College Football: 5 takeaways from April 7 spring games

4. Arkansas Razorbacks (2 p.m., SECN)

The Arkansas Razorbacks have a brand new head football coach in Chad Morris. Bret Bielema’s Big Ten style three yards and a cloud of dust offense using fullbacks and tight ends will eventually be replaced via recruiting as Morris was the brains behind Deshaun Watson‘s rise to being a household name. Morris is a fan of spread formations, shotgun looks, up tempo offense, and run-pass options. Arkansas, if anything, will pose a different style of offense than most of the west outside of the Auburn Tigers.

Quarterback Cole Kelley looked good but not great for much of the spring game. Kelley, who was a spot-starter for Bret Bielema in 2017 as a redshirt freshman, has a weird past. Kelley missed on some of his throws and threw a few wobbly passes off of run-pass option looks while on the run. He finished 10-of-19 passing for 126 yards and a touchdown.

Kelley didn’t quite outplay Ty Storey, another quarterback in the mix to start for Morris. Storey finished the day 7-of-14 passing for 126 yards and a touchdown of his own. The Arkansas defensive backs were blanketing receivers and taking advantage of over throws and errant throws breaking up nine passes on the day.

Outlook: Arkansas will take their lumps while Morris rebuilds the roster in his image but the Razorbacks will improve from 91st overall per the S&P+ by seasons end.