Trial Run With Guiton a Success; Need More to Salvage Season

Sam Pittman took a shot with new guy running Razorbacks' offense and they had to go to overtime to come away with 39-36 win.

GAINESVILLE, Fl. — Kenny Guiton received his first chance to show he could run an offense in the SEC. With a 2-6 record and a struggling offense that couldn’t muster 300 total yards offense, anything positive was going to be run with. For the former Ohio State quarterback, he received glowing reviews following an outcome that everyone but the Razorbacks expected — a thwin in The Swamp in overtime, 39-36.

“[Guiton] was magnificent,” Pittman said during the Razorback Sports Network interview. “He was solid as a rock and his preparation was solid as a rock. More importantly the kids and myself believe in him.”

The news of Guiton’s promotion offensive coordinator was greeted with much excitement from the whole unit. The question coming in was if that excitement would make it to the game.

On the Hogs’ first offensive possession, it took them seven plays and 75 yards to score on an eight yard pass to AJ Green. Unfortunately, the offense would tread in stagnancy for during the middle two quarters before KJ Jefferson and Raheim “Rocket” Sanders stepped up on the road.

The Hogs’ offensive line paved the way for 225 yards and produced more 20-plus yard plays. Both marks were the most at any point during the six game losing streak. The return of Sanders was a welcome sight especially when he is the first Razorback running back to surpass 100-yards rushing this season.

Pace of play was also a noticeable difference due to Guiton’s influence on play calling. The Hogs ran a season high 78-plays during their win over Florida. Their 486 total yards were most of any game this season.

“We tried to find out what we could do well,” Pittman said. “[Guiton] brought a lot of enthusiasm and belief to the kids. They respect him so it makes them want to do well.”

Passion and confidence are things the Hogs lacked in the previous couple of weeks but Pittman believes his team has it back. Whatever that belief is, the Razorbacks have an opportunity to generate more of it in front of a home crowd. With bowl eligibility on the line each week Razorback Stadium will be a welcome sight for players, coaches and fans to close out 2023. 

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