Arkansas OL struggles need to disappear quickly

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— Where there is smoke there is fire. Right now, the Arkansas offensive line is struggling mightily to be consistent in the run game.

The Hog mollies paved the way for Arkansas to rush for 172 yards against Kent State. However, it was far away from their dominance over the last three seasons.

There were certainly holes missed by running backs but the majority of carries weren’t touching the second level of the Kent State defense. That coincides with the fact that Arkansas’ yards per carry mark was only 3.8, higher than their average following the first quarter.

What needs to be changed? Is there a lack of physicality? Is there a lack of strength or willingness to play bully ball? Maybe the answer is the fact that both of Arkansas’ two opponents so far have sold out on the run to make the Hogs one dimensional.

The expectation when facing a team that’s been dealt a tough hand via the transfer portal is to dominate the line of scrimmage. Through two weeks that hasn’t been the case and Pittman seems to agree with that assessment against the Golden Flashes.

“There’s a lot of reason why we’re not dominating the line of scrimmage — we’re not moving them,” Pittman said. “We’re just not blocking particularly well period.”

The passing game was slightly off today despite quarterback KJ Jefferson being an efficient 13-19 for 136 yards and 2 touchdowns with no turnovers. Jefferson was sacked twice but pass protection isn’t really an issue.

Until teams play their first game they don’t truly know what they have or don’t have going into the season. Pittman believes they are set at tackles but continue to search at other spots.

”I know we have KJ, and I know we got left tackle, right tackle; I’m trying to find more than 22 guys,” said Pittman. “I know we got starters, but I’m trying to figure out who we can win with.”

It was noticeable throughout the game that some offensive linemen are still rotating. That’s part of the experiment trying to find the most productive five. The question during the week will be whether or not they locked in a quality five linemen. Devon Manuel and Ty’kieast Crawford both played meaningful snaps. Will they have the opportunity to snag a starting spot this week?

The biggest burning question from last week wasn’t answered against Kent State. Will the Hogs be able to fix it and be more physical against BYU?