The Razorbacks have officially made it to the midpoint of the season with a record that many would consider "overachieving". Arkansas is 4-2 with two losses that could have been won had a couple of plays gone the other way. Regardless, we've given the offense, defense, special teams, and coaching a grade for their performance this season so far.
Arkansas Football: Midseason grades
Offense: B-
Some might think that B- is too high for the offense, while others may think it's too low. That is based entirely on how you viewed that side of the ball going into the season. If you believed Bobby Petrino would bring glory back to Fayetteville, you're probably in the second group. If you hated the pieces that Sam Pittman brought in, you're probably in the second. Confirmation bias is hard to escape, especially in a sport driven by emotions.
But let's try to analyze what they've done so far without all that. Arkansas is a top-5 SEC rushing and passing offense through six weeks, and that's after facing two of the top-7 defenses in the league, statistically. The Razorbacks average almost 200 yards of rushing and 285 yards passing.
The problems come from finishing drives, specifically through the air. Arkansas has 20 touchdowns on the ground, but the Razorbacks (5) are tied with Kentucky for the least passing touchdowns. For those of you counting, that's 342 yards for every touchdown.
Part of that has to do with play calling in the red zone. Ja'Quinden Jackson and Braylen Russell make it nearly illogical to call a passing play inside the 20s. On the other hand, Taylen Green hasn't played extremely well, boasting a measly 56.6 completion percentage and five interceptions. Although, it looks like the Boise State transfer is finding his groove after a great performance against Tennessee.
For whatever reason, he's had problems there. But to be fair, the offensive line has played erratically, performing great against Tennessee but nearly putting Green in the ICU the week before against Texas A&M. However, the wide receivers, specifically Andrew Armstrong, have balled out through six games.
Arkansas is inconsistent, but they have the talent to be really good, which no one thought before the season started. They're outperforming expectations and doing enough to win in most cases.
Next: Defense