It’s visible across all the social-media platforms: “Arkansas could do way better than Kendal Briles.”

Honestly, how can such a thing be said when he’s worked wonders with the Razorbacks offense since Day 1? Briles didn’t necessarily inherit quite a talented squad. Treylon Burks and Mike Woods were the only two impact players returning on a offense that already had struggled. Offensive linemen were the size of many tight ends at 270 pounds. Whatever former coach Chad Morris was thinking, he needed to apologize to Briles for a lack of an SEC-caliber line.

At quarterback, they had an unpolished talent in now-star KJ Jefferson. They also brought in a raw Malik Hornsby and that was it. So, Briles searched high and low for a transfer quarterback before landing a serviceable field general in Feleipe Franks.

Franks never made a lot of mistakes for the Hogs in 2020, and that’s been a consistent point each season with the Arkansas offensive coordinator.

The quarterback position is what makes the Razorbacks offense go. Jefferson has been very confident with his arm the past 2 weeks, but it is his ability to extend plays with his legs that makes him so dangerous. He is nearing the point of being a dominant player that a defense knows they have to stop.

After the victory against Auburn, the Hogs’ starter has passed for 1,697 yards, 15 touchdowns and only 1 interception this season. No doubt, he fumbled in a crucial moment against Texas A&M but the guy is solid. The Razorbacks wouldn’t be where they are without Jefferson.

Enough with the quarterback love fest. It also must be appreciated that Raheim “Rocket” Sanders. He is the first Arkansas runner to exceed 1,000 yards rushing since Rakeem Boyd in 2019.

He also tied former Hogs great Madre Hill in being the fastest Razorback to rush for 1,000 yards (in 8 games). Sanders has special speed, exceptional vision and plenty of patience to not overrun openings at the line.

Sanders is doing remarkable things and is on pace to have one of the best rushing performances in a season since … cough … Darren McFadden.

In no way am I saying the current sophomore will be as good as the Arkansas standard bearer. But he is putting on a show.

Briles and his staff have done a superb job in scheming a smash-mouth, run-first offense. In return, that gives receivers room in space to make plays.

This follower gave a solid rebuttal to Briles hate on social media and pretty much sums up the point of this article.

Briles is among the brightest offensive minds in college football. His pedigree speaks for itself. When he was hired by Sam Pittman, most Arkansas fans were blown away that the new coach backed up what he’d said in his introductory news conference:

”I will hire the best coordinators in college football.”

He brought in former Missouri coach Barry Odom first. It was a move that was highly praised. Then, hiring Briles was a home run and deserved to be praised. His work at Florida State, Florida Atlantic and Baylor spoke for itself. He’s implementing the same blueprint for offensive success at Arkansas.

There may be times that Briles calls unusual plays, but his offense is putting up numbers and points right now. With a 3-game homestand coming up, Arkansas has a fighter’s chance to finish 9-3 and hit the 10 win mark for the first time since 2011 with a potential bowl victory.

As the old saying goes, “Hogs smell good.”

They smell really good after a win. The Razorbacks return home Saturday to host Liberty.