Sam Pittman explains why Rocket Sanders came out after fumble

Raheim ‘Rocket’ Sanders played a pivotal role for Arkansas on Saturday, getting the Hogs back on track with an impressive road win against BYU with 15 carries for 175 yards and two touchdowns. But a fumble saw him sit out a handful of possessions and head coach Sam Pittman explained why.

It is partly punitive, of course — a momentary trip to the dog house — but as Pittman sees it, it’s incredibly motivating. And that’s because Sanders cares about getting the win and helping his team.

“I think it’s pretty motivating for anybody who cares. And I know he does,” Pittman said. “So anytime you’re thinking you should be in a game and you’re not, I think it’s motivating.”

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While the fumble was the ultimate impetus for Sanders taking a seat, Pittman didn’t think the star running back had been playing very well up until that point.

“You know, I didn’t feel like he was hitting the holes that he should have and he put the ball on the ground,” Pittman said. “We gotta a guy think about it for a minute. And that’s just, that’s just coaching. And we’ve got other backs that can go in there. But, he’s a great kid and he rebounded.”

Sanders has been excellent for Arkansas this year, powering an impressive rushing attack that ranks 11th nationally after Saturday. The Hogs roll up 240 yards per game and have scored 14 rushing touchdowns in seven games. Sanders has been at the heart of that.

The sophomore is No. 3 in the country with 870 rushing yards. He’s tied for No. 22 nationally with eight total touchdowns.

His head coach is thoroughly impressed.

“What’s he have? Over 800 yards or so, close to 900,” Pittman said. “If you had said that, I’d have said ‘Our offensive line is kicking major butt and he’s running extra hard.’ But, I think he’ll just get better. He’s a conscientious kid and works extremely hard.”