Arkansas 2014 Football Preview

[Biggus Piggus]

Part 1: What happened last season.

Bret Bielema's Arkansas year one in synopsis:

Wisconsin refugee Bret Bielema made his reputation in the Big Ten as a defensive coach, but the 2013 Razorbacks were incapable of handling the scheme as implemented by one-and-done defensive coordinator Chris Ash. In the last nine games, the ones that mattered most, the Hogs allowed an average of 37 points.

Fans fixated on the performance of the post-Petrino offense. Bad defense made it impossible for the team to win.

Nobody at LB had ever started a game. An unknown walk-on started early at MLB. The secondary was a revolving door in more ways than one. By game 12, the defense had five new starters, several of them freshmen.

Ash was so afraid of his defense's talent level, he had the team play cautious with lots of cushion outside. The most obvious result was a dearth of takeaways: 14.

Best two wide receivers on the roster -- including Brandon Mitchell, who wanted to be a QB -- transferred away. Third-best receiver went down with a knee injury in August. No. 4 elevated to top target. Dropped passes figured in numerous close losses. The leading receiver had only 31 catches, lowest since the worst Houston Nutt days.

Arkansas entered 2013 season with one operable QB, sophomore Brandon Allen. He separated his shoulder on an end zone dive in game three. Backup was a walk-on juco transfer, A.J. Derby. Derby started one game, the 28-24 defeat at Rutgers that began a nine-game losing streak.

Allen was not healthy the rest of the season. It was hard to tell how much the poor WR corps screwed up the works, but Allen had to waste a lot of passes amid confused receivers and shaky protection. The wasteful passing game completed <50%. Arkansas struggled to score touchdowns, lacking big-play punch and inviting a stacked front against the rush. Turnovers were damaging - 23 in total. Giveaways were magnified by the fact that the defense took only 14.

The offensive line began with five lettermen starting, but freshmen Denver Kirkland and Dan Skipper moved up once the run blocking failed at Rutgers. Having two true freshmen starting, the Oline went from soft to error-prone. Freshman Hunter Henry started at tight end but had to swap out for a better blocker, and he did not stay healthy long.

Sophomore Jonathan Williams and freshman Alex Collins combined for almost 2,000 rushing yards at tailback. They had eight of the team's generational-low 14 rushing touchdowns. With no respect for passing, defenses always had help in range even if the backs escaped the front seven/eight.

The most obvious sign of a lack of big-play ability: Arkansas scored a total of 35 points in the fourth quarter. An average of 3 per game.

Arkansas hit its low point in rollover losses to South Carolina and Alabama in October. In the last four games, the team improved, though the back seven on defense remained fatally flawed. The Hogs held Mississippi State to 17 points in regulation; that's what MSU scored in the Egg Bowl against Ole Miss the following week. Arkansas held a lead late into the finale at LSU, but gave up a killing-blow touchdown pass at the end.

After the season, respected DL coach Charlie Partridge took the head coaching job at FAU. Ash fled to Ohio State. DB coach Taver Johnson, a Petrino holdover, moved to Purdue.

[Biggus Piggus]

Part 2: What changed.

The 2014 recruiting class brought new talent that coaches say was better than advertised. New players already have made their mark on the game one depth chart: at WR, OT, OG, C, NG, LB, CB and S.

In the offseason, Arkansas added three new assistant coaches on defense. Robb Smith, last at Tampa Bay of the NFL, was named defensive coordinator. He led the Rutgers defense that defeated the Razorbacks in 2012. Smith was a good coach available after the firing of Tampa head coach Greg Schiano.

DB coach Clay Jennings came in after successful stints at TCU and Houston. Rory Segrest, former Philadelphia/NFL assistant, took over the defensive line. Segrest also had coached under Pat Sullivan at Samford, where his line had impressed Bielema when the Hogs played Samford last season.

On offense, Brandon Allen regained his health and locked down the starting QB job. His younger brother Austin ascended to the backup role. Last year's No.2, A.J. Derby, moved to tight end. Korliss Marshall of Osceola, flashy spot player as a freshman, became a co-starter at tailback. Veterans Mitch Smothers and Luke Charpentier took starting positions on the line, pressed hard by newcomers Frank Ragnow and Sebastian Tretola. Coaches speak often of the impressive talent level of the new Olinemen, also including tackle Brian Wallace.

Tight end Hunter Henry remained 6-6 and a great target, but he improved his blocking ability with added strength. Derby (6-5, 255) and Jeremy Sprinkle (6-6, 241) improved the depth of the TE position.

The wide receiver lineup expanded with the return off injury of senior Demetrius Wilson (6-3), the development of junior Keon Hatcher (6-2), and the ascendance of sophomore Drew Morgan and freshman Jared Cornelius. Also expect to see 6-4 sophomore Cody Hollister, a juco transfer. Some interesting freshmen lurk in the wings, too.

On defense, senior Trey Flowers passed on an early NFL opportunity to lead a deep group of ends. DT Darius Philon, a battlefield promotion in game seven of his redshirt freshman season, is now an SEC-caliber starter. At NG, Smith opted to lead with quick, undersized sophomore Taiwan Johnson. Clearly, the defense plans to make its living in opponents' backfield rather than sitting back.

All starting linebackers come in with experience and much more knowledge gained from LB coach Randy Shannon, the former U of Miami head coach. Behind them, a passel of fresh Florida-Georgia-Louisiana speed.

The secondary brings more experience, size and depth. More fast newcomers provide depth. As much as the physical qualities changed, so did the style of play. Smith and Jennings emphasize more aggressive press coverage and forceful tackling.

A marked change in defensive philosophy could place Razorbacks in better position to capture turnovers, if it does not cost too much in big plays going the wrong way.

[Biggus Piggus]

Part 3: What could go right.

Against some opponents, Arkansas's defensive line could spend the game in the backfield. With tighter pass coverage, opposing quarterbacks will have to hold the football longer. This should lead to more sacks, turnovers and incompletions.

The offense is set up to sustain more long drives, though it also has improved big-play potential led by Korliss Marshall and Hunter Henry. Brandon Allen is experienced enough in Jim Chaney's offense to be effective, and his receivers know what they are doing now. The offensive line has more of a punishing identity and improved depth.

Arkansas's combination of quick-strike ability and ball control could prove frustrating to opponents who cannot power their way to first downs against a more aggressive defense. Look for this sequence, as it will be the sign of progress - quick score, forced punt, long drive, forced turnover, quick score.

If the Razorback coaches are clever, they can blend in some freshman speed in their rotations, making the starters more effective. If the Hogs can play freshmen in advantageous situations, young players can make a beneficial contribution.

Two reasons why everyone around the country expects Arkansas to be bad: Quarterback play and defense. If both are improved as much as appears readily possible, then the Razorbacks will be competitive in every game this season.

If Arkansas's diligent offseason efforts gained ground on schools where stars feel free to smoke weed in their spare time, then the Hogs will be very competitive. I don't know whether they can offset their lack of a stud wide receiver. And the opposition includes a lot of seriously good running backs + the league's best QBs.

But somebody's going to slip up and fall right in the Razorbacks' path.

[Biggus Piggus]

Part 4: What could go wrong.

Number one - Injuries. Lose one running back and the offense would be diminished. The tight end position would slip fast with any injury. The defense has several starters behind whom the talent/experience level falls fast. To win this season, the Hogs must be lucky with injuries.

Number two - Special teams. New kicker = always a chance for a big problem. Return coverage is critically important in SEC games, and the Hogs have new coaches handling those units. Many youngsters are likely to play on special teams, too.

Number three - QB crackup. Coaches and players are convinced that Brandon Allen is ready to be an SEC-class signal-caller. If he gets off to a bad start, then what? Austin Allen is basically prepared but wholly inexperienced.

Number four - Big plays. Everyone the Hogs play in the SEC has a handful of playmakers who could beat tight pass coverage, or break past the first line of run defense and fly. Big plays can make up for a lot of stops. Arkansas has to limit the number of long scoring plays it allows.

Number five - Schedule. Opening on the road against the defending national runner-up is a good way to halt the positive momentum before September begins. If the schedule is as scary as advertised, the Razorbacks could be quite good and still sitting at home in bowl season.

[Biggus Piggus]

Part 5: Schedules and opponents' schedules.

Alabama's game six is at Arkansas. Before that, the Tide has West Virginia (at Atlanta), FAU, Southern Miss, Florida and a road trip to Ole Miss. Many people overlook it, but the Bama-Ole Miss rivalry is one of the oldest. The Rebels usually play over their heads against the Tide. Bama might come into our game a little beaten up. Of course, their depth chart is the Noah's Ark of college football. They have two of everything.

Auburn has only San Jose State after the Razorbacks. The schedule sequence is of no help.

Georgia has the most difficult beginning - Clemson, at South Carolina, Troy, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, at Missouri, then at Arkansas. Here's a prime candidate for an opponent that could lose confidence.

LSU travels to Arkansas on Nov. 15 after playing host to Alabama. The Bayou Bengals begin the SEC schedule at Auburn, at Florida, home vs. Kentucky and Ole Miss. They could be in rough shape come mid-November.

Mississippi State has a home game against Arkansas on Nov. 1. That will be game eight for the Bulldogs. They begin with three sorry nonconference games then travel to LSU on Sept. 20. I suspect that MSU-LSU game will set one team on the path to contention, the other rolling downhill -- and the Razorbacks ought to be able to handle the loser.

Missouri opens with South Dakota State, then is at Toledo (expected to be a bowl team), UCF (could be good again), Indiana (very good offense), and at South Carolina. By the end of September, the Tigers ought to be ready for SEC play.

Mizzou has the kind of schedule to win the East again, even if they lose to the Gamecocks. They follow with Georgia, at Florida, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, at Texas A&M, at Tennessee and Arkansas. Missouri will have a lot to play for at the end of November, I suspect.

Ole Miss visits Arkansas on Nov. 22, its 11th game of the season and after an open date. The open date could help the Rebels offset their natural tendency to look ahead to the season-ending Egg Bowl. But look how their schedule lays out. They open against Boise State this Thursday in Atlanta then go to Vanderbilt in week two. The Rebels do not play another SEC game until October, then it's Alabama, at Texas A&M, Tennessee, at LSU, and Auburn.

If Ole Miss is good enough to be alive as an SEC contender come week 11, they will be hard for the Hogs to handle under any circumstances. It's interesting, though, that they play Auburn on Nov. 1, then somebody called Presbyterian the next week, followed by an off week. When they come to Fayetteville, the Rebels will be three weeks past their last competitive game.

Texas A&M, like Arkansas, must open on the road against a top contender. The Aggies play South Carolina on Thursday. If they drop that game, the Ags have three weeks to recover against Lamar, Rice and SMU (the latter a road game).

Arkansas and Texas A&M are the only two SEC teams with two road games in their first four, then the two face off in Arlington. The Aggies then travel to Mississippi State, return home for Ole Miss, and go to Alabama. If it doesn't beat Arkansas, Texas A&M will be in a world of hurt -- and might end up there anyway.

[Biggus Piggus]

Part 6: Wins and losses.

Every season, media posters predict that one-half of the SEC could be NFL expansion teams while the other half might as well give up. The leadership always narrows by midseason.

My best guess is that the most vulnerable teams on Arkansas's SEC schedule will be Texas A&M, Georgia and LSU. The Aggies have lots of moving parts on both sides of the ball. They were pretty ordinary with Johnny Clipboard at the helm, not to mention seriously bad on defense. Georgia's offensive line might have one player who would start at Arkansas. Their talent level on the Oline is down.

While the Georgia Dawgs are pinning their hopes on a new defensive coordinator from Florida State, they gave up almost as many points as Arkansas did last season. Georgia might be dispirited by the time it comes to Little Rock.

If LSU is a contender by the 15th of November, then it probably means Auburn, Alabama and/or Ole Miss fell short. Either LSU or Ole Miss should be beatable in November. Probably not both.

In nonconference play, the road trip to Texas Tech will test the ability of the Hogs to game plan and defeat a different kind of opponent. Arkansas is a very important game for the Red Raiders. Big 12 teams play only three nonleague games. But given T-Tech's talent level, the only way Arkansas should lose is if the Razorbacks are destined for a bad season.

I've got the Hogs winning three or four nonconference games and two or three SEC contests. That is a wide range of possibilities, as befits a situation where injuries could be crippling and depth comes from freshmen.

[Dark Helmet Hog]

Wow! What a great preview. I like part 3 the best, and I hope you are dead on.

Thanks for posting this.

[Hogpkins]

Excellent analysis, thanks. Love the Johnny Clipboard reference too.

[Mo_Better_Hogs]

Outstanding.

[Chuck Beavers]

So you're saying there's a chance? Well, all the pundits were wrong about us two years ago so I'm hoping they are wrong again.

[PorkSoda]

"Allen was not healthy the rest of the season. It was hard to tell how much the poor WR corps screwed up the works, but Allen had to waste a lot of passes amid confused receivers and shaky protection. The wasteful passing game completed <50%. Arkansas struggled to score touchdowns, lacking big-play punch and inviting a stacked front against the rush. Turnovers were damaging - 23 in total. Giveaways were magnified by the fact that the defense took only 14"

14 doesn't seem all that bad, that is more than 1 per game.  37 give aways (more than 3 per game) is really really bad.  I'm scared to see what the points off turnovers per game is.  I'd venture to say that is about the same number of points per game we lost by.  (about 10 points per game vs 4 points per turn over)

[BorderPatrol]

Good job, sir.

bp

[Biggus Piggus]

14 doesn't seem all that bad, that is more than 1 per game.  37 give aways (more than 3 per game) is really really bad.

Turnovers = 23, 11 interceptions and 12 lost fumbles. I dug up the stats once -- don't recall the exact details, but Arkansas's takeaways in 2012-13 were right at the all-time bottom, for the modern football era.

[Poker_hog]

Part 4: What could go wrong.

Number one - Injuries. Lose one running back and the offense would be diminished. The tight end position would slip fast with any injury. The defense has several starters behind whom the talent/experience level falls fast. To win this season, the Hogs must be lucky with injuries.

Rbs and TEs?  Those are our deepest positions.  I'd be way more concerned about an injury to our front 7, especially DT.  And QB, assuming BA is as good as advertised.

[Biggus Piggus]

Rbs and TEs?  Those are our deepest positions.  I'd be way more concerned about an injury to our front 7, especially DT.  And QB, assuming BA is as good as advertised.

Bielema doesn't believe so, in either case. Why do you think he wants to sign so many TEs and backs?

[PorkSoda]

Turnovers = 23, 11 interceptions and 12 lost fumbles. I dug up the stats once -- don't recall the exact details, but Arkansas's takeaways in 2012-13 were right at the all-time bottom, for the modern football era.

okay, I thought you meant -23  ie 14 take away + 23 TO margin = 37 total TOs

[Poker_hog]

Bielema doesn't believe so, in either case. Why do you think he wants to sign so many TEs and backs?

Derby is graduating.  Hunter, AC, and Jwill could leave after thier jr years.

[Biggus Piggus]

Derby is graduating.  Hunter, AC, and Jwill could leave after thier jr years.

He already has said they could use a couple more TEs this season. Also has said they need four TBs to be ready and only have three. Take one from either position, they're seriously down in numbers.

[SoCal Hog]

Great read. Thanks for taking the time to do all the analysis.

+1 to you sir.

[Poker_hog]

He already has said they could use a couple more TEs this season. Also has said they need four TBs to be ready and only have three. Take one from either position, they're seriously down in numbers.

I agree but the depth at DT is at critical level.  We could probably lose 2 RBs and still be ok with Juan day and kody walker filling in.  If we lose two DT it would be season over.

[East TN HAWG]

One thing that no one is talking about on Defense is T Johnson.  He is only 260 lbs and he is trying to hold the point of attack.  Does this not concern anyone?  I know Tony Cherico did at a simliar size, but that was a different era.  If the centers and guards blow him back into the LBs then it will be a long season.  NG is a very critical position.

[greenie]

Absolutely amazing.  Great effort Biggus!

If Robert Shields reads this, he should be green with envy. 

[ARtillahog]

One thing that no one is talking about on Defense is T Johnson.  He is only 260 lbs and he is trying to hold the point of attack.  Does this not concern anyone?  I know Tony Cherico did at a simliar size, but that was a different era.  If the centers and guards blow him back into the LBs then it will be a long season.  NG is a very critical position.

He is specifically playing a shaded NG, meant to give him an advantage in speed.  If that doesn't work, look for Bijhon Jackson to step in.

[Professor Psychosis]

Alabama's game six is at Arkansas. Before that, the Tide has West Virginia (at Atlanta), FAU, Southern Miss, Florida and a road trip to Ole Miss. Many people overlook it, but the Bama-Ole Miss rivalry is one of the oldest. The Rebels usually play over their heads against the Tide. Bama might come into our game a little beaten up. Of course, their depth chart is the Noah's Ark of college football. They have two of everything.

Lol @ Alabama/Noah's Ark comparison.  Best way I've seen them described.

[Biggus Piggus]

I agree but the depth at DT is at critical level.  We could probably lose 2 RBs and still be ok with Juan day and kody walker filling in.  If we lose two DT it would be season over.

Losing two DTs they would still have starters, backed by guys who were Olinemen last year + a freshman + a redshirt freshman. Quality would take a huge hit. Watch Auburn go for knees right off the bat. They are known for that.

[Poker_hog]

Losing two DTs they would still have starters, backed by guys who were Olinemen last year + a freshman + a redshirt freshman. Quality would take a huge hit. Watch Auburn go for knees right off the bat. They are known for that.

The lee ziemba special?

[HF#1]

Given that this staff has said they will use a 3 headed monster at RB, losing one would be a big loss.  All 3 will be major parts of the offense.  Marshall in the return game as well.  I'd be concerned if we lost one.

Alabama is the only team I can think of that could lose a RB and be ok.  Worst case scenario, they have Tenpenny.   They'd have to lose the first 6 of course.

I agree with you about the schedule.  I think the cream will rise to the top quicker this year than it has in years past.  We will know pretty quick who is beatable and who isn't, imo.  I also think we can pick off conference wins against LSU, A&M, and a Mississippi school.  Georiga is a possibility but not likely. I think we have an opportunity to catch Auburn off guard if we come out and really hit them in the mouth.  Everybody is tough until you punch them in the mouth. 

Despite what our record ends up this season, I like this team. I like the way it's being built.

[The NewEra]

Very well done Biggus. Great research and rational perspective. You must get very lonely here at times

[An old hog fanatic]

Biggus, I have no idea what your day job is, but this post(s) is better than any other analysis I've read. If you're not a professional journalist, you certainly could be. Great job!

[DeltaBoy]

Great job on this

[East TN HAWG]

Why hasn't the DemoGaz offered BP a job?  He would be their best reporter; right beside to Davenport.

[ifghog]

+1 sir! Nicely done!

[ChauvinistPig]

Excellent post Biggus

[LZH]

"Didn't Read!"                               

I don't know whether they can offset their lack of a stud wide receiver.

Do we not have anyone that can go deep?  What about Hawkins, isn't he in the mix by now?

[Biggus Piggus]

Do we not have anyone that can go deep?  What about Hawkins, isn't he in the mix by now?

If you look at the top eight receivers in the SEC, Arkansas does not have anyone in that class. But good play-action can do wonders for giving receivers separation.

[31to6]

One thing that no one is talking about on Defense is T Johnson.  He is only 260 lbs and he is trying to hold the point of attack.  Does this not concern anyone?  I know Tony Cherico did at a simliar size, but that was a different era.  If the centers and guards blow him back into the LBs then it will be a long season.  NG is a very critical position.

Robb Smith has at times used smaller/faster DL men in his schemes. I don't think it is something to be "concerned" about since it is not something done out of a lack of personnel but rather an intentional schematic attempt to address how spread offenses are running the ball these days. Getting into the backfield to disrupt the zone read exchange and the toss plays may be better than trying to plug the center.

We may see Bijohn Jackson or Demarcus Hodge coming in for short yardage situations.

[LZH]

If you look at the top eight receivers in the SEC, Arkansas does not have anyone in that class. But good play-action can do wonders for giving receivers separation.

Is Hawkins not a starter?  I figured with his speed that he'd be ready to go by now, as a slot receiver anyway.  I gotta say that I don't know who would even be our #1 outside guy.  Whoever it is, they've got to pay attention and catch better than what we saw last year. 

[code red]

Given that this staff has said they will use a 3 headed monster at RB, losing one would be a big loss.  All 3 will be major parts of the offense.  Marshall in the return game as well.  I'd be concerned if we lost one.

Alabama is the only team I can think of that could lose a RB and be ok.  Worst case scenario, they have Tenpenny.   They'd have to lose the first 6 of course.

I agree with you about the schedule.  I think the cream will rise to the top quicker this year than it has in years past.  We will know pretty quick who is beatable and who isn't, imo.  I also think we can pick off conference wins against LSU, A&M, and a Mississippi school.  Georiga is a possibility but not likely. I think we have an opportunity to catch Auburn off guard if we come out and really hit them in the mouth.  Everybody is tough until you punch them in the mouth. 

Despite what our record ends up this season, I like this team. I like the way it's being built.

I think your analysis is dead on except LSU.  Have you looked at their offensive line???  They could be a dark horse National Championship team.  They have as good a talent as anyone in the SEC.

[RedyorNot]

Great read! The time is much appreciated!

[HF#1]

I think your analysis is dead on except LSU.  Have you looked at their offensive line???  They could be a dark horse National Championship team.  They have as good a talent as anyone in the SEC.

Possibly.  Lester can't decide on a QB though.  Also, I actually like the matchup of our D-Line vs their O-line. 

When we play LSU they might have a couple losses already.  We almost got them last season.

[LZH]

Lester can't decide on a QB though.

You're kidding?  I've said since January that they'd win the SEC.  The idea may be thin, but it was 80% based on that young (then freshman) QB who showed alot of poise against us coming in and starting this year. 

[DLUXHOG]

Part 1: What happened last season.............................

Wow.... nice analysis... you... are.... the....

[attachment deleted by admin]

[East TN HAWG]

If you look at the top eight receivers in the SEC, Arkansas does not have anyone in that class. But good play-action can do wonders for giving receivers separation.

I personally do not believe we need a top 8, 10, 12 receiver.  Like you said with play action, all we need two receivers combined with Henry and Sprinkle to keep the defense honest.   By the way, I believe Henry is best TE in SEC.     

[Oklahawg]

Is Hawkins not a starter?  I figured with his speed that he'd be ready to go by now, as a slot receiver anyway.  I gotta say that I don't know who would even be our #1 outside guy.  Whoever it is, they've got to pay attention and catch better than what we saw last year. 

Seems naive. When has Hawkins ever been mentioned as anything more than an anecdote? I don't know that there has been any consecutive days of coachspeak involving Hawkins. In his entire career.

Forgive me but the entire hammering away at Hawkins seems like a jaded, agenda-driven effort to make a mountain out of a molehill. Hawkins is roster shrapnel at this point, leftover debris from "the mess".

[IntegrityHog]

One thing that no one is talking about on Defense is T Johnson.  He is only 260 lbs and he is trying to hold the point of attack.  Does this not concern anyone?  I know Tony Cherico did at a simliar size, but that was a different era.  If the centers and guards blow him back into the LBs then it will be a long season.  NG is a very critical position.

Um.....unless you are a member of the coaching staff, I don't think you should be questioning their decisions on where to put players.  I'll leave that to the professionals....you know, the ones who are PAID TO DO THIS FOR A LIVING.

[Biggus Piggus]

I think your analysis is dead on except LSU.  Have you looked at their offensive line???  They could be a dark horse National Championship team.  They have as good a talent as anyone in the SEC.

Yeah, that's one good thing they have going, and they have some good players on defense too. They also have new starters at QB, TB, WR, DT and both CBs. They lost a ton of talent over the past two years.

[Biggus Piggus]

Robb Smith has at times used smaller/faster DL men in his schemes. I don't think it is something to be "concerned" about since it is not something done out of a lack of personnel but rather an intentional schematic attempt to address how spread offenses are running the ball these days. Getting into the backfield to disrupt the zone read exchange and the toss plays may be better than trying to plug the center.

We may see Bijohn Jackson or Demarcus Hodge coming in for short yardage situations.

I remember we thought we were going to manhandle Rutgers's defensive line in 2012 because of the size discrepancy. Didn't work out that way.

[HF#1]

You're kidding?  I've said since January that they'd win the SEC.  The idea may be thin, but it was 80% based on that young (then freshman) QB who showed alot of poise against us coming in and starting this year. 

Doesn't take much poise to throw a pass with little pressure to a receiver that beat our DB by 15 yards. Guess you could get nervous and short arm it but Derby could have made that throw he made to win the game.

[three hog night]

Part 1: What happened last season.

Bret Bielema's Arkansas year one in synopsis:

Wisconsin refugee Bret Bielema made his reputation in the Big Ten as a defensive coach, but the 2013 Razorbacks were incapable of handling the scheme as implemented by one-and-done defensive coordinator Chris Ash. In the last nine games, the ones that mattered most, the Hogs allowed an average of 37 points.

Fans fixated on the performance of the post-Petrino offense. Bad defense made it impossible for the team to win.

Nobody at LB had ever started a game. An unknown walk-on started early at MLB. The secondary was a revolving door in more ways than one. By game 12, the defense had five new starters, several of them freshmen.

Ash was so afraid of his defense's talent level, he had the team play cautious with lots of cushion outside. The most obvious result was a dearth of takeaways: 14.

Best two wide receivers on the roster -- including Brandon Mitchell, who wanted to be a QB -- transferred away. Third-best receiver went down with a knee injury in August. No. 4 elevated to top target. Dropped passes figured in numerous close losses. The leading receiver had only 31 catches, lowest since the worst Houston Nutt days.

Arkansas entered 2013 season with one operable QB, sophomore Brandon Allen. He separated his shoulder on an end zone dive in game three. Backup was a walk-on juco transfer, A.J. Derby. Derby started one game, the 28-24 defeat at Rutgers that began a nine-game losing streak.

Allen was not healthy the rest of the season. It was hard to tell how much the poor WR corps screwed up the works, but Allen had to waste a lot of passes amid confused receivers and shaky protection. The wasteful passing game completed <50%. Arkansas struggled to score touchdowns, lacking big-play punch and inviting a stacked front against the rush. Turnovers were damaging - 23 in total. Giveaways were magnified by the fact that the defense took only 14.

The offensive line began with five lettermen starting, but freshmen Denver Kirkland and Dan Skipper moved up once the run blocking failed at Rutgers. Having two true freshmen starting, the Oline went from soft to error-prone. Freshman Hunter Henry started at tight end but had to swap out for a better blocker, and he did not stay healthy long.

Sophomore Jonathan Williams and freshman Alex Collins combined for almost 2,000 rushing yards at tailback. They had eight of the team's generational-low 14 rushing touchdowns. With no respect for passing, defenses always had help in range even if the backs escaped the front seven/eight.

The most obvious sign of a lack of big-play ability: Arkansas scored a total of 35 points in the fourth quarter. An average of 3 per game.

Arkansas hit its low point in rollover losses to South Carolina and Alabama in October. In the last four games, the team improved, though the back seven on defense remained fatally flawed. The Hogs held Mississippi State to 17 points in regulation; that's what MSU scored in the Egg Bowl against Ole Miss the following week. Arkansas held a lead late into the finale at LSU, but gave up a killing-blow touchdown pass at the end.

After the season, respected DL coach Charlie Partridge took the head coaching job at FAU. Ash fled to Ohio State. DB coach Taver Johnson, a Petrino holdover, moved to Purdue.

Biggus Piggus did a masterful job of detailing the issues.  The offense looked pretty good before BA was injured in game 3 in spite of the Oline being shaky and WR's being depleted.  The impact of Ash having the CB's play 7-10 yards off the WR was felt upon the Def Line who had no time to get to the QB.  Our Dline will be more effective this year with press coverage in the secondary.

[three hog night]

Part 2: What changed.

The 2014 recruiting class brought new talent that coaches say was better than advertised. New players already have made their mark on the game one depth chart: at WR, OT, OG, C, NG, LB, CB and S.

In the offseason, Arkansas added three new assistant coaches on defense. Robb Smith, last at Tampa Bay of the NFL, was named defensive coordinator. He led the Rutgers defense that defeated the Razorbacks in 2012. Smith was a good coach available after the firing of Tampa head coach Greg Schiano.

DB coach Clay Jennings came in after successful stints at TCU and Houston. Rory Segrest, former Philadelphia/NFL assistant, took over the defensive line. Segrest also had coached under Pat Sullivan at Samford, where his line had impressed Bielema when the Hogs played Samford last season.

On offense, Brandon Allen regained his health and locked down the starting QB job. His younger brother Austin ascended to the backup role. Last year's No.2, A.J. Derby, moved to tight end. Korliss Marshall of Osceola, flashy spot player as a freshman, became a co-starter at tailback. Veterans Mitch Smothers and Luke Charpentier took starting positions on the line, pressed hard by newcomers Frank Ragnow and Sebastian Tretola. Coaches speak often of the impressive talent level of the new Olinemen, also including tackle Brian Wallace.

Tight end Hunter Henry remained 6-6 and a great target, but he improved his blocking ability with added strength. Derby (6-5, 255) and Jeremy Sprinkle (6-6, 241) improved the depth of the TE position.

The wide receiver lineup expanded with the return off injury of senior Demetrius Wilson (6-3), the development of junior Keon Hatcher (6-2), and the ascendance of sophomore Drew Morgan and freshman Jared Cornelius. Also expect to see 6-4 sophomore Cody Hollister, a juco transfer. Some interesting freshmen lurk in the wings, too.

On defense, senior Trey Flowers passed on an early NFL opportunity to lead a deep group of ends. DT Darius Philon, a battlefield promotion in game seven of his redshirt freshman season, is now an SEC-caliber starter. At NG, Smith opted to lead with quick, undersized sophomore Taiwan Johnson. Clearly, the defense plans to make its living in opponents' backfield rather than sitting back.

All starting linebackers come in with experience and much more knowledge gained from LB coach Randy Shannon, the former U of Miami head coach. Behind them, a passel of fresh Florida-Georgia-Louisiana speed.

The secondary brings more experience, size and depth. More fast newcomers provide depth. As much as the physical qualities changed, so did the style of play. Smith and Jennings emphasize more aggressive press coverage and forceful tackling.

A marked change in defensive philosophy could place Razorbacks in better position to capture turnovers, if it does not cost too much in big plays going the wrong way.

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I feel that the improvement in the Oline is going to be good, BUT the WR's have improved with the return of Wilson and addition of the new players.  A healthy BA will allow us to use the whole playbook.   The back 7 on defense should surprise us with their improvement.  There were a number of CB's and LB's that played and gained valuable experience last year and it will pay off this year.  We will be 2-3 deep at CB and LB which is a big change from last year and critical when playing HUNH teams.