What Sam Pittman hopes Arkansas football is 'bringing to the party' against Cincinnati
Arkansas football's Week 1 depth chart is set, and while coach Sam Pittman has named his starters for the season opener against Cincinnati, he knows how much he doesn't yet know.
Arkansas' clash with Cincinnati on Saturday (2:30 p.m. CT, ESPN) will be a trial by fire for the Razorbacks. Whereas last season began with an easier test against Rice, the 2022 season kicks off with a Top-25 matchup and could set the tone for the rest of Arkansas' challenging schedule. It will be a learning experience, and the Razorbacks have to learn fast.
Whereas Arkansas has a solid number of veterans back for this season, Cincinnati is having to replace plenty of star power outside of its experienced offensive line. In terms of game prep, that means uncertainty.
"I think the first couple series are gonna be really important to figure out what you're bringing to the party," Pittman said. "Some guys bring sweet tea, and some guys bring liquor."
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Pittman doesn't know what Cincinnati's proverbial beverage of choice will be. He has a good idea what his team will be bringing, but he also outlined a long list of questions about and goals for his team ahead of Saturday's game. For one thing, Pittman wants Arkansas to stick to the strengths it identified last season, namely running the ball. He also noted the need to improve on third down, particularly in short-yardage situations. Last season, Arkansas converted 37% of its third downs.
On a more individual level, Pittman highlighted the wide receiver corps. The wideouts have been a concern all offseason with the loss of star Treylon Burks. Although Arkansas returns veteran Warren Thompson and gained two talented transfers, Matt Landers and Jadon Haselwood, it remains to be seen how those receivers can make up for the production lost with Burks. Saturday will be everyone's — Pittman included — first look at that possibility.
Among Pittman's other concerns for the offense is how the running backs will fare without Dominique Johnson. Johnson is still recovering from an injury he suffered in the Outback Bowl and is expected to return soon, but won't be available in Week 1. For a team that wants to run the ball well, it will be important that feature back Raheim Sanders lives up to his potential.
As for the defensive personnel, Pittman said he's looking to see how Alabama transfer linebacker Drew Sanders will do. Sanders is a fast linebacker with excellent pass-rush ability, but Pittman wants to see just how good he is against unknown competition.
"When it comes to first games," Pittman said Monday, "You really don't know who's good and who's not."
Christina Long covers the Arkansas Razorbacks for the Southwest Times Record and USA Today Network. You can follow her on Twitter @christinalong00 or email her at clong@swtimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: What Arkansas football is 'bringing to the party' against Cincinnati
