Like it is

Keep expectations reasonable for new Hogs

Arkansas quarterback John Stephen Jones rolls out to pass Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, during practice at the university's practice facility in Fayetteville.
Arkansas quarterback John Stephen Jones rolls out to pass Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, during practice at the university's practice facility in Fayetteville.

It is a little more than 72 hours -- depending on what time you read this -- before the University of Arkansas Razorbacks kick off their 125th football season.

This one is complete with a newly expanded stadium, new life and new hopes.

With that in mind, here are a few things to expect and not expect from this season:

Expect: Lots of energy and enthusiasm on the sidelines.

Don't expect: A lot of profanity, especially from head Coach Chad Morris, who is a very religious man who walks the walk and talks the talk but never carries it on his sleeves.

Expect: To see freshmen play. Expect them in the first four games.

Don't expect: All of the freshmen who are going to play to be in action during the first four games. Under the new rules, the coach can decide which four games a freshman can play and still redshirt.

Expect: To see a much more uptempo game.

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Don't expect: To see much more uptempo games in the years to come. At SEC football media days, Morris said he was tweaking the offense to fit the personnel. Smart move by a smart coach.

Expect: The Razorbacks to struggle in SEC play, especially in the SEC West where they face the incomparable Alabama, the always dangerous Auburn, and talented teams such as Texas A&M, Mississippi State, LSU and Ole Miss, which may be better than most expect because of quarterback Jordan Ta'amu.

Don't expect: The Razorbacks to struggle as much in the future after Morris gets more players who fit his offense.

Expect: To see as many as five quarterbacks this season. Whether it be injury or just simply making a change for a better matchup, all five quarterbacks have something to offer.

Don't expect: The freshman quarterbacks to not be redshirted. They may get four games experience, but for the long run -- and that is what Morris is in it for -- the more freshmen you redshirt the better the future.

Expect: To see more and more former players come home to watch games. Morris and Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek have reached out to lettermen in a big way.

Don't expect: Either Morris or Yurachek to think the program started with their hiring.

Expect: The Razorbacks to have legitimate shots at upsets over LSU and maybe A&M.

Don't expect: To see the Hogs hit the wall in the fourth quarter. By all accounts, they are in much better shape.

Expect: Arkansas to win its road opener against Colorado State, making the Hogs' record for road openers just 4-11 since 2004.

Don't expect: The Razorbacks to win more than one road game, but it is OK to hope.

Expect: Lots of discussion among fans about who is the best quarterback.

Don't expect: Morris or offensive coordinator Joe Craddock to listen. They are the ones in every meeting and practice.

Expect: This team to be a little more fun to watch.

Don't expect: This team to contend for any titles in the next year or two. The majority of these players were recruited for a pound-the-ground scheme, not air Arkansas.

Expect: More from the special teams.

Don't expect: The defense to give up 44 points per game in SEC play like it did last season.

Expect: To have fun.

Don't expect: Too much.


In the dark and confusion Saturday night, it appeared No. 6 appeared alongside Bryant's LaTavion Scott to help a family and a disabled man during the mass confusion at War Memorial Stadium, but it was actually No. 5 from Benton, Kyvian Carroll, a linebacker, who by all accounts is an outstanding young man who has committed to play college football at Fresno State.

Sports on 08/29/2018

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