Arkansas Nearing Century Mark In Poll Ranking, Pitching At Record Pace
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - It will take some time for another team to surpass Arkansas when it comes to being ranked in the USA Today Coaches Poll. The Razorbacks are approaching 100 straight weeks being ranked by the publication, per research of Corey Stewart.
Dating back to the March 27, 2017 poll, Arkansas has been ranked in each of the last 95 polls. That is something no other team can say during that time.
Since 2017, the Razorbacks have appeared in each NCAA Tournament with four regional championships, three appearances in the College World Series and a runner-up finish in 2018. During this 95-week span, Arkansas has put together a record of 299-119 overall with a pair of regular season SEC titles and conference tournament championships.
Arkansas' average ranking is 6.57 with only Florida coming close at 6.97. The Gators haven't seen the same production as it's been ranked in 80 of 95 polls. Texas Tech has been ranked in 91 polls while also holding an impressive 10.2 average ranking.
Former Razorback Matt Goodheart shared his thoughts on Arkansas' ranking, via X. He believes it's just the beginning of something special for the program.
"This is what’s called the beginning of an era," Goodheart said. "The staff at Arkansas over the years have worked relentlessly to build the something big out of something small and they have. This is what top tier coaching and management does."
Another record poised to fall is the single-season strikeout record currently held by David Walling from the 1999 season. Walling tossed 155 strikeouts in 121 and 1/3 innings which helped lead the Razorbacks to a 42-23 overall record. The Razorbacks doubled up as regular season and conference tournament champions that season under legendary coach Norm DeBryin.
Friday ace, Hagen Smith, was predicted to put up record numbers during the preseason. The Bullard, Texas native has struck out 31 batters in 13 innings which span three games. Smith has up to 11 regular season appearances left in 2024 and is currently fanning 2.38 batters per inning.
Based off past trajectory, Smith improved his strikeout rate by 77% from 2022 to 2023. With conference play beginning next Friday, the strikeout per inning rate is bound to fluctuate a tad. Striking out 1.87 batters per inning over his next 11 appearances would give him the pitching record by the seventh inning of game one during Arkansas’ season finale against Texas A&M, assuming he pitches at least six innings per night.
Arkansas will likely play postseason ball which will also aid Smith in pursuit of the record. The Razorbacks pitching staff has been dominant as a whole. As Saturday starter Brady Tygart put it, "never seen anything like [our pitching]."
The Hogs’ staff currently boasts a 2.82 ERA with 174 strikeouts through 12 games this season.
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