FAYETTEVILLE — Seven games into Arkansas’ SEC-only schedule, Mike Woods has essentially matched the numbers he put up over 12 games in 2019.
Perhaps one of the more underrated pieces on the Razorbacks’ offense, the junior is having a season to remember after a somewhat slow start against Georgia and Mississippi State. His level of play has picked up in recent weeks.
Nearly half of his receiving yards in 2020 have come in Arkansas’ last two games against Tennessee and Florida. Woods recorded a career-high 129 yards and two touchdowns on as many grabs last week.
“I’ve had a pretty good year, I guess,” Woods said Tuesday. “I mean, I probably have taken advantage of the opportunities I’ve had. Obviously, it could be better. I’m still working every day. It’s like after I have a good game, I come back harder the next week.
“I’m just trying to keep building.”
Woods’ first reception against the Gators resulted in a 47-yard touchdown from quarterback Feleipe Franks, and he added an 82-yarder on a very similar play in the fourth quarter. He said he had an option route in both instances and took the deep ball, figuring he could take advantage of his matchup.
Razorbacks interim head coach Barry Odom came away impressed with Woods’ play at Florida. Franks, too, commended him for winning his 1-on-1 matchups in key moments.
“Mike was open and made plays when he had the opportunity,” Odom said last Saturday. “He’s a guy that has become a big-play weapon for us. He has great strength out in the open field when he catches the ball and he’s got tremendous speed.”
Arkansas safety Jalen Catalon has his own ideas as to what has made Woods a challenging cover for opposing cornerbacks and safeties. For one, he works his hands well, Catalon said, and he is also a very consistent route runner.
Woods is also able to gain yards after catch. He has 167 yards after catch this season — 100 in the last two weeks (32 vs. Tennessee, 68 at Florida).
“You can’t tell what route he’s going to run,” Catalon said Tuesday. “You just have to play it and react off of him. He’s not going to give you any indicators of what he does. I think, also, his ability to go get the ball makes him more effective. I think he’s an all-around receiver. As a DB, it’s hard when you can’t really figure out a weakness with a guy, and that’s him.
“I think that showed in the Florida game. He was able to go get the ball, and then he was also able to do something right after he caught it, too. Mike’s a great receiver. I’m glad I don’t have to go against him 100 snaps a game or something like that because he’s a tough guy to guard.
“Mike Woods’ game is ridiculous.”
Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman, who is expected to return to campus on Wednesday after a 10-day quarantine, said earlier this month that Catalon is a player who watches a tremendous amount of film in preparation for games. Woods is likely in the same class.
He was detailed in his assessment of the LSU secondary, which currently ranks last in the SEC in passing defense, allowing 335.2 yards per game. Only South Carolina, Arkansas and Vanderbilt have given up more passing scores this season than the Tigers (14).
LSU has not played since a 48-11 loss at Auburn on Halloween. Freshman Eli Ricks leads the Tigers with three interceptions while star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. does not have one this season after a six-pick freshman season.
“Probably going to be one of the best secondaries we play,” Woods said. “Obviously they’ve got Derek Stingley. They’ve got a true freshman corner (Ricks) that’s really long and real athletic. Their safeties are both good and physical.
“I mean, it’s the SEC. Every week we go against talented players — every single week. We’ve just got to prepare and practice and go into the game confident and get ready.”