Arkansas-South Carolina First Half Key : Ground game rules

Arkansas and South Carolina each opened SEC play on Saturday from Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

Both offenses were cooking early as points were scored on two of the first three drives of the game.

But as South Carolina’s red zone defense couldn’t stop the Hogs, Arkansas stiffened twice in its own territory, forcing a punt once and a 27-yard field goal another time.

The points continued for one team, anyway.

Arkansas scored touchdowns on its first three drives, all three on the ground. Rocket Sanders went in twice and freshman Rashod Dubinion had the first of his career midway through the second quarter.

Each of Arkansas’ drives went for more than 10 plays as the Razorbacks practically doubled South Carolina in time of possession en route to a 21-9 lead at the break.

1st Drive – South Carolina stalls in Arkansas territory

(Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sport)

South Carolina was driving on the Razorbacks offense early, even getting into Arkansas territory. But a personal foul on Gamecocks tackle Jaylen Nichols on a 3rd-and-4 for South Carolina forced a 3rd-and-19, instead. Spencer Rattler’s next pass was incomplete and the visitors had to punt.

2nd Drive – Rocket Sanders for the score

Sep 10, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim Sanders (5) rushes for a touchdown in the second quarter as South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Debo Williams (0) defends at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

On 4th-and-1, three yards from pay dirt, Arkansas coach Sam Pittman chose to go for it. KJ Jefferson went up the gut for two yards to give Arkansas at least three more shots at the end zone. They only needed two.

Rocket Sanders went in from a yard and the Razorbacks took the early lead.

3rd Drive – Rattler’s big pass threatens but Hogs’ D stiffens

Sep 10, 2022; Fayetteville,…