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This was supposed to be the year for Arkansas.
Heading into 2016, Bret Bielema lauded his team — in particular his defensive front. The defensive line was reputed to be as deep as it’s been during Bielema’s tenure in Fayetteville.
The unit was allegedly 8-9 players deep. This would (in theory) enable the Razorbacks to rotate lineman frequently as a means to keep them fresh.
Thoughts are one thing, and results are another:
Arkansas' rush defense stats (NCAA rank, out of 128)…
Yds/game: 221.75 (111th)
Yds/carry: 6.38 (128th)
Rush TDs: 24 (128th)— Andrew Hutchinson (@NWAHutch) October 23, 2016
Arkansas simply has had no answer in stopping opponents from running the football. In the shocking 56-3 loss at Auburn last week, the Razorbacks gave up 543 yards on the ground. Yes, this isn’t a typo.
To put it into perspective, Arkansas allowed more rushing yards in this single contest than Alabama (447) has all season long.
Sitting at 5-3 with two ranked opponents in the next few weeks (Florida, LSU), Bielema needs to do something to remedy this pressing situation.
