The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly – Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Razorbacks opened up the 2023 season with a solid 56-10 win against FCS member Western Carolina Catamounts.

There was plenty of great things that happened on the field today, especially in the passing game and defensive turnovers. However, there are many things the Hogs still have a lot to work on to ensure greatness continues moving forward. Luckily, it’s week one and plenty to learn from.

The Good

One of the biggest question marks heading into this season was the Wide receiver room. Today, they’re are only good reviews! They were excellent from the jump.

Once Arkansas’ offense stepped on the field they fired immediately to true freshman Luke Hasz. This gave me chills but no one was ready for the next play. A screen pass left of the formation was caught by Jaedon Willson while fellow receiver Isaac Teslaa perfectly blocked the edge for him to take it to the house from 65 yards out.

The next receiving touchdown would be a 31-yard dime to Teslaa who transferred from Hillsdale College.

Teslaa had fans very excited throughout the offseason for dazzling one handed receptions and acrobatic catches.

KJ Jefferson’s third touchdown pass would be to fellow transfer Andrew Armstrong. He led all Razorbacks with 5 catches, 78 yards and a TD.

Jefferson displayed confidence by each passing play under new offensive coordinator Dan Enos. Throughout many passing patterns, the Sardis, (Miss.) native checked several reads opposed to previous seasons where he trusted his legs too often.

While that was his last passing TD of the day it was not the last as transfer QB Jacolby Criswell spun a beautiful 14-yard strike to true freshman Davion Dozier. for the Hogs. Although he only threw two passes, the Morrilton, (Ark.) native provides Arkansas with a solid backup situation which hasn’t been the case the past two seasons.

Even when Arkansas did have to punt today, Max Fletcher boomed his kicks for an average of 49 yards.

The Bad

Choosing between what was bad and ugly was an issue I wasn’t expecting.

n 2022 the Hogs averaged 237 yards rushing per game. However, they finished with a measly 105 against an FCS foe. It was shocking not seeing Arkansas’ offensive line push around a defensive front the caliber of the Catamounts. While some of the blame can be put on the patience of the Hogs’ running backs most can be put on the OL.  It was visible that pass protection was solid and ahead of where the Hogs were just a season ago. But, it is slightly concerning they couldn’t generate a consistent push on Saturday.

The UGLY

Coach Pittman’s teams are no strangers to penalties. The amount of kick returns called back were unacceptable. The times WCU got to stay on the field due to Arkansas’ penalties was alarming. It will likely be cleaned up leading into next week’s matchup with Kent State. That will certainly need to be taken care of before SEC play begins on September 23 at LSU.

The officials don’t always get it right, but they are a part of the game. The worst penalty was the targeting, only because Arkansas was already up by 32 points and the hit was unnecessary. A play like that could change the outcome of major games further down the schedule.