3. Arkansas' Red Zone Struggles
Last season was frustrating for a multitude of reasons. Maybe the most irritating was Arkansas' failure to score in conference play, despite having a top-10 offense. The only team with a top 10 offense to have fewer touchdowns (50) than the Hogs was New Mexico (49).
For whatever reason, the Razorbacks could move the ball between the 20-yard lines with ease, but forgot how to play football the closer they moved toward the end zone.
Arkansas finished No. 71 out of 134 teams in red zone percentage, scoring in only 83 percent of its trips. Part of the reason the Hogs could finish drives had much to do with poor offensive line play. However, the retooled offensive line is one of the reasons Razorbackers believe Arkansas will succeed. But unfortunately, the big guys upfront weren't the only reason the Hogs couldn't score in the red zone.
Untimely turnovers and shaky special teams were major factors. Both must improve if Arkansas is to exceed expectations this season.
The Hogs lost three one-score games last season at Oklahoma State, against Texas A&M at Jerry's World in Arlington, and a bitter-cold snow game in Columbia, Mo., to end the regular season. However, that's not even counting a 10-point loss to Texas—the No. 3 team in the nation at the time. The Razorbacks were marching down the field, down by six with 12 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. A touchdown would've put Arkansas up by a point, creating a much different dynamic, but a busted play in Texas territory stopped Arkansas' march down the field, and the Razorbacks couldn't recover.
After beating No. 4 Tennessee earlier in the season, a win against Texas would mean two top-5 victories against future College Football Playoff teams. While that alone hypothetically only brings the win total up to seven, that would've been a great talking point for recruiting in a season where the class is rather disappointing.
The Razorbacks' offense—and special teams—must realize that every red zone opportunity is precious going forward. Otherwise, Hog fans could be in for another frustrating season.
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