Liberty (7-1) is back in action Saturday afternoon as the Flames travel to play at Arkansas (5-3) for a 4:00 p.m. EST kickoff against the Razorbacks. To help us get a preview of what to expect from Arkansas, we caught up with Curtis Wilkerson, who covers Arkansas for HawgSports.com.
What is the overall feeling surrounding the season within the program thus far and its fans on expectations for the year?
Curtis Wilkerson: There was a brief period right after Arkansas dropped its third straight game on the road at Mississippi State where there was some clear frustration building externally, but that has largely dissipated and was never really amplified within the walls of the football building as the Hogs have won two straight to get back on track and gotten much healthier in the process. The general vibe is that Arkansas has kept its head above water through the most grueling portion of the schedule and has the chance to stack some wins and finish strong in the back half.
What has been your feeling/evaluation of KJ Jefferson thus far and what is the expectation for his production in this game?
CW: Insert whatever cliche feels appropriate here, but KJ Jefferson really is the straw the stirs the drink for the Arkansas offense. His footwork and reads have both taken a step forward in his second season as a full-time starter, and while it took a few weeks for the chemistry to develop with his new crop of receivers, Jefferson has done a nice job of spreading it out to his targets. It feels as if he has overcome some early fumbling issues and has consistently done a great job of keeping the ball out of harm’s way as a passer. What makes him unique is his ability to make plays with his legs at 240 pounds. Jefferson is a tough assignment for any opposing defense and his dual-threat will be hard to slow down on Saturday.
Who do you consider to be the biggest X factor on the Arkansas offense besides the quarterback?
CW: This is a great question because what has made the Arkansas offense so formidable is the balance. The Hogs average 245.8 yards per game rushing and 246.8 passing. Rocket Sanders is the best back in the SEC, but the Razorbacks have multiple quality options behind him, as well. Let’s go with transfer wideout Matt Landers, who has come on very strong of late. After a quiet few weeks, he has racked up 12 receptions for 214 yards and three touchdowns in the last two games and started to emerge as the closest thing Arkansas has had to a go-to target.
What about defensively?
CW: Drew Sanders would probably be the popular answer here. The hybrid linebacker is extremely versatile and critical to what Barry Odom wants to do defensively. He’s the top pass rusher on the team and can come off the edge or right up the middle. He racks up tackles, has the speed to cover sideline to sideline and has graded out well in coverage.
Another name to consider is starting nickel Myles Slusher. The problem is he has missed more time than he’s spent on the field with multiple injuries, but there is no argument Arkansas’ struggling secondary is quite a bit better with him out there, and he appears to be as healthy as ever at the moment.
If you had to guess the ending record for this team, what would it be?
CW: The schedule lines up well for Arkansas to close the regular season in that three of the final four are at home with the lone road contest being a trip to Missouri. I’d anticipate the Razorbacks splitting with LSU and Ole Miss and finishing up 8-4 with a chance to notch a ninth win in a bowl game.
What player has surpassed expectations and has been breaking out this season?
CW: Offensively, let’s go outside the box here with starting right tackle Dalton Wagner. A super senior who has been up and down while dealing with a banged up back throughout his career, many felt it was just a matter of time before he was supplanted by a younger talent in Ty’Kieast Crawford. As it turns out, he’s already played over 600 snaps and graded out well in both run and pass blocking while cutting down his frequent false starts from the past.
Defensively, I’ve been really impressed with redshirt freshman linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul, who has seen his snap count and production increase throughout the season, giving Arkansas some much-needed depth at linebacker behind Drew Sanders and Bumper Pool. He’s become a great third-down option. Paul looks the part, is athletic and hits hard. His future is bright.
Where do you think the Flames will struggle the most against this team?
CW: The biggest difference in matchups like this typically comes in the trenches, and I’d imagine that will be the case on Saturday. To Liberty’s credit, I’m impressed with the size across the offensive line and the success the defensive line has had against the run, getting to the quarterback and holding up on third down. At the end of the day, though, SEC size, depth and athleticism is just a different level, and it could wear the Flames down as the game hits its latter stages.
What is your final score prediction for this game?
CW: I believe the line opened up with Arkansas as about a two touchdown favorite, and I think that is probably about right. Hugh Freeze has done a tremendous job, and It would not surprise me to see the Flames find some offensive success early, but Liberty’s turnover problems and Arkansas’ SEC depth and talent lead me to believe the Hogs will pull away in the second half. Arkansas 41, Liberty 24.
