Arkansas fans have had a rough go of it since the BYU game. The Razorbacks have dropped a total of 4 consecutive games after being viewed as potential dark horse players across the Southeastern Conference.

That much is no longer the case as Arkansas most recently fell 27-20 to the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday in a game that was within reach.

Here’s a look at things after Week 6.

Player of the Week: TE Ty Washington

Arkansas has had some issues at tight end it has been trying to sort out. In the midst of a breakout for Washington, there’s hardly a question as to what the team’s answer at the position is.

“Man, wasn’t that something? I’m so happy for him,” head coach Sam Pittman said after the game. “I took him aside just right before I walked in here and told him how proud I was of him. Seven catches for two touchdowns. I mean, he never griped, never complained.”

Despite some offensive sputtering, Washington made use of his opportunity while Luke Hasz was injured to produce a career-high seven catches for 90 yards and both of the Razorbacks’ touchdown receptions.

Newcomer of the week: DL Trajan Jeffcoat

The former Missouri defensive lineman certainly caught a lot of attention, and for good reason. Jeffcoat was a difference-maker within the defense on Saturday, registering 4 total tackles (3 solo) as one of the team’s defensive leaders. Last season, Jeffcoat finished out with 21 total tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and a sack. He had 3 TFLs and a sack against the Rebels alone.

Biggest surprise: Washington’s breakout

Losing a starter is never good, regardless of position. But as mentioned above, Washington made the most of what he was given to point that it did not only help his case on the depth chart and as a player, but also gave Arkansas a chance in heated conference play.

Hasz has been a big part of the team’s gameplan at times this season, so for Washington to prove just how far the depth extends at pass-catcher is one of the little places Arkansas fans can find comfort.

Biggest concern: Getting the offense going

Powered by quarterback KJ Jefferson, this unit was expected to be better. It’s not exactly his fault, as he’s playing behind one of the worst offensive lines not only in the SEC but in all of college football.

At the same time, Jefferson has struggled on his own pushing the ball far beyond the line of scrimmage, something that’s going to have to change for things to get rolling. There’s a lot of work to be done in this area to keep opposing defenses guessing on a weekly basis.

Developing trend: Offensive line a troubling issue

Jefferson has some room for improvement in his own right, but there’s no doubt the pass protection has not been what it should be. Jefferson rarely has time to get the ball out of his hands. The Ole Miss defense recorded 5 sacks against Arkansas.

All things in a successful offense start and end with the men up front and going into Saturday against Ole Miss, Arkansas was No. 118 in the country in sacks allowed, averaging 3.6 sacks per game.

If the blocking doesn’t get any better, it will spell doom for Arkansas. But, truthfully, the team may already be in the midst of just that. It’s a bit uncharacteristic for Sam Pittman, considering he’s known specifically for his talents coaching the offensive line.

Key stat: Rushing yards

Making things happen on the ground was not Arkansas’ strong suit over the weekend. The rushing effort was putrid as the team amassed a grand total of 36 rushing yards, made to be completely one-dimensional on offense. That’s something that can’t be a lingering issue moving down the stretch to remain competitive.

Raheim Sanders led Arkansas in rushing yards with 8 carries for 15 yards. There are two options here heading into the Alabama game (granted the offensive line is fixed up): make the passing game so potent to the point it executes and wreaks havoc regardless, or get things going on the ground.

First impression about Week 7:

My, my, my, how the mighty have fallen. Alabama is not a bad football team, but it is not the same Alabama we have come to know over recent years as Georgia looks to be the next dynasty team, aiming to run it back for the third consecutive year in the national championship.

Like the Razorbacks, the Crimson Tide are also suffering from problems along the offensive line while other parts of the team are still performing up to the standard. Alabama has uncharacteristically found itself in close matchups and while Arkansas appears to be outmatched overall, it would be unsurprising at this point if this game ended in a close final score.