In the standings, there’s no comparison. At this point last year, the Arkansas Razorbacks owned a 3-4 record (2-2 SEC) while it prepared to face Tennessee-Martin in its non-conference finale.

Through the early part of 2015, the Razorbacks struggled with their non-conference slate and began their season 1-3 after suffering losses to both Toledo and Texas Tech at home. Still, Arkansas played well — or better than this season, at least — against SEC opponents at the start of last year. Even though the team fell to Texas A&M and Alabama in Week 4 and Week 6, respectively, each of those games were closer than the lopsided losses the Hogs suffered to those rivals earlier this year.

If there has been one early bright spot for the 2016 slate, it’s the fact that the Razorbacks swept their non-conference opponents. A wild 41-38, double-overtime win at TCU in the second week of the season highlighted the non-conference matchups, though the Hogs also manhandled Texas State 42-3 and pummeled Alcorn State 52-10 after needing a late comeback to escape with a 21-20 victory over Louisiana Tech in the season opener.

As you prepare for the final stretch of the season, here is a review of how Arkansas (5-2, 1-2 SEC) fared during the first half of the year:

OFFENSE

While some members of the media may have been optimistic about what Austin Allen could bring to the table in his first year behind center, nobody expected the junior quarterback to hit the ground running the way he did this season.

After replacing his brother Brandon as the Arkansas signal-caller, Allen has been among the biggest surprises in the entire SEC. Across the board, the Razorbacks have found themselves near the top of every statistical passing category in the SEC. So far, Allen has thrown for 1,861 yards and a conference-best 18 touchdowns through seven games.

As good as the first-year quarterback has been, the Hogs have also received another boost at another impact position from sophomore running back Rawleigh Williams III. After losing star running back Alex Collins from last year’s squad, many expected senior Kody Walker to anchor the ground game, at least for a little while. However, Williams has instead carried that torch, recording an SEC-best 785 rushing yards to go along with 5 touchdowns at the midway point.

DEFENSE

During preseason camp, the biggest question mark surrounding Arkansas’ defense was the secondary, which was anything but consistent throughout 2015. After intercepting five passes through seven games last year, the Razorbacks have already picked off seven passes this season.

Defensive back Henre’ Toliver has continued to shine as he has recorded two picks and run one back for a touchdown. While Toliver is the only defender to have multiple interceptions, both linebacker Brooks Ellis and defensive back Ryan Pulley have each returned picks to the house for 6 points this year.

Furthermore, none of those picks last season resulted in touchdowns.

Through its first seven games, Arkansas has been able to manufacture points off turnovers, which they’ve generated at a much higher rate. The Hogs have forced 14, six more than at this same point last season.

However, there is still plenty of season to play, and Toliver has helped the secondary become more consistent in 2016.

FRESHMEN

As good as Williams has been in the backfield, head coach Bret Bielema and offensive coordinator Dan Enos have leaned on true freshman Devwah Whaley rather than Walker when the sophomore needs a blow.

After playing sparingly in the first four games of the season, Whaley had his coming-out party against Alcorn State on Oct. 1. The freshman ran for 135 yards on 9 carries against the Braves, and his 75-yard touchdown run in the first quarter showed Arkansas fans he may be a big-play threat for years to come.

Even though he was arrested on alcohol charges in early October, freshman fullback Hayden Johnson has also made an impact for the offense during his debut season. He has yet to receive a carry on the ground, though Johnson did haul in an 18-yard reception in his first career start at TCU.

As the Razorbacks prepare to face SEC West rival Auburn on Saturday, the true freshman is once again atop the depth chart at fullback.

RETURNING STARS

For those who expected Allen to make an immediate impact, it was probably Arkansas’ deep pool of pass-catchers that made them optimistic. So far, the receivers have lived up to expectations.

No matter who it has been — and the Razorbacks have relied on multiple players to step up each game — the receivers have routinely been there to help Allen and the offense march down the field.

Junior wideout Jared Cornelius has been the biggest star of the group, hauling in a team-best 448 receiving yards on 22 receptions. He has already caught four touchdown passes, but Allen has also turned to senior wide receivers Drew Morgan and Keon Hatcher as well as senior tight end Jeremy Sprinkle to make plays.

Hatcher leads the team with five touchdown receptions to go along with 354 yards on 21 catches, while Sprinkle has been a favorite target for Allen inside the red zone with four touchdown catches and 199 yards on 19 catches. Morgan, meanwhile, has been Mr. Reliable with a team-best 37 catches, 378 yards and 2 touchdown receptions.

Defensively, Ellis has anchored the group of linebackers and leads the team with 51 tackles, including 4 for a loss, during his senior season.