitchell	4–0	2	5	6	−1	−0.5	0	5	−0.2
Austin Tucker	13–0	1	0	6	−6	−6.0	0	0	−0.5
Dylan Breeding	13–0	1	5	12	−7	−7.0	0	0	−0.5
TEAM	8–0	3	0	22	−22	−7.3	0	0	−2.8
Tyler Wilson	6–0	4	0	24	−24	−6.0	0	0	−4.0
Ryan Mallett	13–13	44	59	133	−74	−1.7	4	14	−5.7
Total	13	421	2211	276	1935	4.6	22	71	148.8
Opponents	13	522	2528	414	2114	4.0	21	54	162.6

Passing

Name	GP-GS	Effic	Att-Cmp-Int	Pct	Yds	TD	Lng	Avg/G
Total

Receiving

Name	GP-GS	No.	Yds	Avg	TD	Long	Avg/G
Total

Defense

Name	GP	Tackles				Sacks	Pass Defense		Interceptions				Fumbles		Blkd Kick
		Solo	Ast	Total	TFL-Yds	No-Yds	BrUp	QBH	No.-Yds	Avg	TD	Long	Rcv-Yds	FF
Total

Special teams

Name	Punting								Kickoffs
	No.	Yds	Avg	Long	TB	FC	I20	Blkd	No.	Yds	Avg	TB	OB
Total

Name	Punt Returns					Kick Returns
	No.	Yds	Avg	TD	Long	No.	Yds	Avg	TD	Long
Total

Rankings

See also: 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings

Ranking movements
Legend:██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking

	Week
Poll	Pre	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	Final
AP	17	14	12	10	15	11	12	21	19	17	14	13	12	8	8	12
Coaches Poll	19	15	13	11	15	13	13	21	18	19	14	13	12	8	8	12
Harris	Not released						13	20	18	17	14	13	12	8	8	Not released
BCS	Not released							23	19	18	15	13	12	7	8	Not released

Game summaries

Tennessee Tech

See also: Tennessee Technological University

	1	2	3	4	Total
Golden Eagles	3	0	0	0	3
#17 Razorbacks	0	23	21	0	44

Arkansas met Tennessee Tech for the first time on the gridiron to open the 2010 season of lofty expectations. The Hogs started slowly, with TTU taking a 3–0 lead into the second quarter, but Arkansas was driving to close the first quarter, and running back Dennis Johnson scored from seven yards out for the Hogs' first touchdown of the season. The Arkansas defense recorded a safety on the ensuing TTU possession. Arkansas running back Broderick Green leaped in for another Razorbacks score, making the lead 16–3 for Arkansas. The Razorbacks added an 85-yard scoring pass from quarterback Ryan Mallett to Joe Adams before halftime. ^[25] The Hogs came out strong in the second half, with Ronnie Wingo scoring another Razorbacks touchdown on the ground. Mallett began to click with his receivers at this point, finding Cobi Hamilton and Joe Adams for passing touchdowns. Arkansas did not punt in the contest, and won easily 44–3. This was the first time under Bobby Petrino that the Hogs kept an opponent without a touchdown. ^[26]

Louisiana–Monroe

See also: Louisiana–Monroe Warhawks football

	1	2	3	4	Total
#14 Razorbacks	7	0	7	17	31
Warhawks	0	0	0	7	7

Ryan Mallett threw for four hundred yards for the third time in his career, and Greg Childs had twelve catches as Arkansas' offense rallied in the second half to finish the Warhawks. ^[27] The Razorbacks offense looked lethargic in the first half, but the Arkansas defense was stout. The first score of the game came in the first quarter, Greg Childs hauling in a 19-yard touchdown pass From Ryan Mallett. Neither team scored again until the third quarter, when Mallett took a quarterback sneak one yard to paydirt. Rudell Crim of Arkansas intercepted a pass, and the Hogs drove for five minutes resulting Zach Hocker's first career field goal as a Razorback. ^[28] Childs again caught a Mallett touchdown pass, diving into the end zone to make the score 24–0. At this point, Louisiana-Monroe strung a drive together and connected on a Luther Ambrose 25 yard touchdown reception from Kolton Browning. Razorback sophomore Ronnie Wingo scored on a screen pass to stretch the final margin to 31–7. ^[29] Arkansas' offense had three turnovers in the contest, but the defense played well; limiting ULM to under 200 yards of total offense. ^[27]

Georgia

See also: 2010 Georgia Bulldogs football team

	1	2	3	4	Total
#12 Razorbacks	7	10	7	7	31
Bulldogs	7	0	3	14	24

The Razorbacks began the SEC season by meeting Georgia in Athens, Georgia. The Hogs looked to answer critics that believe the Razorbacks cannot win an SEC game on the road. Georgia was victorious in Razorback Stadium in 2009 shootout. ^[30] The Hogs had to play without the services of top running back Dennis Johnson, who suffered a season-ending injury the week previous. The Bulldogs were playing without impact receiver A. J. Green, who was suspended for selling his jersey to an agent.

The Hogs scored first only minutes into the game on a Mallett pass to Chris Gragg for a 57-yard score. Georgia freshman QB Aaron Murray scored on the ground to even the score. The Hogs responded with a Knile Davis rushing score, and a Zach Hocker field goal to take a 17–7 lead into half. After the break, Georgia kicker Blair Walsh recorded a field goal, but Mallett found Ronnie Wingo to reply. Behind by fourteen points, Georgia stormed back with Tavarres King and Washaun Ealey both scoring touchdowns to knot the game in the fourth quarter. Georgia had a chance to win the game, but a sack by Jake Bequette that tore Murry's helmet off ended the drive and forced UGA to punt. ^[31] Given a chance to win the game, Mallett completed two passes to D. J. Williams to move the Hogs to the UGA 40. Childs caught a perfect pass from Mallett along the left side, and after breaking a tackle, dashed 40 yards for the game-winning score with fifteen seconds remaining. ^[32] Mallett was 3 of 3 for 73 yards on the final game-winning drive, confirming his status as a Heisman Trophy contender. ^[33]

Alabama

Mallett takes a snap in the shotgun in the third quarter.

See also: 2010 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

	1	2	3	4	Total
#1 Crimson Tide	7	0	7	10	24
#10 Razorbacks	10	7	3	0	20

Texas A&M, Southwest Classic

See also: 2010 Texas A&M Aggies football team and Arkansas–Texas A&M football rivalry

	1	2	3	4	Total
#11 Razorbacks	14	7	3	0	24
Aggies	7	7	3	0	17

The Arkansas offense exploded in the first half by racking up 317 yards in the second annual Southwest Classic. The Hogs were hurt on the scoreboard by penalties and missed kicks, however. Arkansas marched the ball down the field on the opening possession, running well and capping the drive with a Joe Adams touchdown reception. The Hogs defense forced a punt on the following Aggie drive, but Ryan Mallett threw a long interception on the Razorbacks' first play. Texas A&M returned the interception to the 2-yard line, but couldn't score until fourth down. The ensuing Razorbacks possession ended when Mallett threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Cobi Hamilton, following a very successful play action fake. Arkansas had the potential for six more points, but a Zach Hocker miss and a botched fake attempts cost the Razorbacks more points. Mallett led a 63-second drive before halftime which ended in a Ben Cleveland touchdown reception, but Texas A&M responded with a quick score to make it a 21–14 lead for the Hogs at half.

The game became a defensive affair in the second half. Arkansas sealed the game in the fourth quarter with two run-heavy possessions that ate the clock. Texas A&M had a chance to tie the game with little time left, but failed and instead turned the ball over for the fourth time. The win gave the Hogs a 2–0 edge in Southwest Classic games.

Auburn

See also: 2010 Auburn Tigers football team

	1	2	3	4	Total
#12 Razorbacks	7	14	14	8	43
#7 Tigers	7	20	10	28	65

Arkansas traveled to Auburn, Alabama for an SEC shootout between Ryan Mallett and Auburn's Cameron Newton. Entering the game, Arkansas and Auburn were the SEC's top two offenses, respectively, with the Razorbacks also ranking third nationally in passing offense. ^[34] The game provided plenty of points as promised, but changed complexion dramatically when Mallett left the game with a concussion in the second quarter. Razorbacks junior Tyler Wilson came in and threw for over 300 yards and 4 touchdowns, but also throw two costly interceptions late.

The game was also marred by many questionable calls by officials that hindered Arkansas. The primary calls were Mario Fannin's fumble prior crossing the goal line and a fumble by Broderick Green despite being down. A statement by Arkansas' athletic director Jeff Long indicates that the University has "registered our concerns regarding several officiating calls and review decisions made by replay officials". ^[35]

Arkansas began the scoring on a Mallett pass to Van Stumon, who caught just his second career pass for a seven-yard score. After Auburn responded, Arkansas engineered a twelve play drive that ended with a Broderick Green TD run. On the ensuing Auburn possession, Mario Fannin fumbled the football prior to crossing the plane of the goal line. The call was reviewed but upheld as a touchdown. This was the first of many questionable calls to hurt Arkansas. ^[35] This call was later explained by the SEC offices that an on-field official had signaled touchdown, despite indisputable video evidence that no official ever indicated touchdown. ^[36] Auburn also blocked a punt. Tyler Wilson relieved an injured Mallett in the second quarter, throwing a touchdown pass to Greg Childs on his second drive. This made the score 21–27 in favor of Auburn at the half.

Wilson hit Childs for another TD in the second half, but Auburn returned the subsequent kickoff 99 yards to negate the score. Wilson replied with by completing a long flea flicker pass to Childs, followed by two passes to Joe Adams to hit paydirt. Wilson and the Razorbacks drove again, scoring on another Childs touchdown reception and two-point conversion reception. This scoring frenzy gave Arkansas a 43–37 lead. Auburn responded with a passing TD, and controversy ensued on Arkansas' next possession. Running back Broderick Green fumbled the football after being tackled. After a long review period, the play was not overturned and Auburn took possession. This call was heavily questioned by Bobby Petrino and the Razorback coaching staff. Auburn continued to a 65–43 victory.

A positive for the Razorbacks was receiver Greg Childs, who caught nine passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns.

Ole Miss

See also: 2010 Ole Miss Rebels football team, Arkansas – Ole Miss rivalry, and Houston Nutt

	1	2	3	4	Total
Rebels	0	3	7	14	24
#21 Razorbacks	14	7	3	14	38

Vanderbilt

Knile Davis scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter to make the score 42–14 in favor of Arkansas.

See also: 2010 Vanderbilt Commodores football team

	1	2	3	4	Total
Commodores	14	0	0	0	14
#19 Razorbacks	6	26	3	14	49

South Carolina

See also: 2010 South Carolina Gamecocks football team

	1	2	3	4	Total
#17 Razorbacks	7	17	10	7	41
#18 Gamecocks	7	3	0	10	20

UTEP

Ronnie Wingo (20) stands behind Mallett in the pistol formation against the Miners.

See also: 2010 UTEP Miners football team

	1	2	3	4	Total
Miners	14	0	0	7	21
#14 Razorbacks	21	14	14	9	58

Mississippi State

See also: 2010 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team

	1	2	3	4	OT	2OT	Total
#13 Razorbacks	14	3	7	7	0	7	38
#22 Bulldogs	7	14	0	10	0	0	31

LSU, Battle for the Golden Boot

See also: 2010 LSU Tigers football team and Arkansas–LSU football rivalry

	1	2	3	4	Total
#6 Tigers	0	14	6	3	23
#12 Razorbacks	7	14	0	10	31

Mallett kneels down on the one-yard line to finish the game. The win is the Hogs' third in four years against their rivals.

Arkansas met LSU in Little Rock, and the Hogs earned a season-defining 31–23 victory. ^[37] Arkansas' second-ranked offense met the Tigers' top-ranked defense, but the Hogs recorded 464 yards of total offense against the Tigers. ^[38] Arkansas's sophomore running back Knile Davis rushed for 152 yards, including nine straight rushes on the final Arkansas drive, and Ryan Mallett broke the school record with 60 touchdown passes in the contest. ^[39] Cobi Hamilton of Arkansas had three catches for 164 yards and two touchdowns of 80+ yards, including a long score with six seconds remaining before halftime. Stevan Ridley had two rushing scores for LSU, and Jordan Jefferson completed 16 of 27 passes for 184 yards. Arkansas and LSU both closed the regular season at 10–2, with Arkansas finishing second in the SEC West behind Auburn. This was the team's last win over LSU until the 2014 season.

On December 5, the Razorbacks were invited to the 2011 Sugar Bowl. This was Arkansas' first ever BCS berth.

2011 Sugar Bowl – Ohio State

#6 Ohio State at #8 Arkansas

1 2 3 4 Total •#6 Ohio State 14 14 3 0 31 #8 Arkansas 7 3 11 5 26 Location: Louisiana Superdome New Orleans Game start: 8:30 p.m. EST

See also: 2010 Ohio State Buckeyes football team and 2011 Sugar Bowl

The Ohio State Buckeyes headed to the Superdome to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Buckeyes came into the game 0–9 against the SEC in bowl games. The Buckeyes struck first, with Dane Sanzenbacher recovering a fumble in the end zone after Terrelle Pryor fumbled on the 3 yard line. Arkansas struck back with Ryan Mallett connecting with Joe Adams on a 17-yard pass. Dan Herron added a 9-yard run, and Sanzenbacher and DeVier Posey caught touchdown passes of 15 and 43 yards respectively to give the Buckeyes a big lead. Zach Hocker hit a 20-yard field goal as time expired and the Razorbacks were down 28–10 at the half.

In the third quarter, the momentum shifted Arkansas' direction. Hocker and Devin Barclay traded field goals, then Mallett connected with Jarius Wright for a touchdown, then made the two-point conversion on a pass to D. J. Williams to pull within ten. The Razorbacks closed the gap further in the fourth, on a safety by Jake Bequette and another field goal by Hocker. With just over a minute left, Arkansas blocked Ohio State's punt and recovered on the 18 yard line. However, Mallett's second pass attempt was intercepted and the Buckeyes ran out the clock and won, 31–26. Initially Ohio State's first bowl win over an SEC opponent, Ohio State's win was subsequently vacated when Ohio State later vacated their entire 2010 football season because of NCAA violations involving improper benefits to some of their players.

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