As the 2024 Liberty Bowl approaches, the Arkansas Razorbacks football team faces a setback that could impact their performance in one of college football’s most historic postseason games. Running back Rashod Dubinion, a key player for the Razorbacks throughout the season, is now listed as doubtful for the Liberty Bowl after undergoing knee surgery. This news has left fans and analysts alike wondering how Arkansas will adjust without one of their standout offensive weapons in such a critical game.
Dubinion, who had been a consistent presence in Arkansas’s backfield during the regular season, had been expected to play a pivotal role in the Razorbacks’ offensive attack in the Liberty Bowl. His absence due to knee surgery presents a significant challenge for head coach Sam Pittman and the team as they look to finish the season on a high note. In this post, we’ll delve into what this means for Arkansas football, how the team can adapt, and what to expect moving forward.
The Importance of Rashod Dubinion to Arkansas’ Offense
Rashod Dubinion’s presence in Arkansas’ backfield has been a critical part of the team’s offensive identity this season. A dynamic and versatile running back, Dubinion has provided a spark to the Razorbacks’ offense with his combination of speed, power, and vision. As a key contributor in both the rushing attack and the passing game, Dubinion has given Arkansas the ability to control the tempo of games and keep opposing defenses on their toes.
For the 2024 season, Dubinion was second on the team in rushing yards, totaling over 900 yards and scoring several touchdowns. His ability to break tackles, get to the edge, and make defenders miss has allowed Arkansas to keep their offensive balance intact. In addition to his running capabilities, Dubinion also played a role in the passing game, contributing as a reliable outlet for quarterback KJ Jefferson.
The Razorbacks relied on Dubinion to be a workhorse in their backfield, especially in high-pressure situations. His versatility allowed head coach Sam Pittman to keep opposing defenses guessing by mixing up plays and formations. His ability to make plays in the open field and create yardage on his own made him a key factor in Arkansas’ offensive success.
Impact of Dubinion’s Absence on the Liberty Bowl
The timing of Dubinion’s knee surgery leaves him in doubt for the upcoming Liberty Bowl, where Arkansas is set to face off against a competitive opponent. The Liberty Bowl is an opportunity for the Razorbacks to cap off a challenging season with a win, but Dubinion’s absence could complicate their efforts. Without him, Arkansas will need to rely on other members of their running back corps to step up and carry the load.
Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman, who has been praised for his leadership and ability to get the most out of his players, will have to adjust his game plan without Dubinion. While Pittman has a strong running game philosophy, losing Dubinion presents a challenge because of his ability to contribute in so many ways. The team will need to adapt quickly, finding new ways to keep their ground game effective and explosive.
There’s also the matter of depth. Arkansas has several talented running backs who will likely be called upon to fill the gap left by Dubinion, including freshmen and other experienced players. Players like A.J. Green and Raheim Sanders have already demonstrated that they are capable of carrying the load in the backfield, but there is no question that Dubinion’s absence puts more pressure on them to perform in an important game. The team will have to rely on Sanders’ downhill running style or Green’s speed to complement the offense and provide a spark in Dubinion’s absence.
How Arkansas Can Adjust Without Dubinion
Despite the loss of Rashod Dubinion, Arkansas has several options when it comes to adjusting their offensive strategy. Here are a few ways the Razorbacks can stay competitive in the Liberty Bowl:
1. Lean on KJ Jefferson’s Dual-Threat Ability
Quarterback KJ Jefferson has been a key component of Arkansas’s offense throughout his career, and his dual-threat capabilities will become even more important in Dubinion’s absence. Jefferson has shown that he can not only make plays with his arm but also use his legs to gain critical yardage. He has rushed for over 600 yards this season, and his ability to make defenders miss in the open field is a significant asset to the team.
With the running back position thinned out, Jefferson may need to take on an even larger role in the rushing attack. Expect more designed quarterback runs and read-options to allow Jefferson to keep the defense guessing. His experience and leadership will be crucial in ensuring the offense remains productive despite the loss of Dubinion.
2. Get the Most Out of Raheim Sanders and A.J. Green
Raheim Sanders, also known as “Rocket,” has been Arkansas’s most consistent and explosive running back throughout the season. His combination of speed, agility, and power makes him a dangerous weapon. Sanders has shown he can handle a heavy workload, and the Razorbacks will likely turn to him as their primary ball carrier in Dubinion’s absence. The Liberty Bowl could be an opportunity for Sanders to showcase his skills in a game that holds significant postseason implications.
A.J. Green is another running back with the ability to make an impact. Green has had some solid performances this year and is known for his ability to break big runs. While he hasn’t been as featured in the offense as Sanders, Green’s explosiveness could be an asset in relieving Sanders of too much of the workload. If Green can find a rhythm early in the game, it will allow Arkansas to establish a balanced offense and take some pressure off Jefferson.
3. Utilize the Passing Game More Effectively
With Dubinion out, Arkansas may need to turn to their passing attack to make up for the loss of rushing production. Tight ends like Trey Knox and wide receivers such as Matt Landers and Jadon Haselwood will need to step up and make critical catches throughout the game. The Razorbacks’ offense thrives on its ability to mix in both the running and passing games, and while it may not be ideal to abandon the ground game entirely, the passing attack may need to take on a bigger role in keeping the defense honest.
KJ Jefferson’s ability to connect with his playmakers in the passing game will be essential to Arkansas’ success. With a strong performance from the wideouts and tight ends, Arkansas can still maintain offensive balance and open up running lanes for Sanders and Green.
4. Defensive Focus and Special Teams
While the offense will certainly have to adjust, Arkansas’ defense will play a huge role in keeping the Razorbacks competitive. A strong defensive performance could alleviate some of the pressure on the offense. Arkansas has a stout defense, led by linebacker Drew Sanders and defensive back McTelvin Agim, that can generate turnovers and stop the opposing offense from getting into a rhythm.
Additionally, special teams could prove to be the difference-maker in a close game. Arkansas has shown the ability to execute in the special teams phase, whether it’s through solid kick coverage, big returns, or clutch field goals. In a postseason matchup like the Liberty Bowl, special teams can swing momentum and make a significant impact.
What’s Next for Rashod Dubinion
While Dubinion’s status for the Liberty Bowl remains uncertain, Razorback fans are hopeful for his recovery and a return to full strength for the 2025 season. The knee surgery is a setback, but with a solid rehabilitation process, Dubinion could be back at 100% sooner rather than later. For now, the Razorbacks must focus on adjusting to life without him in the Liberty Bowl.
Conclusion: Razorbacks Face Challenge in Dubinion’s Absence
The news of Rashod Dubinion’s knee surgery is a blow to the Arkansas Razorbacks as they prepare for the Liberty Bowl. However, with talented players like Raheim Sanders, A.J. Green, and KJ Jefferson, Arkansas still has the pieces to be successful. Coach Sam Pittman and his staff will need to quickly adjust their game plan to ensure that the Razorbacks can finish the season strong and leave everything on the field in Memphis. While Dubinion’s absence is a setback, it’s also an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark in one of the most important games of the year.