Mallett Just Wants Wins

PETRINO IMPRESSED WITH QB’S MATURATION

— Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett has followed a season-long practice when it comes to his statistics.

Whenever the sophomore’s impressive passing numbers are mentioned, his broad shoulders shrug off the accomplishment. He’s not interested in numbers. All he cares about are wins.

So when Mallett was told he could set Arkansas’ single-season passing record against Troy, he responded accordingly.

“All right,” Mallett said. “Sounds good.”

He may not like to brag about it, but Mallett has been busy rewriting Arkansas’ passing charts this season. He already owns four passing marks, combined with backup Tyler Wilson for another, and can continue his record-breaking ways Saturday.

Mallett needs 153 yards to eclipse former Razorback Clint Stoerner for the school’s single-season passing mark. Stoerner has held the record since throwing for 2,629 yards in 1998.

Mallett also is 12 attempts shy of owning the school record for passes thrown without an interception. Once again, Stoerner has held the mark since throwing 134 straight between 1997-98.

The run on records has come as no surprise to the Hogs, who had a feeling passing marks would tumble with Mallett under center.

“He is a big-time quarterback and big-time quarterbacks make big-time plays in big-time games,” tight end D.J. Williams said when asked about the records. “That is just Ryan Mallett.”

Arkansas’ offense has gained steam the past two weeks with Mallett at the controls. The Razorbacks have had their share of ups and downs, but sit atop the Southeastern Conference in scoring (35.6 points) and passing (299.4 yards).

Mallett’s play has been key to the success. He has thrown for 2,477 yards with 18 touchdowns and three interceptions.

The records are nice, but Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino has been more impressed with Mallett’s overall maturation. Throwing the ball downfield has never been a problem. Petrino said Mallett has worked hard at becoming a complete quarterback.

“I think the thing I’ve been impressed with is when he felt like or hasn’t performed well, the next week he comes out and practices harder,” Petrino said. “And tries to lead harder and spends more time in the video room. It’s very important to him to go out and perform well. He pushes himself extremely hard.”

Mallett hasn’t thrown an interception since the first half of the Auburn game on Oct. 10. He has proven to be more willing to run the ball the past few games. His accuracy has improved tremendously of late, too. So has his patience as a passer.

“I think the last two weeks he really improved,” offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said. “You always knew he had the great talent, the big strong arm. I think he’s just starting to become that complete quarterback that goes through his progressions, takes what the defense gives you. All big-time quarterbacks convert on third down. He’s done that the last couple of weeks.”

Arkansas’ passing records continue to fall, too.

It’s tough to rate which mark has been most impressive, but receiver Jarius Wright pointed to Mallett’s accuracy. Mallett has completed 37 of 43 (86 percent) of his passes in wins against Eastern Michigan and South Carolina.

“Even if you’re throwing on air that’s still a great completion rate,” Wright said. “We’re happy for him. We’re happy to be out there catching the ball and making plays for him.”

Sophomore Joe Adams said being part of Mallett’s records are starting to become the norm for his receivers.

“It gets to the point where it’s just a part of the game now,” receiver Joe Adams said. “You just expect him to break a record every game with the way he throws the ball.”

Mallett’s assault on Arkansas’ charts does come at a school with a history of run-oriented offenses. It’s something he acknowledged Tuesday. However, Mallett said it would be a “great honor” to turn in one of the school’s most prolific seasons.

It’s not something Mallett wanted to spend a lot of time talking about, though. He said that will be reserved for later.

“It might mean something after the season,” Mallett said. “But right now, I’m trying to get some wins.

“That’s what we’re trying to do is win out and go to a great bowl game and that’s what we’re really focused on right now.”