Sam Pittman explains why Arkansas could use 'tush-push' more

The Philadelphia Eagles have popularized a new way of running the quarterback sneak called the “tush-push.” It works how it sounds, players line up close behind the quarterback and help push him forward from behind. Now, Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman says that the Razorbacks may start to use the tush-push more.

The play isn’t automatic but is run so successfully by Philadelphia that some people even want to change the rules to outlaw the play. However, as long as it’s legal, Pittman is open to using it.

“We did it once this year in a fast pace type deal,” Sam Pittman said. “But, yeah, if we think we can get the first down, we will.”

Part of what makes the Philadelphia Eagles so successful running the tush-push is the talent they have running it. Jason Kelce is one of the best and most experienced centers in football. Behind him, Jalen Hurts is one of the strongest quarterbacks in the game. Similarly, Arkansas has one of the strongest college quarterbacks in KJ Jefferson who could run the play.

Arkansas wouldn’t be the first college team to try and run the play. Sam Pittman noticed that the same thing happened in a recent LSU game.

“Like I said before our game two weeks ago, I don’t know who it was. I think it was LSU tried to tush-push about three times in a row against Missouri from the one and didn’t get in,” Sam Pittman said. “So, I don’t think it’s just automatic, but if there’s a case where some A-gaps opens somehow, we certainly could use it. Yes, sir.”

Sam Pittman on Mississippi State QB Mike Wright

The quarterback for Mississippi State is up in the air going into the Arkansas game thanks to an injury to Will Rogers. If he can’t go, the Bulldogs will start backup Mike Wright.

Ahead of the game, Sam Pittman shared his thoughts on the Mississippi State signal caller.

“He throws better than I want him to — he can throw the football,” Pittman said.

“He’s fast. Obviously, they’ll run him with run designed plays for him, not just read plays where he can have the opportunity to keep it. Run a lot of fly sweeps with him with the opportunity to pitch or keep. Right now, they’re reading the defensive end and allowing him to run or hand it off, and running nakeds and letting him throw a little bit out of that. He did throw more against Western Michigan than he had before, but I think he had more opportunity as well, which proved he could throw the football and we saw at Vandy he could too.”