Hogs Hoping Defensive Coordinator Being Back Solves Issues

UAB game highlights importance of Razorbacks DC Travis Williams

Auburn Tigers linebacker #51 Travis Williams celebrates after making an interception against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in 1st half action at Jordan-Hare Stadium. / Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In just one season plus three games, Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams has quickly risen from just another member of coach Sam Pittman’s staff to the heart and soul of the team.

The Razorbacks' defense has made clear the standard shown in the 37-27 win over UAB is not going to cut it against Auburn. Although Williams was with the team on game day, at least some of the struggles can be attributed to Williams being in and out of practice last week. 

Arkansas Razorbacks defensive coordinator Travis Williams instructs unit during practice. / Andy Hodges-Hogs on SI Images

Williams had good reason to be away from the team, he was with his wife, Jeanine, as they welcomed a child. Players admitted post-game that his energy was missing last week during practice.

“I feel like it did [affect us] but it shouldn’t," defensive end Landon Jackson said. "That's on the players. We can't allow a coach not being there to affect the way that we go about our day."

Williams is back full-throttle just in time for SEC play. Arkansas will need to fix the tackling issues that allowed UAB to pick up 354 yards.

UAB Blazers quarterback Jacob Zeno (4) is tackled by Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Cameron Ball (5) during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. / Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

"T-Will is vitally important to the teaching of defense and also the motivation," Pittman said. "He was out some."

Travis Williams will also return to his alma mater for the first time. Williams played linebacker with the Tigers from 2001-05. He also has had two stints as part of the Auburn staff.

Williams was a graduate assistant from 2007-09 and held various positions on the defensive staff from 2014-20. Pittman hopes that gives his unit a little extra motivation on Saturday

"We’re counting on it," Pittman said on getting more fired up. "The whole team knows that he played there, and he’s well-liked, well-respected in the building, and on defense as well. We didn’t play well, so we’ve got to get that fixed, so if that’s a little more inspiration to the kids, then we’ll certainly use it."

Arkansas and Auburn kickoff Saturday 2:30 p.m. from Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

HOGS FEED:

• Time sorta officially set for Arkansas game against Texas A&M

• Pittman doesn't like making excuses, but no way around it now

• Game note tidbits for Auburn, Razorbacks for Saturday's game

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