Aggressive Defense Could Help Razorbacks in Tight Games

Arkansas struggled to finish close games last season, trend must be bucked to save Pittman's job

Arkansas Razorbacks defensive linemen Landon Jackson (40) reacts after a made field goal during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The final season of SEC West play was wide open with Alabama vulnerable, but there wasn't a team willing to take what was given.

Ole Miss will always be a contender with Lane Kiffin and his play sheet roaming the sideline of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, but fortunately for the Crimson Tide, the Rebels and LSU weren't quite ready to take that next step. Auburn, Mississippi State and Texas A&M were mediocre at best.

Arkansas missed a prime opportunity to breakthrough in 2023. There's a fine line between being a hero or zero with four losses by seven points or less and a 12-point loss to Texas A&M in Jerry's World.

Fans will need to keep their albuterol inhaler available because most folks will suffer from shortness of breath if the Razorbacks continue their trend of the past four seasons. Arkansas is 6-14 under Sam Pittman in one-score games and a tenure worst 1-5 mark last season.

Pittman's plan of embracing the Hog is great, but being more aggressive on defense couldn't be a bad idea. Arkansas had three games in which it led or tied in the fourth quarter, only to allow a comeback by the opponent (BYU, LSU and Ole Miss).

"You know, I had a question earlier today about close games, tight games," Pittman said. "Some of our discussion has been about our aggressiveness during the end of games defensively. You know, I think [defensive coordinator] Travis [Williams] did a wonderful job for us last year, but I don't want to handcuff him either. Fifty-two of those plays, will it go up? Probably."

Williams built a reputation at previous stops for his aggressive Cover Zero preference. The concept brings a bullish defensive front to disrupt backfields in critical situations.

Arkansas did recruit well whether it be through high school or transfer portal to add beef to the defensive line. It's hard to look past senior Landon Jackson will be the go-to guy in pass rushing opportunities and for good reason.

University of Albany (FCS) transfer Anton Juncaj is a transfer not many are talking about when it comes to Arkansas being more aggressive on defense. Juncaj was an All-American last season for the Danes' with 15 sacks and over 20 tackles for a loss, which is good for anyone at this level of football.

"Anton is a physical freak," defensive tackle Cam Ball said after spring practice in April. "He's a great person. Being in this conference, there's more heavy run, so he's still adjusting to more run than it was pass where he previously was. But he's coming along just fine."

Being more aggressive gives the Razorbacks a need for better coverage on the back end. Arkansas forced 12 interceptions last season with four pick sixes, but still gave up 23 touchdown passes which tied for No. 12 with LSU last season.

Standout defensive back Jaylon Braxton was one of few bright spots in the secondary. Defensive back coaches Deron Wilson and Marcus Woodson brought in experienced options through the portal in Doneiko Slaughter (Tennessee), Miguel Mitchell (Florida) and Marquise Robinson (South Alabama).

"I do think we're a little bit better at corner and better in the safety spot to be able to use Cover Zero, true man," Pittman said.

HOGS FEED:

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