Hogwired Players of the Week Selected
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Tailback Darren McFadden, defensive end Malcolm Sheppard and punter Jeremy Davis have been named the Hogwired.com Players of the Week for their performance Saturday in the 41-38 loss at Alabama.
McFadden racked up 260 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns against the Crimson Tide. His all-purpose yardage total ranks fifth on the Arkansas single game chart. He rushed for 195 yards on a career-high 33 carries and averaged 5.9 yards per carry with 19 rushes of more than five yards. He scored his second and third touchdowns of the season with his one- and five-yard scores. It was the second-best rushing output of his career and ranked 13th on the UA single game rushing list. He reeled off six rushes of 11 yards or more with runs of 11, 12, 13, 13, 20 and 23 yards. He earned 11 of Arkansas’ 22 total first downs, all of which came on rushing plays. Of his 195 yards on the ground, 59 of those came after initial contact from the defense. It was the second-consecutive 100-yard rushing game of the season and 14th 100-yard performance in 27 career games.
The Little Rock native continued his ascent on several UA career lists. With his two scores, McFadden now has 28 career rushing touchdowns moving him past Cedric Cobbs (26) into fourth on the Arkansas career rushing touchdown list. He now sits third on the UA career rushing yards list with 3,106 yards on the ground, again passing Cedric Cobb’s career total of 3,018 yards. His 260 all-purpose yards moves McFadden to third on that list with 4, 031 career all-purpose yards. He also tied a career-high with three receptions for 16 yards. He added 49 yards on two kickoff returns.
On the defensive side of the ball, Sheppard tallied six tackles against the Crimson Tide, including four solo stops. Of his six tackles, two came behind the line of scrimmage for a total of three yards lost. He forced Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson to fumble late in the third quarter that was recovered by the Razorbacks and resulted in a touchdown on the ensuing drive for Arkansas. The defensive front allowed just 123 rushing yards to Alabama.
Davis averaged 44.7 yards per punt against Alabama after totaling 313 yards on seven kicks. He boomed kicks of 51 and 54 yards on consecutive punts in the first half. He also registered punts of 48 and 49 yards. His seven attempts are the second-most of his career, behind an eight-punt game against Georgia in 2004. He also forced one touchback. Davis is currently second in the Southeastern Conference with a 43.9 average.
Following each game this season, Hogwired.com will recognize an offensive, defensive and special teams player of the week. Recipients are chosen by the UA football coaching staff.
