The Arkansas Razorbacks started their season with a 56-13 performance against Western Carolina University on Saturday. While the matchup was never a serious concern for most, it was a great opportunity to see the team’s growth coming into the new season, as well as some areas that might raise a few question marks.
Overall, the team performed well, posting their highest score (56) since posting 58 against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in 2016. The defense ran smoothly, playing aggressive and causing a handful of turnovers. The passing game saw great improvement, proving to be highly efficient with 4 different receivers reaching the end zone. Special teams has reason to be excited after Isaiah Sategna returned 4 kicks for 97 yards.
The biggest blemish on Saturday seemed to be the Hogs’ run game. Did they score 3 touchdowns on the ground? Yes. Did they have 4 rushers teeter the line of 5 yards per carry? Also yes. However, the brunt of the attack came from heavy-hitter Rocket Sanders, and what we saw was not pretty.
Is there cause for Razorback fans to be concerned? After all, 105 yards is a lousy performance for a team that posted 170 YPG a season ago, especially against an FCS opponent in week 1.
Let’s take a look at what we saw Saturday, some potential problems, and some reasons for fans to hang in there this season.
Saturday’s performance
Right off the bat, we can recognize that what we saw on Saturday was pretty ugly compared to what we’ve watched the last two seasons. 42 yards on 15 carries was an abysmal performance from Rocket Sanders, who was tabbed for multiple preseason award watch lists and preseason all-SEC honors. His 2.8 yards per carry are his lowest in a Razorback jersey, and brings his career efficiency down to 5.7 YPC, which is still an impressive number.
So, what were some key factors to this performance?
Key factors
Offensive line play
Right off the bat, it’s worth noting that the Hogs were without team captain, Brady Latham. Latham has been a key part of this offensive line for the last few years. Beyond him, the Razorbacks are hurting for experience and depth, and it showed this weekend. Multiple rushes ended in the backfield when the line would collapse immediately. On other plays the line seemed to lose sight of their assignment.
Defensive schemes
One thing that remained consistent throughout Saturday’s contest was that the front 7 consistently stacked the box in preparation for the Hogs run game. This Western Carolina defense seemed to be prepared to defend against this Razorback rushing attack, one that ranked near the top of FBS football in 2022. With this in mind, it should be no surprise that the ground game seemed to take a step back.
New offensive play calling
The arrival of Dan Enos in Fayetteville (again) was a welcome sight to many Hogs fans. His previous stint with the Razorbacks saw him lead the most efficient offense in the country. While previous offensive coordinator, Kendal Briles, posted big numbers in his time here, his inconsistency frustrated most who watched his squads, and a change of pace was much-needed. That being said, Enos brings with him a new playbook, new play-calling styles, and a new approach altogether. As we saw, this offense will likely feature a bit heavier involvement in the passing game. Whether that will pull calls away from the run game remains to be seen.
Reasons to be patient
The RB room is still among the best in the country
This squad is still jam-packed with homegrown 4-star workhorses. Just as we saw this weekend, when one back has an off day, there are 4 more waiting in the wings to pick up the slack. Where Rocket failed to find rushing lanes, each of the others showed their ability to find some room for consistent rushing production. In the same vein, there will likely be games this season where AJ Green or Rashod Dubinion find resistance and Sanders will put 200+ yards on the box score. In fact, we should expect it.
The OL is young, but veteran leadership will prove invaluable
It’s no question that a lack of experience is the biggest thing hindering this offensive line. However, Beaux Limmer and Brady Latham have ample enough experience to take this squad to the next level. Each of them has started a considerable amount of games on an Arkansas offensive line that performed among the best in D-I football. With their veteran leadership, Sam Pittman should have ample amount of talent, size, and knowledge to work with. This offensive line should be just fine.
Dan Enos has been here before
Anybody who has seen previous versions of Dan Enos’ offenses knows that he’s seen this happen before. In each instance, Enos has been able to adapt and get his guys to produce at a high level. There’s no reason to believe that the 2023 campaign will be any different.
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