Three Key Questions Razorbacks Need to Answer at Auburn

Even though Bobby Petrino's offense putting up yards, Hogs still have more questions than ever headed to The Plains

Arkansas Razorbacks running back Ja’Quinden Jackson (22) rushes during the second half against the UAB Blazers at Razorback Stadium. / Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It's hard to really handicap Arkansas' offense through three games other than it executes really well most of the time. The Hogs have put up yards, but not against an SEC defense.

That changes this week when they go on the road to face Auburn. Don't worry, the Tigers really haven't faced another SEC team, either, and have a loss they can't really figure out just like the Razorbacks against Oklahoma State.

Despite averaging nearly 600 yards a game, the Hogs have questions that future opposing defensive coordinators have seen. Opponents this year may have, too, but simply didn't have the people to do anything about it.

Especially in the running game. Expecting Arkansas to run for 259 yards might include a lot of hope, but also points to a bigger problem for Auburn.

The Razorbacks' issue is protecting quarterback Taylen Green, who is running a little more than Bobby Petrino probably wants to see. Exactly why he's running on so many plays that look like passes is an unknown question, but it comes down to one of three things:

Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Andrew Armstrong runs after a catch against UAB at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. / Nilsen Roman-Hogs on SI Images

1. Receivers Aren't Getting Open Quickly Enough

That's been a problem too often in the past, but the hope was improved coaching would fix that. If that's not the problem, then they are just not talented enough.

Andrew Armstrong has been the primary target in the two games he's played and has 18 catches, averaging nine per game. The next highest are Isaiah Sategna and Tyrone Broden, averaging just over two receptions per game.

Don't take this as the passing game is inept because they have the yardage to prove it's not, but a lot of it has been the teams' ability to run the ball and we'll find out whether that's because of the level of opponent.

Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) celebrates with offensive lineman Joshua Braun (72) after the game against the UAB Blazers at Razorback Stadium. / Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

2. Offensive Line Can't Keep Pressure Off Green

While there's no question the Razorbacks can block the run, there are many questions about the passing game. It may be the area where injuries have cost them.

That usually means they don't have the agility, but have the bulk and attitude to just fire off the ball and go straight ahead. On a lot of the plays for Green, it looks like Petrino is trying to roll him out into space.

There's not a lot of contributors. Green and running back Ja'Quinden Jackson have run for 82.6% of the 777 yards net rushing. Asking the quarterback to average just over 80 yards running per game may not hold up in SEC play.

Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green runs through an opening in the UAB Blazers' defense Saturday afternoon at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. / Nilsen Roman-Hogs on SI Images

3. Green Isn't Making Consistently Correct Reads

If there's a really tricky area, this one is it. Green's inconsistency against UAB was put off by some people as nerves playing for the first time in Razorback Stadium.

That won't matter this week with the game being on the road. Green's going to be in front of the biggest crowd of the year.

Auburn isn't particularly hostile to opponents, but they are very loud at times. He's going to have to deal with that.

If he's not going through progressions much past Armstrong, then it's an entirely different problem Petrino has probably addressed in practices. The balance is overwhelming and jumps off the stat sheet.

Defensive coordinators see it, too. They are going to prepare for it because these busloads of analysts every team has working look at every SEC game and have noticed it, too.

Can Green pick up what they're doing and execute what his coaches see? That may end up being the biggest question of all.

While fans have high hopes for the high-flying offense to continue, there is at least one thing they need to keep in the back of their head from Petrino's time as head coach.

In 2010, the Hogs went to Auburn, scored 43 points and put up 566 yards of total offense against the Tigers who had 470 yards of offense themselves. Cam Newton put up 65 points on the Arkansas defense that day on the way to a national championship.

It may be the best example of yardage not equating to a big win. Everybody should have learned that against Oklahoma State.

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