Petrino Will Provide Magic for Arkansas' Offense Quickly

Blend with new coordinator and Sam Pittman could provide big results for Razorbacks

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Dec 29, 2023 4:16 PM EST

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas booster Frank Fletcher made an appearance on 103.7 The Buzz's show "Morning Mayhem" on Friday, recapping a visit he had with head coach Sam Pittman and newly-hired offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. The Razorbacks had one of the worst offenses in all of college football last season and needed to add a spark to jumpstart for 2024. Based on his observations, the Razorbacks are in good hands for the future.

"I talk to Bobby Petrino pretty often and he is so excited," Fletcher said. "He loves to be around Sam Pittman. I saw them in a room together when I had lunch with them. The dinner reaction with them is perfect. Bobby was like 'you just show me what you want me to do.' There's magic there. There's real magic."

Thinking about comparisons between offensive philosophies between Pittman and Petrino, it's hard to draw up much. Obviously, Petrino has proven to be an offensive wizard dedicated to large passing numbers and a physical run game. For much of his career outside of the 2018 debacle at Louisville, that's been the case. On the other hand, Pittman likes the power run game in a RPO concept, which has proven itself to work during his first four seasons at Arkansas.

A blend of both can most certainly work since Boise State quarterback Taylen Green has proven himself to be a solid dual threat during his career. Green has passed for 3,794 yards, 35 touchdowns and 15 interceptions the past two seasons. He has also produced several highlight reel runs with 164 carries, 1,026 yards and 19 scores.

The former Bronco has dynamic ability that will keep SEC defenses honest. With two years left to play his full potential has likely not been met as of yet and a QB guru like Petrino can help develop him into a NFL caliber player.

Other major needs for the Petrino offense to run is having an impact offensive line. Pittman has helped shore that up with a trio of additions up front in Keyshawn Blackstock (Michigan State), Fernando Carmona (San Jose State) and Addison Nichols (Tennessee).

Fletcher wasn't done praising the coaching staff and its players. He was pleased with the product Arkansas fielded defensively in 2023, and hopeful Petrino can get the offense right next season.

"We've got good defensive coaches, we've got good defensive players," Fletcher said. "We are gonna have some offense this year, I promise you that.

"I was so sick at the end of last year. To be from from Arkansas and to be a Razorback that's what we're all about in Arkansas ... Most of us are die-hard Razorback fans. What Musselman has done for basketball and what they're doing for baseball. When they talk about baseball they don't talk about Alabama, they talk about Arkansas being the No. 1 team. That's what makes me a proud Arkansan, proud to be up here."