Some quick thoughts on Arkansas’ 48-13 victory in Week 1 against Texas-El Paso.

What it means: Arkansas’ thorough beat-down of the Miners was a complete team effort on offense, defense and special teams. The win means that the preseason hype surrounding the Razorbacks may have been justified. If Arkansas can play at this pace against stronger opponents, then Bret Bielema’s squad should be a considered a contender in the SEC West.

What I liked: Arkansas stepped on the pedal from the very beginning and simply never took their foot off the gas. We knew the rushing game was going to be a force, but the passing game under Brandon Allen appears to be ready to make the move to elite level. The Razorbacks’ win was a tale of two halves, the offense leading the charge in the first, while the defense clamped down in the second half.

What I didn’t like: There’s not much to dislike in a lopsided 48-13 win. The Razorbacks even had low penalties at 6 for 68 yards. Arkansas gave up a late touchdown after the game was already in hand, but that’s more nitpicking than anything.

Who is the man: Brandon Allen set his career mark for touchdown passes in a game before the first half was even over. The senior finished with 308 yards and 4 touchdowns. Most impressive was the Razorbacks’ first three scoring drives, which each went for more than 70 yards apiece.

Key play: The Razorbacks’ defense and special teams came up big — the latter which caused three fumbles on Miner’s punt attempts. The biggest play of the game, however, came on the first play of the second half when Henré Toliver blocked and picked off a Mark Leftwich pass inside the UTEP 10-yard line. Several plays later Alex Collins was in the end zone on a 7-yard run and any hope the Miners had at staging a comeback died as the Razorbacks went up 35-10.

What’s next: The Razorbacks get Toledo at home in Week 2, followed by Texas Tech. If Allen and the offense can keep up this pace, then expect more of the same and Arkansas to enter SEC play at 3-0.