Arkansas Razorbacks: Season in Review

Football season is finally over and the Arkansas Razorbacks finished with a winning record for the first time in three seasons. The 7-6 record isn’t any indication of just “how good” this team performed in 2014.

Four of the team’s six losses came by 7 points or less, and two of them came at the hands of No.1 ranked teams. Both Alabama and Mississippi State were ranked atop the polls when Arkansas stepped in, and both were held to 17 points or under and beat the Hogs by a total of 8 points.

The Razorbacks will lose only 2 starters from the offense, but have three 4-star recruits coming in to replace tight end A.J. Derby and offensive tackle Brey Cook.

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The defense brings back at least 6 starters and maybe more. The departures of defensive end Trey Flowers and linebacker Martrell Spaight are significant blows, but there’s no reason to worry after first year defensive coordinator Robb Smith brought back the toughness Hog nation desired. Arkansas went from 76th in total defense in 2013 to 10th in 2014. The team has plenty of depth on the defensive line and in the secondary. The biggest concern will be replacing two linebackers.

Team MVP –

Linebacker Martrell Spaight was a stud on defense and the ultimate run stopper on a top 10 defense. There’s no denying that running backs Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins are very deserving, but without Spaight, the defense would have lacked a serious game changer.

Despite only having 22 tackles in his junior year, Spaight led the SEC in tackles in 2014 with 128. Also, he added 10.5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 3 pass breakups and forced 2 fumbles.

Biggest Surprise –

Although Martrell Spaight could make a case for biggest surprise, I have to give this award to tight end A.J. Derby. This guy was our backup quarterback in 2013, and started the season as the 2nd tight end. Derby showed a certain flare when on the field and really surprised defenses with his size, speed and catching ability.

Derby’s statistics weren’t breathtaking, but he helped garner an offensive line that rushed for over 200 yards a game. He also added 22 catches for 303 yards and 3 touchdowns and even missed the final two games of the season. His most memorable catch came in the Alabama game, when he caught a simple pass and out-ran and threw a few stiff arms to defenders on his way to a 54-yard touchdown.

Oct 11, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end AJ Derby (11) pushes off of Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Geno Smith (24) scoring a touchdown on the play at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Alabama defeated Arkansas 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Biggest Disappointment –

There’s no question Korliss Marshall was the fastest and most athletic Razorback on the football field. He became the Hogs most disappointing player in 2014 after starting the year as the #1 running back. He totaled just 119 yards rushing on 25 attempts and appeared in only 6 games. Marshall continued to have off the field issues and is now set to transfer after two years at Arkansas.

Early 2015 Prediction –

I know it’s super early for predictions, but let’s throw a few things out there. Arkansas won’t be a dark horse in 2015, they’ll be a contender in the crowded SEC West.

A few freshman will make a major impact next season. If Darius Philon leaves for the NFL, expect freshman Hjalte Froholdt to man his position in a tandem with Taiwan Johnson.

It’s also no secret the Razorbacks are looking for a dynamic threat at the receiver position. Redshirt freshman JoJo Robinson has been impressing in practice and certainly has the talent to be a solid combination with the return of Keon Hatcher. Also, watch out for 4-star recruit KJ Hill to make an immediate impact, but we’ll talk about him in the recruiting profiles shortly.

Lastly, I’m going to go out on a limb in January and predict an 8-4 regular season for Arkansas in 2015.

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