FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas ignited its running game for 206 yards and three touchdowns behind Dennis Johnson in its 29-24 victory at Ole Miss last week.
Now the question for the BCS No. 10 Razorbacks is whether they can count on a reliable ground game the rest of the year, starting Saturday against a Vanderbilt team that ranks No. 23 nationally in total defense and No. 45 against the rush.
“We needed to have a breakout run game like that,” senior guard Grant Cook said. “I’m glad we could get the run established, and that’s what we’re going to try to do from here on out.”
Because the Commodores sport a formidable pass defense, which is ranked No. 22 in efficiency against the pass, and they are tied for the NCAA lead with 15 interceptions, Arkansas might need a running attack to aid quarterback Tyler Wilson and the high-powered passing game.
“We’re going to throw the ball, so we’ve got to generate some first downs running the ball and keep them off balance by being able to run and throw,” Arkansas running backs coach Tim Horton said. “That’s presents a great challenge, but it’s one I think we’re up to.”
Johnson’s 160-yard performance against Ole Miss, which included a 52-yard touchdown on a tackle-breaking draw play, was the second 100-yard game by an Arkansas back this season, joining Ronnie Wingo’s 102-yard showing against Troy in the third week of the season.
While Arkansas coaches believe there is strength in the numbers in the backfield, the Razorbacks have typically thrived when a workhorse emerges. At this point last season, the Razorbacks surged behind tailback Knile Davis to balance out their offense and power down the stretch with six consecutive victories.
Arkansas averaged 179 rushing yards in its last seven games last season, an increase of 65 yards per game over its average of 114 through its first six games.
Horton said the run-game push in the second half of 2010 has been a topic of conversation for the current team, which is averaging 140.3 rushing yards per game, which ranks 73rd in the nation.
“We understand for us to accomplish the goals we want to accomplish, we’ve got to run the ball effectively,” Horton said. “We were able to do that Saturday. ... We’re going to have to do that against Vanderbilt because they’re a good team.”
Johnson has rushed for 100-plus yards in every game in his career in which he’s had more than 12 carries, but those three 100-yard games are spread over three seasons. He has yet to earn feature back status.
“I’m ready to get a few more carries,” Johnson said last Saturday. “A lot more carries, I hope. ... There’s more to come.”
Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino said it’s hard to speculate whether Johnson could take on a role like Davis did late last season.
“But he was certainly the hot hand the other day, and we fed him as much as we could,” Petrino said.
Fullback Kiero Small said defenders who approach Johnson like they’re tackling a “little guy” are in for a surprise.
“D.J. is not a little guy,” Small said. “He’s compact. Then he’s fast. You saw the burst on that long run. Once he gets into the open field, you can pretty much count it as a touchdown.”
Horton said he thinks Johnson, whose other 100-yard games came against defending national champions (LSU in 2008 and at Florida in 2009), can handle the feature back role.
“He’s healthy now, so that’s a good sign,” he said. “He had a good practice today. We’re optimistic he can be the feature back for us.”
Sports, Pages 23 on 10/26/2011