The Arkansas Razorbacks played about as well as anybody would have expected them to in week 1. The Catamounts punt team seemed to be on the field about as much as their other squads, and the defense was forcing turnovers all over the place.
The Hogs offense was impressive, posting their highest point total (56) since playing Mississippi State in 2016 (58). Quarterback KJ Jefferson led the charge with 257 total yards and 4 touchdowns, which made up for a fairly abysmal rushing attack.
So, looking forward to week two, what can fans expect from the Hogs, and what are some dream and disaster scenarios for this squad?
Week 2 Expectations
The bar has been raised for the Razorbacks coming into this season. The receiving corp lived up to the hype in week 1. The coaching staff made adjustments well. KJ Jefferson did, well… KJ Jefferson things (see exhibit a).
*Note: That Linebacker is 6’3”, 245 lbs.
Two areas where the Razorbacks exceeded expectations were special teams and the defensive secondary. On the defensive side, they limited the Catamounts offense to short passes only, and stuffed their run game at the line. They also added 5 turnovers, including this pick-six from true freshman Brad Spence.
When it came to kick and punt returns, Isaiah Sategna was electric. He returned 4 kicks for 97 yards, multiple of which he had only the kicker to beat. His play has Razorback fans wondering when he’ll break one off for a touchdown, not if.
Now, let’s look at a couple dream and disaster scenarios that could play out this Saturday.
Week 2 Dream Scenario
Secondary proves week 1 wasn’t a fluke
Is it a cop out to have the secondary be the subject of our dream scenario two weeks in a row? Perhaps. When we consider where this squad ranked in pass defense last year (dead last in FBS football), it makes sense.
Week 1 was very fruitful for the Hogs defensive backs and linebackers, forcing 4 interceptions. To put that in perspective, they only had 7 interceptions the entire 2022 season. However, we’re looking for consistency from this squad as much as anything else. Is it enough for them to just be “good enough”? Sure, but if they can continue to make big plays then opposing offenses will have to stare the Razorbacks front 7 in the face, which is not something most teams are going to want to do.
So, while week 1 exceeded expectations, week 2 brings this team into the non-FCS part of their schedule. While Kent State isn’t known for destroying defenses with their passing game, they’re also not prone to turning the ball over. If the secondary can make some noise and make some big plays, this squad might be cooking something up as they get ready for that four week stretch (LSU, TAMU, Ole Miss, Alabama). Momentum is everything, and games like this are where that momentum is built.
Week 2 Disaster Scenario
Run game struggles continue
The Hogs run game was not pretty for most of their week 1 matchup. Their 105 rushing yards were their fewest in a game since a week 5 matchup against the eventual champions, the Georgia Bulldogs. The charge was led by preseason All-American Rocket Sanders, who posted his least efficient performance in a Razorback uniform with 2.8 yards per carry.
The last couple days have changed this up a bit though, as it was revealed that Rocket Sanders would be sitting out this week with “knee swelling”. While it seems to be mostly preventative, the Hogs should have enough depth to afford it against an opponent that they are so heavily favored against.
That means everybody will be watching for 2 things this week: 1. The offensive line will be looking to establish an identity, and 2. The Razorbacks RB room will look to gain some valuable experience. While it is likely that week 1 was nothing more than a dud performance, this is a team that has built their identity around a strong rushing attack.
The team should get 3-year starter Brady Latham back, which will bring some much needed experience to an otherwise young and inexperienced O-line. Add in Beaux Limmer and Joshua Braun (who made the move to the opposite side of the line to cover down last week), and this line takes on a whole different look. Now, they just need to execute.
The remaining backs that will be receiving handoffs will be AJ Green, Rashod Dubinion, Dominique Johnson, and Isaiah Augustave. A good performance on Saturday may not mean everything against a defense that allowed nearly 400 rushing yards last week, it would be a big confidence boost.
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