O-line love

The Arkansas offensive line has endured negativity in recent seasons with uneven performances and a couple of years of leading the SEC in sacks allowed.

The unit began turning the narrative last season and the veteran group of starters on the line put in a dominating showing in Saturday’s 40-21 rout of No. 15 Texas.

The Razorbacks pushed the Longhorns around for 333 rushing yards, with tailbacks Trelon Smith (12 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD), AJ Green (7-67, 1), Raheim Sanders (8-50, 1) and Dominique Johnson (6-44, 1) combining for 236 yards. Arkansas did not allow a sack.

“They took a lot of heat in the past and will I’m sure some in the future,” Coach Sam Pittman said. “It’s part of the nature. But the way they played tonight, to rush for 333 on a good Texas squad was outstanding.

“They need credit. I don’t think they gave up a sack tonight either. They came to play and I’m really proud of them.”

With quarterback KJ Jefferson’s 73 rushing yards, Arkansas had three runners with 65-plus rushing yards in a game since Darren McFadden (206), Peyton Hillis (89) and Felix Jones (86) did it in a 50-48 triple overtime victory at No. 1 LSU on Nov. 27, 2007.

Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg said the performance against Texas was a testimony to hard work.

“People working and just pounding the rock and getting better at blocking,” Stromberg said. “And I’m so proud of our guys and our coaches and the way we handled running the ball.”