Here’s a couple of quick thoughts on Arkansas’ season-opening 45-21 loss to the Auburn Tigers.

What it means: Arkansas is an improved team. If you are a Razorbacks fan, you have to love the fight that was evident tonight against Auburn. Also, a healthy Brandon Allen kept Arkansas in the game until late in the third quarter which is encouraging for Arkansas fans. However, the Razorbacks running backs were basically MIA in the second half. No run game for Arkansas means a tough time for Allen and the receiving corps.

What I liked: The play action attack by Arkansas in the first half. As the Razorbacks established the running game early on in the game, Brandon Allen operated the play action attack perfectly. Both of Allen’s touchdowns to tight ends Hunter Henry and DJ Derby came via the play action pass. Henry and Derby’s skillsets make them versatile weapons on those plays, especially with the defensive front seven focusing so much on the running backs. It really opens things up for them in the middle of the field. Much has been made of Arkansas’ trio of running backs and with good reason. Alex Collins, Jonathan Williams and Korliss Marshall combine for one college football’s most potent three-headed running attacks. However, the ability that they have to consequently open up the play action pass for Allen can be just as crucial for the Hogs moving forward.

Who’s the man: The stats may not be incredibly impressive, but it’s quarterback Brandon Allen. He only threw for 175 yards, two touchdowns and one intereception, but the junior quarterback showed poise. He ran the play action passing attack effectively in the first half and made some great throws in the second half, despite a practically nonexistent running game and poor offensive line play in the last 30 minutes. He looks to take a step forward in 2014.

Key play: There’s no doubt that the Brandon Allen interception was the biggest play of the game. It wasn’t really his fault, but after a breakdown on the line, Auburn’s Robenson Therezie came free on a blitz and lit up the Arkansas quarterback just as he was throwing the ball. It fluttered in the air right to safety Jermaine Whitehead, who returned it for a pick-six. The score put the Tigers up 35-21 and the Hogs could never recover.


What’s next: Yes, it’s a loss for the Razorbacks, but it’s clear this isn’t the same team from 2013. The secondary will need some work. If they don’t make adjustments, they’ll continue to be tested by opponents. The second half was very quiet for Arkansas, but overall the Hogs showed poise and fight against the defending SEC Champions on the road for a majority of the game. Brandon Allen looks healthy and capable of leading the offense if he’s given enough time in the backfield. Despite the defeat, there’s reason for optimism in Fayetteville.