Disappointment.

That’s the phrase that finest sums up not solely Saturday’s efficiency, however the final three weeks, basically, for Arkansas soccer.

What led as much as Saturday’s 40-17 thrashing by the hands of Mississippi State is a mix of a few issues.

Arkansas has an injury-depleted roster that doesn’t have sufficient SEC-ready depth but, particularly on the defensive facet of the ball.

They’ve additionally made a number of errors at pivotal factors in video games which have been troublesome to beat, each on the sector and from the sidelines.

The blame for the early-season struggles may be pointed at anybody you’d like, and you’d have a case. Nevertheless, all of it boils all the way down to the truth that Arkansas simply hasn’t performed good, successful soccer but.

Saturday in Starkville was only a fruits of every part that has gone mistaken for the Hogs thus far this season.

What We Realized

● Beginning the Mistaken Quarterback

Two weeks in the past, in opposition to Alabama, Cade Fortin was the primary quarterback to enter the sport following KJ Jefferson’s exit resulting from harm.

Sam Pittman doubled down on the choice in his postgame presser by saying that Fortin had been the QB2 all alongside, regardless of Malik Hornsby being listed as QB2 on each official depth chart as much as that time.

So, it wasn’t stunning to see Fortin get the nod on Saturday when Jefferson nonetheless couldn’t play resulting from harm.

It solely took a couple of offensive collection for nearly everybody to comprehend that Hornsby was the a lot better possibility at quarterback.

On Hornsby’s first possession of the sport, he was capable of take a rattle off a 52-yard carry and supply a much-needed spark with the Hogs trailing 14-0 early.

Hornsby additionally confirmed off some enchancment in his passing sport with some spectacular deep throws. The spotlight of his day got here in third quarter when he threw a 54-yard bomb to Bryce Stephens for a landing to make it a 27-17.

He deserved to get the beginning and it’s unlucky that it took an entire quarter to determine that he was the higher possibility.

Going ahead it ought to be no query in any respect that Malik Hornsby is the QB2 behind KJ Jefferson.

● The Protection Nonetheless Has Main Points

It nearly appears like followers and media alike are beating a useless horse with complaints and questions concerning the defensive struggles at this level.

The Arkansas secondary has been decimated by accidents which is an enormous motive they’ve struggled.

That doesn’t give Barry Odom and his protection a free go from criticism although.

Arkansas led the nation in sacks and has had success with their four-man entrance and with the ability to stress opposing quarterbacks.

Nevertheless, we by no means noticed the Arkansas protection change from their rush-three, drop-eight zone look on Saturday.

Coach Pittman defined in his postgame presser that almost all of this was tied to the protection having so many accidents at key positions.

“When [Myles] Slusher didn’t come, after which we misplaced two extra, then it’s arduous to have an incredible confidence in doing an entire lot, to be completely trustworthy with you. Task-wise,” Pittman stated. “We took a sluggish drumming is what ended up taking place.”

Whereas that’s an comprehensible rationalization, it’s nonetheless slightly irritating that the teaching workers wouldn’t attempt one thing completely different to get stress on Will Rogers.

Particularly as soon as the sport started to get out of hand, and there was nothing left to lose. Rogers had full confidence within the pocket all day lengthy as a result of he was by no means touched.

I’m undecided if there’s a lot hope for drastic enchancment from the Arkansas protection till they’re capable of get some key gamers wholesome.

Sadly, there’s an opportunity that doesn’t occur in any respect this season.

● Upcoming Schedule Supplies Alternative

Coming into this season, all of us knew the schedule was going to be formidable to navigate. In per week that Arkansas desperately may use a BYE, they’re as an alternative getting BYU in a non-conference street sport.

The one vivid spot is {that a} BYE week comes two Saturdays from now, and probably the most troublesome stretch of the season is nearly over.

Whereas video games in opposition to Auburn, LSU and a likely-ranked Ole Miss crew aren’t something to scoff at, there’s time between every now and then to proper the ship.

After subsequent week’s sport at BYU, Arkansas has two full weeks to arrange for a street sport in opposition to a struggling Auburn crew, then they get Liberty at residence in a sport you need to anticipate to win.

To complete off the season you have got a struggling LSU crew and formidable Ole Miss crew at residence in back-to-back weeks earlier than ending up at Missouri.

The schedule is about to begin working in Arkansas’ favor and there shall be ample alternatives for the Hogs to get three or extra wins and find yourself in an honest bowl sport.

That may assist salvage a number of the program’s misplaced momentum from the tough begin to the season. At this level, that’s a practical purpose and best-case state of affairs for this yr’s Arkansas crew.

Up Subsequent

As I discussed earlier, Arkansas is touring to Provo, UT for a matchup in opposition to BYU.

The Cougars are 4-2 and coming off a 28-20 loss to Notre Dame on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for two:30 p.m. and can air on ESPN.