FAYETTEVILLE — After running aground during a 1-4 start that included going 0-2 in SEC play, Arkansas will hit the ground running at 3-4 overall, 2-2 in the SEC, as it heads into Saturday’s SEC game against Ole Miss at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
Arkansas hits the ground running after outrushing Auburn 116-40 in a 24-7 victory and Kentucky 161-66 in a 49-7 victory.
Coach John L. Smith expects more since the Hogs last played Oct. 13, which has allowed senior running backs Dennis Johnson and Knile Davis to refresh, injured running back Ronnie Wingo to heal and freshman Jonathan Williams to be incorporated more into the rushing attack.
“I think it is probably the best it’s been all year,” Smith said Monday of Arkansas’ running backs, “and I think we’re getting better.”
It seems under a Petrino, the Razorbacks’ running game flourishes in October after running so-so in September.
Even during the 10-3 and 11-2 seasons of 2010 and 2011 under former coach Bobby Petrino, Arkansas’ running game didn’t open the season in high gear. Knile Davis wasn’t even promoted until midseason in 2010, when he finished with 1,322 yards rushing and was named All-SEC.
Perhaps Arkansas offensive coordinator Paul Petrino stuck with Davis too long this season as the running back struggled to regain the form he showed in 2010 after missing all of last season with a broken ankle.
Only recently has Paul Petrino turned to Johnson. Arkansas’ occasional main back since 2008, Johnson leads the Razorbacks with an average of 5.9 yards per carry and five touchdowns.
“We always knew D.J. had it inhim, but now he’s being more of a leader and taking responsibility,” Smith said. “I think he kind of cherishes that. ‘Get on my back. Let’s go.’ ”
However, Davis posted his best game against Kentucky and continues progressing in practice, Smith and Petrino said.
Wingo may seem the forgotten man now but has a proven blend of size and speed and great hands that NFL scouts won’t ignore.
All Williams did against Kentucky was take two Tyler Wilson passes and litter Frank Broyles Field in Fayetteville with forlornly diving Wildcats on his 74- and 77-yard touchdowns.
That should add up to more carries and receptions, Paul Petrino said.
“Feed the studs,” Petrino said. “You show you’re a stud, he’s going to get the ball more.”
So the rookie is a stud, too?
“He’s getting close,” Petrino said. “He was the other night.”
Center Travis Swanson asserts that the line, learning to adjust without injured fullback Kiero Small, is getting closer to “executing all the small things” it takes with help from receivers’ blocks downfield to spring big runs.
Big runs have been customary for Arkansas since the century’s turn, from Fred Talley and Cedric Cobbs through Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, Peyton Hillis and Michael Smith to the current quartet.
It takes all facets working together, though Petrino also likes knowing the backs know that consistently great practices can set any apart.
“We always tell them the film is their resume,” Petrino said. “Battle every day at practice to see who is going to get the ball the most.”
Sports, Pages 18 on 10/24/2012