What We Know: Arkansas
Sep 8, 2012; Little Rock, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive end Trey Flowers (86) celebrates after a tackle as defensive end Chris Smith (42) looks on in the game against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks during the second quarter at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Over the next few weeks, we will start taking a look at the SEC teams and discuss the apparent strengths and weaknesses of them as the 2013 season nears.
The idea is to identify what we “know” – as much as we can “know” anything about a season that has yet to start. We will also examine what we think we know, what we don’t know and when we might have answers to the biggest questions.
Arkansas Razorbacks
What We Know
The Razorbacks will be formidable along the defensive line – There aren’t many givens about the 2013 Arkansas team. This is one of them. DEs Chris Smith and Trey Flowers are established, disruptive pass rushers. DT Byran Jones is a three-year starter and has developed into a strong presence along the front. Fellow DT Robert Thomas is a strong presence as well. For Arkansas to contend for a bowl game this season, it must be able to win the battle on the line of scrimmage – a calling card of coach Bret Bielema’s Wisconsin teams. The offensive line replaces three of five starters. The defensive line needs to be able to carry the load.
What We Think We Know
An unknown tailback will emerge – At Wisconsin, Bielema churned out 1,000-yard rushers the way predecessor Barry Alvarez did. Get ready for the Razorbacks to return to the physical ground game they displayed when Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and Peyton Hillis donned the cardinal and white. Whether they are ready to get there this season remains to be seen, but it won’t be for lack of Bielema’s trying. Sophomore Jonathan Williams seems likely to get the first shot. Expect true freshman Alex Collins to quickly make a name for himself as well. Bielema makes it clear: He doesn’t want to out-scheme or out-pace opposing defenses. He wants to beat them into submission. And once he does, he will ask his quarterback to go over the top with play-action passes. (For that matter, watch for a star receiver or two to develop.) With no proven backs, Bielema will turn to Williams and Collins – about whom little is known. For now, anyway.
What We Don’t Know
Can Brandon Allen be more than a game-manager? – As far as compliments go, a coach essentially saying someone was chosen as QB1 because his competition made numerous mistakes isn’t one of the best. Bielema did make it clear that Allen is his guy, essentially showing Brandon Mitchell the door and leaving Arkansas with walk-on and true freshmen options at QB2, so that’s something. Nobody – perhaps outside the Arkansas locker room – knows how good Allen will be in his first season as a starter. In limited action last year, he completed 21 of 49 passes for 186 yards, a TD and three INTs. In Allen’s defense, however, it’s hard to judge anyone from last year’s team too harshly considering the trainwreck the season became almost immediately under then-interim coach John L. Smith. When Will We Know? A relatively easy slate through the first three games should help the first-year starter build confidence while lighting up opposing defenses. A Sept. 21 tilt at Rutgers stands to be the first test of any kind with the next four games – starting with Texas A&M – figuring to tell the tale on the Arkansas signal-caller.
How many true freshmen and junior-college transfers will work their way into playing time? – This question specifically pertains to the offensive line and the linebackers. Only two starters along the O-line return and the races seem to remain open thus far in camp. The linebacker situation might be settling, but is hardly decided. When Will We Know? As opposed to the Allen question, this one should sort itself out rather quickly. By Week 3, it should become apparent which newcomers will make an immediate impact and which ones still need to work their way into playing time.