The top questions surrounding the Arkansas Razorbacks heading into the 2016 season:
How will the offensive line come together?
The offensive line allowed too many pressures in spring and in the early portion of camp, but it must be remembered that it came against a front four that could emerge as one of the SEC’s most dynamic this fall. That said, it’s a stretch to think the new starting five will be as productive, at least through the first half of the season, as last year’s group. Arkansas has yielded the fewest sacks in the SEC in every season since Bret Bielema’s arrival and that will be difficult to maintain. Bielema has confidence that new O-line coach Kurt Anderson can produce a powerful unit. Tackle Dan Skipper and Frank Ragnow will start, but where was uncertain after 11 practices. Hjalte Froholdt faces a steep learning curve, though he’s had moments of dominance in camp, and he looks destined for left guard. Filling the second tackle slot, where Brian Wallace, Colton Jackson, Jake Raulerson, or even Ragnow, could play, has been troublesome. Zach Rogers and Raulerson should see a load of snaps, while Deion Malone, Jalen Merrick and Paul Ramirez look to be in the next wave.
Will the defensive backs put up better numbers?
Yes they will. And their improvement might be more substantial than marginal after finishing No. 103 in pass efficiency defense in 2015. Paul Rhoads, a long-time coordinator and head coach, has brought in expertise and a high-energy leadership style, and it has been well received. Better eye discipline and footwork should be evident right away. Veterans Jared Collins, D.J. Dean, Josh Liddell and Henre Toliver, as well as feisty sophomore safety Santos Ramirez, are determined to turn the doubters into believers.
Do the Hogs have enough impact players and depth providers on defense?
There was a definite lack of impact performers last season before end Deatrich Wise Jr. began harassing quarterbacks in the second half of the season. Wise, Jeremiah Ledbetter and others should combine for a heftier sack count than the 14 of last season, which ranked No. 84 in the nation. Linebackers Brooks Ellis and Dre Greenlaw should be better ball disrupters while playing faster and fresher. On the back end, safeties Santos Ramirez, Josh Liddell and De’Andre Coley are better suited to account for more takeaways. Keep an eye out for freshman McTelvin Agim and sophomore Randy Ramsey in new pass-rush packages. Numbers at safety could still be an issue, but linebackers coach Vernon Hargreaves should have more reliable options.
Is Austin Allen the answer at quarterback?
Allen, a redshirt junior who is the younger brother of three-year starter Brandon Allen, is clearly the top option for offensive coordinator Dan Enos, who is developing a reputation as a quarterback guru and offensive schemer. Best guess is Austin Allen plays closer to the 2014 version of his brother than the 2013 or 2015 editions. The fact that the Razorbacks are breaking in three new offensive line starters, and tinkering like mad with that personnel, as well as counting on new every-down tailbacks, adds to Allen’s challenge. But as Bret Bielema points out, Austin Allen has a stronger supporting cast, particularly with a veteran receiving unit, than Brandon did when he took the reins in 2013.
Who has the best shot at rushing for 1,000 yards?
Kody Walker, the sixth-year senior called Papaw by freshman T.J. Hammonds, will be a leader among the runners, but he is not the most likely to hit 1,000, based on body type, injury history and projected usage. Sophomore Rawleigh Williams is most likely to rush for 1,000 yards and follow in the footsteps of Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins, who had five 900-yard seasons the past three years. However, with Damon Mitchell earning touches and Devwah Whaley ready to make a quick impact, there could be four or more backs between 400 and 1,000 yards.
Will the defense improve from No. 58 nationally?
A resounding yes. Starting up front, the Razorbacks believe they can maintain or improve on their No. 12 national ranking against the rush while providing a more effective pass rush. There are veterans all through the depth chart on the front four, so the best players should be fresh for crunch time in the fourth quarter. Brooks Ellis and Dre Greenlaw will still play a lot, but they should be afforded more breathers with a better support crew at linebacker. The defensive backs are intent on making a vast improvement from their poor pass defense numbers of 2015. Arkansas ranked No. 10 nationally in total defense in coordinator Robb Smith’s first year of 2014, and the Hogs should be closer to that ranking than No. 58 this time around.
Will the Razorbacks get off to a faster start?
It would be shocking if Arkansas gets off to a 1-3 start like last year, with games against Louisiana Tech and Texas State in the first month. However, a road trip to well-regarded TCU in Week 2 and the neutral-site affair in Arlington, Texas, in Week 4 against Texas A&M could be losses. The Hogs have lost four in a row to the Aggies. Interesting that Bret Bielema emphasized improved road play last year and the Hogs responded with a 3-1 mark in SEC road games. The players are talking up a terrific start this year, but might it come at the expense of another portion of the schedule?
Does Arkansas continue to trend upward in Bret Bielema’s fourth season?
Tough question. The loss of key personnel has pundits predicting that 8-5 or worse is more likely than nine victories or better. However, if the offensive line gets situated to unleash a productive running game early on, and if the team stays healthier than it did in 2015, an improvement on last season’s 8-5 record, and 5-3 mark in the SEC, is surely within the realm of possibility.
Can fans count on more pulsepounding Hog thrillers?
Yeah! Arkansas broke through at Tennessee to end an 0-9 stretch in games decided by seven points or fewer under Bret Bielema. After that, the Razorbacks won in overtime against Auburn and Ole Miss before enduring a 51-50 shootout loss to Mississippi State. The 2015 season provided more bang than in the normal season, with the Razorbacks or their opponent scoring 45-plus points nine times. We’re anticipating a similar series of action-packed outcomes this fall.