Despite enduring a loss of 10 of 11 starters from last season’s squad, the University of Arkansas will play for a trip to its fourth straight bowl this Friday thanks in large part to the play of senior quarterback Matt Jones.
Jones has managed to establish the fourth best offense in the Southeastern Conference averaging 413 yards a game this season.
“He’s certainly a guy that makes their offense go,” LSU coach Nick Saban said. “He makes plays in so many ways, whether its to run the option, throwing the ball effectively, and they’ve done a very good job of improving their passing game this year.”
Averaging 216.4 passing yards per game, Jones and the Arkansas offense also feature the No.1 red-zone scoring offense.
According to Arkansas coach Houston Nutt, Jones brings more to the playing field than just pure ability.
“When Matt comes on the field, there’s a sense of security,” Nutt said. “There’s a sense of belief that he’s going to get us there.”
Averaging 255.3 total yards a game, Jones brings a versatile style of play when on the field.
“His teammates believe in him,” Nutt said. “He’s a difference-maker. He can turn nothing into something, and he’s been that kind of player for us for four years.”
Boasting 1-2 record against LSU since his arrival in 2001, perhaps Jones’ biggest victory as a Razorback came the last time the Tigers traveled to Little Rock.
With a trip to the SEC Championship on the line, Jones connected on a 31-yard touchdown pass to knock LSU off and sent Arkansas to Atlanta.
And although this Friday’s game may not have title implications, Jones said it is just as important with a bowl game on the line.
“We definitely want to play another game this year,” Jones said. “And we know we have to beat LSU to keep our hopes alive.”
According to Nutt, an experienced quarterback like Jones has a special advantage through his mentality on the field.
“If a young, inexperienced quarterback watched film of LSU, they’d be very nervous,” Nutt said. “Matt is very calm and cool. He’s seen them for the last three years, and he has respect for LSU.”
Even players on the opposite side of the ball said they notice Jones’ calm personality on the field.
Arkansas Defensive end Jeb Huckeba compared Jones’ play to that of Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre.
“Although they’re different [players], they do have one thing in common,” Huckeba said. “They’re competitors and they’re going to help your team win.”
Now, with a whole new offense, Jones said the result of last year’s 55-24 loss in Baton Rouge is in the past.
“This is the last game of the year, so that doesn’t matter anymore,” Jones said. “These players have been playing the entire season, and we know that we need to win this game to get to a bowl game.”
As a quiet leader, Jones said leading by example is sometimes all that’s necessary in winning.
“We’re just going to go out there and play and have fun,” Jones said. “Sometimes, you really don’t have to say a whole lot to get the job done. You just let people look and see what you’re doing.”
And with Friday’s game serving as Arkansas’ last chance to gain bowl eligibility, it also may be Jones’ last game as a Razorback. Yet, that doesn’t seem to bother him.
“I really don’t worry about that,” Jones said. “I’m just trying to win a game and get us to a bowl.”