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Sam Pittman, Making his Mark on the Razorbacks

By Max Chronister

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - OCTOBER 31: Rakeem Boyd #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks is tackled by Myles Jones #0 of the Texas A&M Aggies in the third quarter at Kyle Field on October 31, 2020 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - OCTOBER 31: Rakeem Boyd #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks is tackled by Myles Jones #0 of the Texas A&M Aggies in the third quarter at Kyle Field on October 31, 2020 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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Sam Pittman is making his mark on Razorback Football. While the Arkansas Razorbacks took a loss from Texas A&M 42-31; This outing showcased that even though the Razorbacks were defeated they are on the verge of something special. The Hogs have proven that they have made a complete 180 from previous seasons. Losing by just 11 points to the #8 ranked Aggies there were still some positives to take away from this game.

The Razorback defense has been impenetrable this season and they have become quite the ball hawks. They currently lead the FPS in pass interceptions; They are forcing opposing teams to focus on the run game rather than airing it out. When you look at the offense, Feleipe Franks the quarterback transfer from Florida; has shown that he has what it takes to run the Razorbacks offense. With guys like Rakeem Boyd and Trelon Smith in the backfield each play has the opportunity to be a big gain of yards.

This Razorbacks team sits at 2-3 on the season and even the biggest Hog haters would agree that they shouldn’t have taken a loss against the Auburn Tigers in week 2, well other than Tigers fans. Take away that defeat and the Hogs would be sitting comfortably at 3-2, just a couple of games behind college football powerhouses like Alabama and Auburn. Struggling against the Aggies doesn’t reflect upon the foundation of this new look Razorback Football team.

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 17: Head Coach Sam Pittman of the Arkansas Razorbacks on the field before a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Razorback Stadium on October 17, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Rebels 33-21. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 17: Head Coach Sam Pittman of the Arkansas Razorbacks on the field before a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Razorback Stadium on October 17, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Rebels 33-21. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Sam Pittman has made a huge contribution in this change of play of the Hogs. It being Pittman’s first year Coaching the Razorbacks you would expect some growing pains and even the start of a complete rebuild that could take quite some time. Instead the Razorbacks have decided to overachieve and shock the SEC right now; Not to mention Razorback Nation.

Even though it being just being year number one with the Hogs; It looks as if Sam Pittman was the perfect person to take on the struggling Razorbacks teams Head Coaching position. From the 2017 season through the 2019 season the Hogs have a combined record of 1-24 in Conference play. Pittman has proved that this will no longer be the case each season by recording the first conference win in 3 seasons by defeating Mississippi State 21-14. They would follow up with a controversial loss to the Auburn Tigers the next week, losing 30-28 and then a victory over Ole Miss 33-21 the week after.

Sam Pittman is changing the culture of the Razorbacks along with the aid of defensive coordinator, Barry Odom. Coach Odem being a defensive mastermind is making it clear that the Hogs refuse to be the push over of the SEC anymore. The Razorbacks are playing with a chip on their shoulder and it’s clear that it’s Pittman time. Sam Pittman is making change now rather than later and this is only the beginning. Turn up that jukebox!

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