FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Bret Bielema wasn't concerned when Arkansas trailed by four points entering the fourth quarter against Samford last week, unlike the majority of those at Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium.
Regardless of the scoreboard, the first-year Razorbacks coach believed it was just a matter of time until Arkansas asserted itself. The Razorbacks (2-0) did just that in the fourth quarter against the Bulldogs, rallying for a 31-21 victory behind the power-running game that Bielema has stressed since his hiring away from Wisconsin last December.
The Razorbacks will put last week's lesson to test on Saturday when they play host to Southern Mississippi, a team still reeling after a winless season a year ago. The Golden Eagles (0-2) enter the game with the nation's longest losing streak, a 14-game stretch that includes a dismal 0-12 season a year ago under former coach Ellis Johnson.
"When we're behind, you have a little alarm that goes off in your head and realize you've got to score points," Bielema said. "But I thought our fourth-quarter mentality would kick in. It was just a matter of time."
New Southern Miss coach Todd Monken, a former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator, is hopeful the Golden Eagles are closer to the 2011 version of the program - which finished 12-2 and won Conference USA - than last year's collapse.
Turnovers have been the Golden Eagles' biggest problem through two weeks. They've committed 10 - worst in the country - with six interceptions and four lost fumbles.
"Obviously, we have to do a better job holding on to" the ball, Monken said.
Arkansas knows about collapses, given its fall from preseason top 10 to Southeastern Conference afterthought a year ago. The Razorbacks might have overlooked Southern Mississippi this week - with a road trip to Rutgers a week from now - if it weren't for last week's near-disaster in Little Rock.
"It's definitely a big learning experience," Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen said. "... I think it's more motivating. We realize that there's so many good teams out there, and that anybody can play with anybody."
Five things to watch
Dynamic duo: Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins have been spectacular through two games for the Razorbacks, combining to average 290 yards rushing per game.
Back in action: Arkansas played last week without three defensive starters. Defensive end Trey Flowers and safety Rohan Gaines missed the game with injuries, while linebacker Jarrett Lake was held out for disciplinary reasons. Bielema said Gaines is likely still out this week, while Flowers and Lake are expected back.
Quarterback pressure: Southern Mississippi quarterback Allan Bridgford has thrown for an average of 299.5 yards per game this season. However, he's also thrown five of the Golden Eagles' six interceptions - thanks to a variety of tips, poor route running and pressure from opposing defenses. Monken is counting on the offensive line to give Bridgford more time this week against the Razorbacks.
Pass connection: As good as Arkansas' running game has been through the first two games, the passing game became a concern after last week. Allen was just 9 of 17 for 125 yards.
Herndon's time: Arkansas receiver Javontee Herndon waited patiently the last three years behind four receivers who went on to be drafted by NFL teams. The senior's wait has paid off, with three touchdowns through two games, and he leads the Razorbacks with eight catches for 143 yards.
Southern miss at arkansas
11:21 a.m. Saturday
Reynolds Stadium, Fayetteville, Ark.
TV: KGEB-23/53
Radio: KFCO am970
Original Print Headline: Razorbacks wary of falling behind
Arkansas
Bret Bielema still doesn't know whether Brandon Allen will play this week, and he's not about to put any more information out there about the quarterback's status than he needs to.
Bret Bielema stressed throughout the preseason the importance of having backups ready at all positions.
