Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

8/23/2010 at 12:00am

Special teams play has been both a punch line and a serious concern for the Arkansas Razorbacks since Bobby Petrino became head coach.

What is most concerning is how Alex Tejada as a field goal kicker and how the punting game have been such an influence on the outcome of close games.

In tight games, it’s never about the offense or the defense, it’s about missed and made opportunities, and so often that comes down to kicking and big plays. Special teams make the difference in close games.

Now, ESPN.com blogger Chris Low, who we’ve had on the show quite a bit, has Arkansas’ special teams ranked last in the Southeastern Conference. And he’s completely correct. Aside from kickoff returner Dennis Johnson, Arkansas’ special teams play has been one giant migraine for the last two seasons. I’m sure the argument can be made that it’s been that way for longer than that.

But are all the fans’ and media’s criticisms of Tejada’s consistency valid? How influential has Tejada been in the overall win-loss record of the Razorbacks under Petrino?

During the past two seasons, Arkansas is 6-5 in games decided by seven points or less; that’s nearly half of the 23 games played over the two years. In 2009, Tejada’s best statistical year, he was the difference in three crucial games. I don’t need to relive those games with you now, only to remind you Arkansas was 1-2 in those contests. Combine that with the two games in which Tejada factored in 2008 and Petrino’s 6-5 record at Arkansas in close games looks a little more impressive considering Tejada’s 1-4 mark in those games.

Basically, the one real moment a kicker is needed to do his job, Tejada has struggled the most, with the exception of kicking the winning field goal in overtime to beat East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl. It’s safe to say if it weren’t for Tejada’s psychological Jenga, Bobby Petrino and Arkansas would have a much better record for the past two years, considering that when they don’t have to rely on him, they have been a much more impressive 5-1 in games decided by 7 points or less.

Nearly half of a team’s season is based off of two units — defense and special teams — that are both massive question marks heading into this season for Arkansas. If history is any indicator, special teams will be the deciding factor in at least three of those games.

That doesn’t exactly instill me with confidence. Does it set your mind at ease? m

(TJ CARPENTER is host of “The TJ Carpenter Show,” heard every weekday from 3 to 6 p.m. on ESPN 92.1 The Ticket in Northwest Arkansas.)

Tagged: kicking, Alex Tejada, Arkansas Razorbacks, Bobby Petrino, Chris Low, Dennis Johnson