Arkansas Has History Of Opposing Backup QB’s Having Career Days

 It wasn’t always so easy for the Hogs’ defense last season on the ground, only giving up just over 150 yards passing on 11 completions. On the season in limited duty – Johnson is 20-31 passing for 226 yards and 4 touchdowns with no turnovers.

It’s been a while since the Razorbacks didn’t allow a backup quarterback to have the game of his life. Can Arkansas avoid making Max Johnson look like a Heisman contender in his first start of the season for Texas A&M?

Lynn Bowden

Even in emergency situations like 2019 against Kentucky, the Arkansas’ defense couldn’t hold containment on a receiver playing QB. Lynn Bowden didn’t have to throw the ball much as the Wildcats passes for just 88 yards on the night. But, his 24 carries for 196 yards and 2 TD was the spark they needed to secure a home win.

Stetson Bennet

By luck of the draw, Arkansas was holding Georgia at bay during the season opener in 2020. Up 10-5 on a College Football Playoff contender, the Hogs were in a dogfight but once Georgia inserted Stetson Bennett into the game around the 10 minute mark of the second quarter and the rest was history.

The Bulldogs struggled offensively up until midway through the third quarter, taking a 13-10 lead and not looking back. Bennett’s legendary career was just getting started completing 20-29 passes for 211 yards and 2 TD on the day.

TJ Finley

In 2020, Myles Brennan was off to a blistering start to LSU passing for 1100 yards, 11 TD and 3 INT through three games before suffering an injury off the field. That opened the door for true freshman TJ Finley to make statement by walking into Razorback Stadium and stealing a victory on a wet November morning.

Once again, the Razorbacks allowed a backup quarterback to have a career day by passing for 271 yards and 2 TD. That included a go-ahead touchdown pass to Jaray Jenkins with less than four minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Since that day, Finley has only passed for more than 271 yards twice. Both games have come this season while at the helm of Texas State’s offense.

Jalen Milroe

Another performance recently was Jalen Milroe thrusted into action following an injury midway through the second quarter to defending Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young. Milroe provided a highlight reel play when the Hogs looked destined to take the momentum with a huge 28-point comeback win. The freshman QB eluded tacklers on 3rd and 15 for a 77-yard run down to the Arkansas three yard line. Two plays later the Crimson Tide extended their lead to 35-23 — eventually avoiding a disastrous loss.

Finally, Arkansas will go to battle against a Texas A&M team that has won all but one game in this series dating back to 2012. The Hogs are desperate for a victory this week to stop a two game losing skid. With Max Johnson once again starting due to injury, Arkansas is ripe for a victory this go around in Arlington on Saturday.