Arkansas Football: 3 ways to improve from 2017 season

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COLUMBIA, SC – OCTOBER 7: Quarterback Cole Kelley #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks attempts a pass against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImages) /

3. Find new life for Cole Kelley

The Arkansas offense did not have as much trouble in 2017 as the defense did. However, the offense did not do the defense many favors either. With the quarterback under center never being a certainty, between Kelley and Allen, the offense could not find its rhythm often.

But, there were some very encouraging signs coming from Kelley in two of his last three starts. He finished the season with eight touchdown passes and only four interceptions. More than half of his total touchdowns on the season came in wins over Ole Miss and the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. The loss to LSU did leave something to be desired.

Even in the road loss to the Crimson Tide, Kelley held his own under a ton of pressure. The progress that he displayed around the end of the 2017 slate provides Arkansas fans some optimism as to their quarterback situation entering the 2018 season.

Moreover, Morris runs an up-tempo offensive scheme that could benefit a tough and sneaky athletic quarterback like Kelley. Pro-style quarterback, and four-star signee Connor Noland, could provide some competition to Kelley. Morris is likely to keep Noland with a redshirt.

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