Hogs Had Good Moments, Some Bad During Blowout

Week 1 always provides look at where teams truly are once they’re able to hit somebody else.

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Sep 3, 2023 1:38 PM EDT

In this story:

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas' victory was never in doubt and the 56 points on Saturday was the most scored in four years under coach Sam Pittman.

It wasn’t always pretty and there were a few lulls especially during the second quarter. What mattered is they took care of business with a hot start and solid finish.

With two new systems and 35+ new faces meant this was a break in game for both sides. There were plenty of moments that happened in between that were good, bad and ugly. So, let’s take on a few likes and dislikes from the week one victory over Western Carolina.

LIKED: WR group looks strong

There were questions leading into the season about how Arkansas’ receivers would adapt to the FBS level. It was certainly no issue today as Andrew Armstrong (5 receptions, 78 yards and TD), Isaac TeSlaa (3 receptions, 66 yards and TD) were highly productive on Saturday.

Jaedon Wilson displayed his speed right away with a TD on the second play of the game. He ended the day with 3 catches for 83 yards and a TD. The Desoto, (Tx.) native averaged nearly 28 yards per catch against the Catamounts.

“We came out with the mindset of win the day and that’s what we did,” said Wilson.

LIKED: Special teams

Isaiah Sategna is electric. Every time the Fayetteville native touched the ball on special teams he caught the awe of fans in War Memorial thinking he would take it for a score.

“We have a return man. He’s dangerous,” said Pittman. “I felt it and the crowd felt it when he has the ball in his hands. He’s dangerous.”

It’s been a while since the Hogs had a legitimate threat to score on each touch. Sategna possesses the skill and speed to be a game changer on special teams.

LIKED: True Quarterback Depth

Calling Jacolby Criswell a youngin’ is almost disrespectful since he has college experience as a backup at North Carolina.

Although the Morrilton, Ark., native received only one offensive possession he showed command of the Arkansas offense. That’s something the Hogs have missed for quite a while with no true threat as a backup.

The takeaway could be that it won’t be a blunder of a season if Jefferson does go down to an injury. Criswell displayed zip on a his two throws including an impressive deep ball touchdown pass to freshman Davion Dozier.

Finally, shoutout to true freshman linebacker Brad Spence. He scored on an 85-yard pick six with just over four minutes to go in the fourth quarter. The Hogs forced 5 turnovers on the afternoon which was a key component leading into the week one matchup.

“Coach [Travis Williams] preached to us all week, turnovers, turnovers, turnovers,” said Jaheim Thomas on the defensive gameplan.

Disliked: First game penalty issues

There will always be pointless penalties and there certainly were some with 7 for 86 yards. Special teams had a block in the back plus a false start on a punt. The defensive targeting call on Chris Paul was a bonehead of play and will miss the first half of next week’s matchup against Kent State.

DISLIKED: Run game and Offensive line struggled

In a surprising struggle to get one of the nation’s best position group going, the Hogs couldn’t muster positive yardage early on.

Credit Western Carolina’s defense for selling out against the potent Arkansas run game. Once a running back escaped the loaded defensive front Arkansas was able to gain extra yardage. However, it wasn’t consistent enough.

Luckily, the Arkansas passing game was mostly on point making up for this missed production in the run game. Jefferson had more than enough time to pick apart the Catamounts’ secondary.

“The run game wasn’t what we wanted it to be,” said Pittman. “But, the passing game was what we wanted it to be.”

“Well we couldn’t get to their safeties,” Pittman said. “Which was probably why we got a lot yards throwing the football. I thought Dan could have thrown it a bit more.”

The old adage of “the most improvement happens between week one and two.” That should bode well for a Hogs team that looked solid not great in their opener.