Burning Questions for Razorbacks Against BYU

Hogs still for answers to variety of things against best team they've seen all year Saturday

Jacob Davis | Sep 14, 2023

Burning Questions for Razorbacks Against BYU /

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Arkansas Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — There is no question Arkansas has struggled at points during the first two weeks of the season. Whether it's running the football or seeing opposing receivers run wide open in coverage, there's plenty to clean up.

Coach Sam Pittman said vibes were very good leading up to Arkansas' final game in this three-game home stand, so what questions do his Hogs need to answer against BYU Saturday night?

Will offense run through KJ?

One glaring difference between the 2022 offense and this season's is the threat of KJ Jefferson's legs tearing up opposing defenses. The Hogs' star quarterback has rushed for 1,304 yards and 15 touchdowns the past two seasons. However, his carries have been limited by design according to Pittman.

“It was opponent driven," Pittman said. "We didn’t really want to run him much in the first two games. From now on, it’s a different story. We’re going to run whatever we think will get us the most yardage and score the most points.”

His ability to run the football has been a game changer in many of the Hogs' wins over the past two seasons. If Jefferson avoids injuries by reducing the amount of hits he takes, the offense could return to its 2022 level.

Does defense live up to standard set?

The Hogs defense has been a pleasant surprise early on this season allowing just one touchdown through the first two weeks. With this week being their first true test against a Power Five opponent, the Hogs' influx of transfers will finally be put to the test to stop a BYU offense that's also struggled out of the gates.

Linebacker Jaheim Thomas has been the most productive piece to cementing the middle of the defense with 20 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. The Cincinnati transfer helped the Hogs stuff the run, giving up just 90 yards on the ground and 1.4 yards per rush. The pass defense hasn't been spectacular, but hasn't hurt the team either, giving up just 200 yards per game while only surrendering one touchdown.

From a statistical standpoint, Arkansas is opportunistic and a Top 10 unit in key areas. The Hogs rank first in defensive touchdowns (2), third in interceptions (5), third in tackles for loss (21), fourth in run defense (45 ypg), fifth in sacks (9) and sixth in forced turnovers (6).

BYU's QB Kedon Slovis has been solid during the first two weeks scoring seven touchdowns while accumulating 501 yards of total offense. But outside of Slovis, there hasn't been much on which BYU can hang its hat. Arkansas has struggled in the run game, but the Cougars have been slightly worse, averaging just 79 yards per game.

It will likely take the Hogs focusing on pass defense to pull out a home victory before going on the road for the next four weeks.

Can run game carve up BYU?

Arkansas' running game has struggled throughout the first two weeks. The group was one of the best in college football the previous two seasons averaging over 230 yards per game. However, this year, Pittman has expressed displeasure over its ineffectiveness, specifically about taking care "fits" when blocking.

"Depending on your shoulder level or your fit -- sometimes you're taking your inside shoulder and putting it on the [defender's] outside shoulder," Pittman said. "Sometimes you're taking your backside shoulder and fitting into half his body. If you're off on fits it means [the offense] is off on where the play has opportunities to go.

"If [the offensive line] is not cutting guys out of gaps everything gets spilled to safeties. If we call an A-gap play, we must hit it in the A-gap."

It's not only the offensive line that has struggled in run blocking. Pittman alluded to tight ends having difficulty addressing fits also. Until this is resolved, runs intended to go inside will get strung outside, decreasing the likelihood of gaining positive yards. .

"AJ Green got 8-yards on the play, but that ain't the point," Pittman said. "The point is we're not fit right, so we're not giving the running back every opportunity to make yards. So, once we get our fits better, I think that will help us."

Will Hogs start fast again?

The Hogs' offense took a while to get going against Kent State, opening the game with three 3-and-outs, plus three punts. The start against Western Carolina was the exact opposite with three touchdowns on their first four drives. Twelve of Arkansas' past 14 games have started with either a 3-and-out or a turnover. Arkansas starting fast and keeping momentum on its side will lead much easier victories.

What's the value in a win over BYU?

As alluded to earlier in regard to Jefferson running the football more, the offense could look slightly different, but more effective, before heading on the road to face LSU next week. Winning this game and looking competent offensively will pay dividends for 2023 and go a long way in determining whether this will be a successful season.

The Razorbacks face BYU on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark., The game will be streamed live on ESPN2 and fuboTV.