The Arkansas Razorbacks, under head coach Sam Pittman, have had their fair share of ups and downs during the 2024 football season. After a tumultuous loss to No. 19 Ole Miss, it’s clear that significant adjustments are needed to salvage the season and put the Razorbacks back on track. As the team faces increasingly tough competition in the SEC, Pittman must focus on areas of weakness—especially on defense, special teams, and offensive consistency—if Arkansas is to regain its competitive edge. Here are some key adjustments Pittman must make to bring his team back to form.
1. Defense: Shoring Up the Vulnerabilities
The Razorbacks’ defense has been a significant weak point in their recent losses, and head coach Sam Pittman must focus on strengthening this area to keep the team competitive in the SEC. Against Ole Miss, Arkansas allowed 63 points, with Ole Miss racking up over 500 yards of total offense. The lack of pressure on the quarterback and missed tackles in key moments were glaring weaknesses that Pittman must address.
One critical adjustment is improving the pass rush. Arkansas has struggled to put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and this has allowed their opponents to exploit gaps in the secondary. Pittman should consider shifting to a more aggressive defensive scheme, potentially increasing the use of blitzes and stunts to disrupt quarterbacks before they can establish a rhythm. The Razorbacks need to develop a reliable pass-rushing unit that can challenge even the most mobile quarterbacks in the SEC, such as Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and LSU’s Jayden Daniels.
Additionally, Arkansas needs to improve its secondary play. While the defense has shown flashes of brilliance, the Razorbacks are still prone to giving up big plays, as was evident in the Ole Miss game. Cornerbacks and safeties must work on their coverage skills, with an emphasis on better positioning, especially in deep coverage situations. With the SEC home to some of the best wide receivers in the country, improving coverage and communication in the backfield will be essential for Arkansas moving forward.
2. Offensive Consistency: Fixing the Quarterback Play
While Arkansas has had some offensive bright spots, particularly with playmakers like running back Raheim Sanders and wide receiver Isaiah Sategna, the Razorbacks’ quarterback play has been inconsistent. The team’s struggles on offense were apparent in their loss to Ole Miss, where Arkansas was unable to sustain long drives and convert crucial third downs.
Sam Pittman needs to address the quarterback situation immediately. Whether it’s the incumbent starter or a change at the position, the Razorbacks need a signal caller who can manage the game, avoid turnovers, and convert in critical moments. Pittman should evaluate the effectiveness of his current quarterback rotation—Malachi Singleton has shown promise at times—and ensure that whoever is under center has a clear command of the offense.
To help the quarterback, Pittman should also improve the offensive line’s consistency. While the offensive line has been solid at times, it has also been porous in others, leading to unnecessary sacks and missed opportunities. A more balanced and effective offensive line will allow the quarterback more time to make plays, while also giving running backs like Sanders more room to maneuver. Adjusting the blocking schemes and improving the line’s discipline will be crucial for maximizing the potential of Arkansas’ offense.
3. Special Teams: Fixing the Little Things
Special teams often go unnoticed but can make or break a season, especially in tight games. Arkansas has had its share of special teams struggles, from missed field goals to subpar kick coverage. In an SEC filled with high-powered offenses, these mistakes often turn into game-changing moments. Pittman must address this aspect of the game by putting a stronger emphasis on fundamentals.
The kicking game is one area that needs immediate attention. Arkansas has struggled with consistency in both placekicking and kickoffs. A reliable kicker can be the difference between a close win and a painful loss. Pittman should give more opportunities to the special teams unit to work on their technique, especially under pressure situations, in order to gain confidence.
Kick coverage also needs to be improved, as long returns have hurt the Razorbacks this season. Special teams coach Sam Pittman should focus on gap discipline and tackling fundamentals to ensure that opposing teams are unable to take advantage of Arkansas’ weaknesses in the open field. Ensuring that the Razorbacks’ special teams remain sound can be the difference between winning and losing in the close, high-stakes SEC matchups.
4. Embracing Leadership: Accountability and Culture Shift
With a season that’s been filled with injuries and inconsistencies, Sam Pittman must reinforce leadership within the locker room. There’s no doubt that the Razorbacks have talent, but leadership and accountability are just as important in building a winning culture.
Pittman should look for players to step up as leaders on both sides of the ball. Veterans like linebacker Bumper Pool and running back Raheim Sanders have the experience to motivate their teammates, but the younger players must also learn to take ownership of their roles. A clear chain of command, along with improved leadership from within the team, will go a long way in turning around Arkansas’ season.
Encouraging a more disciplined approach on and off the field is essential. There’s no room for mistakes, whether it’s a missed assignment or a preventable penalty. Pittman’s ability to instill a culture of accountability will help the Razorbacks avoid the mental lapses that have cost them in key moments.
5. Recruiting and Building for the Future
While adjustments to the current season are crucial, Sam Pittman must also keep an eye on the future. With a strong recruiting class coming in, it’s vital that Pittman continues to build a program that will be competitive for years to come. The Razorbacks’ 2025 class, which includes key recruits on both offense and defense, should provide the foundation for long-term success.
Pittman must ensure that these recruits are integrated into the program smoothly, allowing them to develop under the right guidance. The Razorbacks should continue to invest in player development, ensuring that every player—whether they’re a starter or a backup—has the opportunity to grow and contribute.
Conclusion: Time to Turn the Tide
Sam Pittman’s Razorbacks have the tools to be a competitive force in the SEC, but adjustments are necessary to turn the season around. Improving the defense, ensuring consistent quarterback play, fixing special teams, reinforcing leadership, and continuing to recruit effectively are all essential steps in getting Arkansas back on track. By making these changes, Pittman can lead the Razorbacks to a strong finish and set the stage for success in future seasons. As the Razorbacks head into the remainder of the season, it’s clear that the road ahead is challenging, but with the right adjustments, Arkansas can still compete at a high level and emerge stronger for the years ahead.
