The school bell rang in Lubbock, Texas, on Saturday, but for a change, it was the old school doing the teaching.
Arkansas sophomore Alex Collins tore through Texas Tech's defense for 211 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 27 carries to lead the Razorbacks to a convincing 49-28 win over the Red Raiders. And while the Texas Tech "Air Raid" offense had its moments, Arkansas coach Bret Bielema's team showed the oldest principles in offensive football can still make for a winning performance.
Arkansas ran for 438 yards and attempted just 12 passes as Collins' backfield mate, Jonathan Williams, ran for 146 yards and four touchdowns. This didn't look at all like an Arkansas team that finished at the bottom of the SEC last year, but the Texas Tech defense isn't exactly known for its resolve. The Red Raiders had allowed 35 and 26 points to Central Arkansas and UTEP this season, respectively, so it's little surprise that the Hogs found some gaping holes in the TT run defense.
After suffering a 45-21 loss to Auburn in its season opener, Arkansas is still in search of its first SEC win under Bielema nearly a month into his second season. After a game against Northern Illinois next week, Bielema's next chance for an SEC win will come Sept. 27 against another team that will put the ball in the air as much as possible: Texas A&M.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *@ChaseGoodbread.*