An underdog Hog squad knew they were going to have to control the tempo of the game and hopefully take advantage of some Buckeye turnovers before a hostile Ohio State crowd.Things started off as planned when Ohio State fumbled on their first possession but the Hogs failed to take advantage. The game became a defensive struggle for most of the first quarter until Ron Calcagni found Danny Bobo on consecutive plays of 49 and 26 yards to give Arkansas a 7-0 lead with about four minutes remaining in the period.Ohio State picked up one first down on their next possession the pinned the Razorbacks at the 3 yard line. Arkansas brought in the two-TE package and decided to play some smash-mouth football. Twelve straight runs moved the ball to the Ohio State 36. A play action pass failed on first down but Calcagni tried it again on 2nd down. This time it was complete for 15 yards and it was followed by a flagrant face mask. Two more runs produced the TD and a 14-0 lead. The 100,000+ fans were stunned.Ohio State went three and out on their next possession and this time Arkansas started at their own 14. They gained a few yards but lost them all on two 15 yard personal foul penalties. (Arkansas was penalized 10 times for 110 yards in the game including five personal fouls. The Buckeyes were also penalized 10 times but for 71 yards.) A short punt and a 14 yard return gave Ohio State the ball at the Arkansas 39. Three plays later it was 14-7.The third quarter was a defensive struggle which featured three turnovers including INTs on successive plays at the end of the quarter. The second one gave Ohio State the ball at the Arkansas nine yard line but a key sack on second down meant the Buckeyes had to settle for a FG making it 14-10. A whole lot more defense followed (or poor offense) in the 4th quarter.
Ohio State moved to the Ark 45 but fumbled with 5:51 to play. Calcagni was sacked on 1st down as Arkansas tried to surprise the Buckeye defense. A run gained 5 yards then Calcagni found 3rd string WR Gary Stiggers for 41 yards. 4:35 remained. 4:23 remained when Calcagni lost a fumble on the next play after an 8 yard option run had moved the ball to the OSU 14.Still Ohio
State had not managed a sustained drive all day against this Hog defense and they need a touchdown. Thirteen plays later they were at the Arkansas 25 after converting a 3rd and 13, 3rd and 2 and 4th and 6. 1:26 remained and they had just one timeout. The Arkansas defense was very tough as the opponent's moved closer to the goal line and optimism still ran high on their sideline. But Reggie Germany took a medium short pass 25 yards to the house on the next play making it 17-14.Arkansas moved the ball to the 49 after the kick but an 11 yard sack killed their hopes. The Hail Mary fell incomplete as the game ended.Hogs ran 54-188 (includes 4 sacks) and Calcagni was 13-27 for 188 yards passing. Germane was 18-34 for 187 and they picked up 43-156 on the ground (also including 4 sacks). The Hogs D gets a severe test next week as 94 Penn State comes to visit. The Buckeyes travel to Tallahassee to face 93 FSU.
State had not managed a sustained drive all day against this Hog defense and they need a touchdown. Thirteen plays later they were at the Arkansas 25 after converting a 3rd and 13, 3rd and 2 and 4th and 6. 1:26 remained and they had just one timeout. The Arkansas defense was very tough as the opponent's moved closer to the goal line and optimism still ran high on their sideline. But Reggie Germany took a medium short pass 25 yards to the house on the next play making it 17-14.Arkansas moved the ball to the 49 after the kick but an 11 yard sack killed their hopes. The Hail Mary fell incomplete as the game ended.Hogs ran 54-188 (includes 4 sacks) and Calcagni was 13-27 for 188 yards passing. Germane was 18-34 for 187 and they picked up 43-156 on the ground (also including 4 sacks). The Hogs D gets a severe test next week as 94 Penn State comes to visit. The Buckeyes travel to Tallahassee to face 93 FSU.
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