A brief look at the high points and low points for the 2018 Razorbacks along with a look ahead to 2019.
High point: L 24-17 vs. LSU (Game 10, November 10, 2018)
2-10 seasons don’t provide many options for a “high point,” but when Razorbacks first-year head coach Chad Morris stepped in to replace the run-heavy Bret Bielema era, the expectations for the 2018 Razorbacks were limited.
Overall, the Texas A&M game was a better performance, but turning a late-season game against a top ten team into a fourth-quarter fight takes the top spot for the Razorbacks’ high point of a bleak 2018.
Down 24-3 heading into the fourth quarter, the Razorbacks put up a solid fight to finish the game with two physical touchdowns from tight end Cheyenne O’Grady.
LSU drove down to the Arkansas one-yard line before taking a knee to finish out the game making a 24-17 seem closer than it was in reality.
These types of competitive showings in big games against rivals are important program building moments that Chad Morris will be able to translate into buy-in from the players during the off-season.
Arkansas ultimately finished the season with a whimper, but the LSU game showed some evidence of life late into a difficult season.
Low point: L 44-17 vs. North Texas (Game 3, September 15, 2018)
Season-ending no-shows against Mississippi State (L 52-6) and Missouri (L 38-0) capped a winless 0-8 SEC campaign and considered for this category.
However, the last two games of a forgettable season were…forgettable.
Let’s flashback into the early part of the season when the Razorbacks were on the wrong side of a major splash.
Optimistic Hog fans, full of early season hope, may have been able to explain away the prior week’s loss at Colorado State, but the North Texas 44-17 home loss secured the 2018 low point for one big reason: a viral fake fair catch punt return for a touchdown.
Fake fair catch? FAKE FAIR CATCH.
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 23, 2018
The #BestofCFB award for trickery goes to @MeanGreenFB for the time punt returner Keegan Brewer took it to the house. pic.twitter.com/gRTjes5Skn
Program trending: upward
There is nowhere to go but up from 0-8 in league play.
It’s not crazy to see potential in this program. The Razorbacks roster may need another year or two as the switch from Bielema to Morris was a commitment to drastically different styles of football.
If the Razorbacks can be patient and allow Morris to build one of the explosive offenses his teams are known for, then Arkansas will morph into a tough opponent on most Saturdays.
A Quick look at the 2019 Razorbacks schedule
Arkansas has a perfect opportunity to jump out to a quick start in 2019. If the Hogs can knock off an Ole Miss team in week two, then a 4-0 start is a possibility.
A hot start will be necessary if the Razorbacks intend to go bowling next season.
August 31 vs. Portland State
September 7 at Ole Miss
September 14 vs. Colorado State
September 21 vs. San Jose State
September 28 vs. Texas A&M (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX)
October 12 at Kentucky
October 19 vs. Auburn
October 26 at Alabama
November 2 vs. Mississippi State
November 9 vs. Western Kentucky
November 16 Bye
November 23 at LSU
November 30 vs. Missouri