Roland Sales

Roland Sales (born 1958) is a former running back for the University of Arkansas and a former professional football player. His career is significant because in the 1978 Orange Bowl, Sales set an Orange Bowl rushing record of 205 yards that stood until 1998 when Ahman Green broke it by rushing for 206 yards. Sales and Razorbacks teammate Reggie Freeman were named 1978 Orange Bowl MVPs. [1] [2]

An Arkansas native, Sales was recruited by head coach Frank Broyles to play for Arkansas. By his junior year he was playing backup to running back Ben Cowins. The Razorbacks had a powerhouse team in the 1970s. Behind the passing skills of Ron Calcagni, the rushing of Cowins, the defense played by future Chicago Bears star Dan Hampton and the record setting kicking of Steve Little the Razorbacks were always highly ranked during that period. Following Broyles' retirement from coaching he was replaced by head coach Lou Holtz. Up until that time Sales' career had been mediocre.

Coming into the 1978 Orange Bowl the Arkansas Razorbacks were ranked sixth in the nation with a record of 10–1. The Oklahoma Sooners were ranked 2nd in the nation behind the rushing of Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims. Arkansas head coach Lou Holtz had a reputation for being strict with his players, but he shocked many when he suspended his two starting running backs Ben Cowins and Donny Bobo and a wide receiver prior to the 1978 Orange Bowl. Ben Cowins and Donny Bobo had accounted for 78% of the points scored by the Razorbacks team in that season. The players protested, Holtz would not back down and the suspensions stood. Already considered a heavy underdog to Oklahoma, with the loss of those starters Arkansas was expected to give little competition in the game. [3] [4]

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