FAYETTEVILLE — Bret Bielema wasn't concerned when Arkansas trailed by four points entering the fourth quarter against Samford last week, unlike the majority of Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium.
Regardless of the scoreboard, the first-year Razorbacks coach believed it was just a matter of time until Arkansas asserted itself. The Razorbacks (2-0) did just that in the fourth quarter against the Bulldogs, rallying for a 31-21 win behind the power-running game that Bielema has stressed since his hiring away from Wisconsin last December.
The Razorbacks will put last week's lesson to test on Saturday when they host Southern Mississippi, a team still reeling after a winless season a year ago. The Golden Eagles (0-2) enter the game with the nation's longest losing streak, a 14-game stretch that includes a dismal 0-12 season a year ago under former coach Ellis Johnson
"When we're behind, you have a little alarm that goes off in your head and realize you've got to score points," Bielema said. "But I thought our fourth-quarter mentality would kick in. It was just a matter of time."
New Southern Mississippi coach Todd Monken, the former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator, is hopeful the Golden Eagles are closer to the 2011 version of the program— which finished 12-2 and won Conference USA — than last year's collapse.
Turnovers have been the Golden Eagles' biggest problem through two weeks. They've committed 10 — worst in the country — with six interceptions and four lost fumbles.
"Obviously, we have to do a better job holding onto" the ball, Monken said.
Arkansas knows about collapses, given its fall from preseason top 10 to Southeastern Conference afterthought a year ago. The Razorbacks might have overlooked Southern Mississippi this week — with a road trip to Rutgers a week from now — if it weren't for last week's near-disaster in Little Rock.
"It's definitely a big learning experience," Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen said. "... I think it's more motivating. We realize that there's so many good teams out there, and that anybody can play with anybody."
Here are five things to watch as Arkansas looks to avoid trailing in the fourth quarter for a second straight week:
DYNAMIC DUO: Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins have been spectacular through two games for the Razorbacks, combining to average 290 yards rushing per game. Collins, a freshman, leads the SEC in rushing while Williams, a sophomore, is third. They helped spearhead an Arkansas offense that rushed 20 times for 163 yards in the fourth quarter last week against Samford — one that didn't attempt a pass during the quarter. Expect more of the same this week.
BACK IN ACTION: Arkansas played last week without three defensive starters. Defensive end Trey Flowers and safety Rohan Gaines missed the game with injuries, while linebacker Jarrett Lake was held out for disciplinary reasons. Bielema said Gaines is likely still out this week, while Flowers and Lake are expected back — along with sophomore linebacker Otha Peters, who has been out since August with a broken arm.
QUARTERBACK PRESSURE: Southern Mississippi quarterback Allan Bridgford has thrown for an average of 299.5 yards per game this season. However, he's also thrown five of the Golden Eagles' six interceptions — thanks to a variety of tips, poor route running and pressure from opposing defenses. Monken is counting on the offensive line to give Bridgford more time this week against the Razorbacks. "He's taken a beating the first two weeks," Monken said. "... We've got to find a way to protect him better and then keep him upright, because he's obviously been our best offensive player two weeks in a row."
PASS CONNECTION: As good as Arkansas' running game has been through the first two games, the passing game became a concern after last week. Allen was just 9 of 17 passing for 125 yards in the win, hardly the same kind of game he had in the season opener — when he was 15 of 22 for 230 yards. The sophomore, however, wasn't concerned. "I don't have any problems with the passing game," Allen said. "I think we're doing fine."
HERNDON'S TIME: Arkansas receiver Javontee Herndon waited patiently the last three years behind four receivers who went on to be drafted by NFL teams, including Jarius Wright, Greg Childs, Joe Adams and Cobi Hamilton. The senior's wait has paid off this season, with three touchdown catches through two games, and he leads the Razorbacks with 8 catches for 143 yards. "We have a really great connection, that's for sure," Allen said.