College Football: Top 15 Defensive coordinators in 2015

Nov 22, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defense push Ole Miss Rebels running back Mark Dodson (7) into the end zone after stopping Dodson at the line of scrimmage at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Mississippi 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Under Bret Bielema, the Arkansas Razorbacks are modeling themselves after a lot of successful SEC schools, running the ball hard and often and playing a tough, smothering defensive style. Bringing in Robb Smith to coach the Hogs on defense in 2014 was just what that squad needed.

Arkansas finished ninth in the nation in scoring defense, giving up only 19.2 points per game, and finished No. 12 in rushing defense and 37th in passing defense. Those numbers are up from 58th, 79th and 67th in 2013.

Defensively, if Arkansas wants to compete with programs like Alabama, Auburn and LSU in the SEC West, then Robb Smith is the guy who can make it happen.

Next: Bob Shoop