Defense springs a leak for Hogs

ROBERT YATES
ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

LAS VEGAS -- At halftime, it was becoming apparent that Arkansas' defense had spent more time soaking up the Las Vegas nightlife than the scouting report.
Midway through the fourth quarter, it was obvious the Razorbacks had crapped out, a splintered mess resembling nothing like a unit that hadn't allowed a touchdown in its previous two games.
"We didn't do anything to help the team,'' defensive coordinator John Thompson said after UNLV's 31-14 victory in the Las Vegas Bowl on Thursday night at Sam Boyd Stadium. "We don't stop them. We don't get any turnovers. We played lethargic.
"We looked tired, and we were tired.''
Arkansas allowed 476 total yards, a total form reversal from its final two regular-season games, victories over Mississippi State and LSU to earn a third consecutive bowl trip.
The Razorbacks surrendered only 206 total yards in a 17-10 overtime victory at Mississippi State and only 149 yards in a 14-3 victory over LSU. The Bulldogs and Tigers also managed only nine first downs each.
But the Rebels had 214 yards and nine first downs in the first half, which ended in a 14-14 tie, and really began rolling in the final 30 minutes. UNLV had 313 yards and 13 first downs after three quarters.
UNLV's final touchdown, an 18-yard run by senior Kevin Brown, was ridiculously easy. He burst through a huge hole off right tackle and scored standing up with 5:39 to play.
"They didn't do anything we weren't expecting,'' senior end Randy Garner said. "We didn't underestimate them. We don't underestimate anybody. The distractions weren't a factor. Once the lights go on, you play ball.''
UNLV took the lead for good on a 54-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Jason Thomas to sophomore wide receiver Troy Mason with 2:21 remaining in the third quarter. Mason, running a post pattern, caught the perfectly thrown pass in the end zone, just over the outstretched reach of junior rover Derrick Johnson.
"I know I didn't underestimate these guys,'' senior cornerback Orlando Green said. "I hope nobody else on this team didn't, either. We just didn't execute.
"For whatever reason, this wasn't the same defense that played against Mississippi State or LSU.''

This article was published on Friday, December 22, 2000

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