Oklahoma State game will provide answers for Hogs

By Jerry Meadows

FAYETTEVILLE — It sure did not take long for Arkansas and Coach Sam Pittman to arrive at the point of the season where, for some skeptics, it is do-or-die. Is a loss to Oklahoma State a precursor to a 3 to 5-win season total? No, it is not. It is, however, an excellent opportunity to see if the changes made have put the Razorbacks on the right track.

From the national, state, and local media, many have compared this season’s team with last season’s. Such conclusions have resulted in predictions that mirror last year’s team while never factoring in what Coach Pittman did in the offseason to rebuild a dysfunctional unit into a winning football program. Disregarding such hard work and dedication from a devoted coaching staff makes such predictions completely irrational. 

What may be worse is the online discussions about who will be the next Arkansas Football coach. Such conversations breed discontent among the fan base of any program. Think about that for a moment. Arkansas has not lost a game. Yet some want to go down that road already. Such foolish thinking is counterproductive to what Razorback fans, hope for. 

Sadly, a rouge individual behind a computer screen can hypothecate what they think may or may not happen. Such actions serve no purpose. It would appear some have hope in reverse by believing that something nasty is about to hit the fan before the fan has been turned on.

What should they do then? Do what Coach Pittman says about making a mistake. “Just flush it and move on to the next play.” Such thinking is also good practice in living one’s life.

So, let’s look at what they have rather than speculate on what will happen if the horse goes blind while they are loading the wagon.

This year, they have 32 players with playing time from the 2023 season. A few players chose to enter the portal, but Arkansas maintained its core of wide receivers and tight ends. Actually, Arkansas added Jordan Anthony and Monte Harrison to an already potent group of receivers.

On the flip side, Arkansas should have 24 new players who will either be starting for the first time as a Razorback or get lots of playing time in 2024 on both sides of the ball. 

Most will either be an upgrade from last year or add depth to their position. So, to compare this year’s team with the previous year is to ignore the size, strength, and speed of the talent Pittman has assembled on this year’s roster. 

However, as good as these players are, Pittman would also make excellent strides in the quality of coaches he hired to fine-tune these new and existing athletes into a solid football team. 

On offense, Bobby Petrino (OC & QB coach) leads a cohesive group of coaches to revamp the missing offensive production from last year. Eric Mateos (offensive line), Kolby Smith (RBs), Ronnie Fouch (WRs), and Morgan Turner (TEs) are committed to helping the offense score points. Coach Turner is the only offensive coach who would be a carryover from last year. He proved last year his value with the TEs. Plus, Smith and Fouch are already familiar with the Petrino offense. Their addition to the offensive scheme will help acclimate the RBs and receivers into understanding how to execute this new offensive philosophy. 

With the well-documented failures from last year’s offensive line, Coach Pittman wanted Coach Mateos back at Arkansas. If the offensive line becomes a “family of five,” the offensive capabilities of the players from the skilled positions will surely reap the rewards.

With 14 players returning with playing time from last year, Arkansas added another 13 from the portal and high school to have an assortment of talent ready to play on the offensive side in 2024.

On the defensive side, Coach Travis Williams (DC & linebackers) oversaw a defense that lowered the offensive output of last year’s opponents by over 100 yards per game. Returning from last year’s staff on defense, Marcus Woodson, the Co-Defensive Coordinator, Deke Adams (defensive line), and Deron Wilson (Secondary).

The defense has 11 returning players with playing time from last year. Adding 11 more players from the portal and high school has increased the depth chart on defense. 

Although the jury is still out, Coach Pittman may have assembled his best team since becoming the head coach of the Razorbacks. If Arkansas’ offense can sustain scoring drives and maintain a lead, it should help keep the defense rested and motivated to finish games in the fourth quarter. 

Now, what can we expect in Stillwater this weekend? For Arkansas to win, they must win the turnover margin, commit less than 60 yards in penalties, and stop the Oklahoma State running attack and not give up explosive plays in the passing game. Offensively, the Razorbacks must avoid foolish penalties that kill drives. Hopefully, this will be enough for Arkansas to come home with a win. Winning at Stillwater this Saturday will go a long way in flushing the memory of last year’s season and recognizing it is 2024.