Not Much to Like About Razorbacks’ Ugly Win Over Kent State

Call it nitpicking, but there’s plenty reason for caution going into week three.

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Sep 10, 2023 10:52 AM EDT

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Another Saturday has passed and the Hogs stumble through week two against one of the worst teams in FBS. Don’t act surprised since the glaring issues that were seen last week had the opportunity to hang around for another.

There were quite a few instances where Kent State receivers found themselves wide open five yards from the line of scrimmage. On occasion, they were able to turn upfield for first downs.

Most of the wrongs of the first half were improved on in the second with the Hogs sustaining long scoring drives. Out of four drives in the second half, the Hogs scored on two while bleeding the clock in the final 6:05.

Didn’t like: Slow start

Contrary to last week’s opening drive scoring a touchdowns, the Hogs did quite the opposite against the Golden Flashes. After punting following the first three possessions, Andrew Armstrong caught a 5-yard strike from KJ Jefferson to extend their lead to 14-6.

It’s only week two, but are slow starts a Sam Pittman trend instead of a Briles-Enos issue?

Didn’t like: Run game and offensive line struggles

The run game continues to be stagnant with opponents daring the Hogs to pass. With a better second half, the Hogs did up their yards per rush average to 3.8 after a pitiful first quarter.

AJ Green had a solid day rushing for 82 yards on 15 carries. As a whole, the Hogs rushed for 172 yards which is still 60 yards less than their average per game the past two seasons.

“It’s frustrating right now for the kids and coaches that we’re not running the ball consistently,” said Pittman. “But we’ll continue to work on it.”

Pittman wasn’t very pleased at the blocking through two games. The Hogs rotated linemen during Saturday’s game as they’re trying to settle who the best five are. However, none are actually dominating their position against weaker opponents.

“There’s a lot of reason why we’re not dominating the line of scrimmage,” said Pittman. “We’re not moving them. We’re just not blocking particularly well period.”

The lack of movement from the Arkansas offense concerned QB KJ Jefferson. His team had only 14 yards of offense before a second quarter outburst.

[Kent State] did an outstanding job the whole game,” said Jefferson. “They came out, they executed their game plan — I told my guys that ‘the defense is doing their job so we have to wake up and do ours.”

Liked: Defense played exceptional ball in second half

Antonio Grier’s first play as a Hog was a pick six. That’s back-to-back weeks that an Arkansas linebacker scored a touchdown in their first game. Due to the absence of starting LB Chris Paul, the former USF transfer may have not played up to full strength either.

“I don’t think [Grier] is 100%,” said Pittman. “But, we needed him to play in the first half with Pooh being out so I think he’ll end up being better against the run. But right now we’re still figuring out who the other guy besides Jaheim Thomas is.”

Jaheim Thomas led the Hogs in productivity for second week in a row. The Cincinnati transfer recorded 12 total tackles, 2 TFL, 1.5 sacks. He was around the football while sealing off the Kent State run game.

The defense as a whole has been the most consistent unit this season. In the second half, the Hogs yielded just 74 yards and -30 yards rushing. As a whole the Hogs were active in the backfield with 11 TFL, 7 sacks and 1 pick six.

Considering their opponents, the defense has only given up 9.5 points, 245.5 yards and forced 6 turnovers. The unit has given up few explosive plays while giving their offense something to work with.

Liked: Isaac TeSlaa and Andrew Armstrong are gamers

They didn’t light up the stat sheet like last week but they made plays when needed. TeSlaa was exceptional on a pair of plays. One of them was a diving 31 yard reception. While the other was a catch on third and six with a defender draped all over him.

“[TeSlaa] can catch and we didn’t particularly throw it well today,” said Pittman. He made some TeSlaa catches. Armstrong had a nice catch too.”

Armstrong has a knack for finding the endzone with two receiving touchdowns. The Texas A&M-Commerce transfer led the team in receptions with 4 for 21 yards.

What is the goal for next week with BYU looming? It’s obvious the Razorbacks aren’t clicking on all cylinders yet and are just getting by off talent discrepancy alone. The schedule gets tougher going into week three so it’s imperative to practice starting fast and avoiding offensive lulls before SEC play.