Sam Pittman understands that Arkansas struggled with 3rd down defense last year, as the Razorbacks were 13th in the SEC. Opponents converted about 45% of their attempts.

On offense, with new coordinator Dan Enos, Pittman said the Razorbacks are trying to improve on the 45% conversion rate they saw last season, which was 4th in the SEC, and said Enos has been in Fayetteville long enough that the transition shouldn’t be used as an excuse.

“That’s been a huge emphasis, not just 3rd down, but 4th down, goal line, coming out, all those situations as well defense getting off the field on 3rd down,” Pittman said Wednesday on the SEC coaches media teleconference. “All those things, pass defense, we had to get a lot better. We had to get a lot better at everything. But those were the key emphasis, along with the special teams, we’ve got to get some big plays in the special teams, and play consistent. Hopefully it pays off for us, obviously if you emphasize something, it usually does.”

Arkansas opens with Western Carolina this week in a game that’s been moved up to noon local time in Little Rock.