The Arkansas Razorbacks are known for their strong offensive line play and outstanding running game.

However, in 2016, the offensive line has struggled at times, thanks to the loss of three starters from the 2015 group.

According to ESPN.com, Arkansas coach Bret Bielema said OL Denver Kirkland (now a member of the Oakland Raiders) surprised him and the Razorbacks’ coaching staff by declaring for the NFL Draft last year:

“We had a unique scenario in the fact that we lost a guy early in Denver [Kirkland], a year ago, who we were planning on being in our rotation for one more year,” Bielema said. “And of course you’ve always got to plan for injuries and early departures, but that kind of put us on an accelerated cycle at one position and then obviously, we knew we were losing a couple other guys to graduation.”

Though the Hogs face a tough challenge in No. 1 Alabama’s vaunted defense this weekend, Bielema anticipates having plenty of linemen ready to go:

“We’ve got a number of bodies we feel that are capable,” Bielema said. “We’ve got to continue to coach and develop and bring them along. As far as where they’re going to line up and what they’re going to do, it’s kind of a case-by-case [basis] and we’ll figure out the best five for us on Saturdays.”

Converting third-and-short situations will be critical for the Razorbacks if they want to have success against Alabama’s front seven this Saturday night in Fayetteville.