Analyzing Feleipe Franks' debut vs. Georgia

Arkansas quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) scrambles out of the pocket during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Georgia in Fayetteville, Ark., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

Below is an analysis of quarterback Feleipe Franks’ first start at Arkansas after rewatching the season opener against Georgia again on Monday:

Feleipe Franks vs. Georgia

At/Behind LOS: 10/12, 26 yards

1-5 yards: 2/9, 9 yards, INT

6-10 yards: 4/8, 80 yards, INT

11-15 yards: 1/1, 15 yards

16+ yards: 2/6, 69 yards, TD

Best throw: The 49-yard touchdown pass to Treylon Burks midway through the first quarter. That ball was perfectly placed and allowed Burks enough space along the Arkansas sideline to cut up the field post-catch.

I also liked Franks’ two strikes to Mike Woods on the series the Razorbacks added a field goal in the third quarter. One was a third-down dart for a gain of 11, and the second picked up 15 yards. Both balls were placed where only Woods could make a play.

Worst throw: His first interception of the game, which was intended for Hudson Henry. The ball was a bit high for Henry and too far out in front, plus Franks’ feet were not at all set. Both feet were off the ground as he let it go.

Other interceptable throws: 1 (pass intended for tight end Blake Kern 5 yards downfield should have been picked off by a Bulldogs defender)

Accurate throws: 21

Inaccurate throws: 5 (incomplete pass intended for T.J. Hammonds 44 yards downfield, ball was underthrown; incomplete pass intended for Burks 28 yards downfield, ball was too tall; incomplete pass intended for Woods 27 yards downfield, ball was overthrown versus double coverage; incomplete pass intended for De’Vion Warren 1 yard downfield, ball was too hot and too tall for a smaller receiver; incomplete pass intended for Burks 4 yards downfield, ball was too far in front of receiver and in traffic)

Throwaways: 4

Passes tipped at LOS: 1 (pass intended for Burks 6 yards downfield on 2nd throw of game)

Passes broken up: 2 (pass intended Hudson Henry 4 yards downfield; pass intended for Burks 41 yards downfield)

1st down throws on 3rd down: 3 (28-yard completion to Warren on third-and-7; 9-yard completion to Kern on third-and-6; 11-yard completion to Woods on third-and-4)

Drops: 2 (Rakeem Boyd on swing pass 5 yards behind LOS; T.J. Hammonds on out route 6 yards downfield)

Analysis: We saw a little bit of good and bad with Franks in the passing game in his debut with the Razorbacks. The negatives were a couple of interceptions, one of which was certainly on him and the other a breakdown by a receiver on the perimeter. A third pass could have been intercepted over the middle of the field. On the plus side, his shining moments came by way of several big-time, precise completions to his top playmakers in Treylon Burks and Mike Woods. I thought Franks did a solid job getting the ball to Burks in space, allowing him to do damage after the catch, and it resulted in a career day for the sophomore.

Looking at Franks' passing numbers by depth of target, Arkansas worked plenty of short game. I don't believe the 21 attempts traveling five or fewer yards downfield is solely a result of the Razorbacks' offensive line being unable to hold firm in pass protection. Offensive coordinator Kendal Briles wanted to get the ball in the hands of players like Burks and Boyd on slants and swings as well as mix in balls to tight ends both outside the hashes and over the middle of the field. However, the 12 completions on those throws netted only 35 yards and Franks was picked off once.

I thought he had strong command of the offense before the snap and showcased his veteran savvy on the 20-yard completion to Burks on a comeback. We saw Franks move teammates around in the backfield a number of times to ensure Arkansas was in the correct formation. Last season, the Razorbacks were hit with a few costly alignment penalties. Under Franks in Week 1, the offense was clean there.

Lastly, I liked seeing Franks buy himself time and make some plays with his feet. He was close to picking up two first downs on the ground, but one run was negated by a holding penalty. That's a great weapon to have when receivers are blanketed and/or protection breaks down. Franks showcased some toughness as well. He took some big shots from Georgia defenders and largely kept his composure. Overall, he wasn't great against a really talented defense, but there are certainly signs of life and creativity with this offense.

Receivers yards after catch leaders:

WR Treylon Burks – 56 yards (23, 5, 3, -2, 2, 17, 8)

WR De’Vion Warren – 21

RB Rakeem Boyd – 14 (0, 7, 7, 0)

WR Mike Woods – 11 (6, 3, 2)

TE Blake Kern – 11

RB Trelon Smith – 9 (5, 4)

WR Trey Knox – 2