Arkansas Football: Hogs staring down last place in the SEC West again

Arkansas football was the only team in the SEC West to finish with a sub .500 record in 2017, and that might not change next season.

The Arkansas Razorbacks weren’t the only team in the SEC West that struggled in 2017. In addition to the forced departure of former Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema, three other head coaching jobs within the division were vacated and filled. Even though the Razorbacks have company in the midst of their turmoil, they’ll have a hard time bouncing back next season.

Had it not been for a second half meltdown by the Ole Miss Rebels the Razorbacks wouldn’t have won a single conference game last season. They barely squeezed by the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at home. This team has a ton of work to do before they’re able to compete at a high level in the SEC.

The first year of new head coach Chad Morris is going to instantly jolt the offense. However, the growing pains that will come with a shift of that magnitude in offensive philosophy are going to be noticeable.

Senior quarterback Austin Allen has moved on leaving several unproven options behind him.  Also headed to the NFL is center Frank Ragnow, the heart and soul of the offensive line for four years. Beyond those two massive holes, the Razorbacks’ array of pass catchers needs to be bolstered significantly as the offense opens up. Simply put, there are way too many questions and not enough answers.

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Arkansas isn’t going to wallow in the bottom of the SEC forever. This proud program has the culture and the willpower to pick themselves up and move back towards contention. They might not ever be the creme of the crop, but they’ll be competitive. Just not this year.