Arkansas’s offensive line is described by Auburn coach Hugh Freeze as the “most improved unit” he has seen in 2024.
Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze called Arkansas a “much improved” team from last season and gave credit to the Razorbacks’ offensive line during a news conference Monday.
The Razorbacks struggled up front last year and were exposed during a 48-10 loss to Auburn. Arkansas had 255 total yards and averaged 3.8 yards per carry against the Tigers.
The per-carry average was 2.0 yards before the fourth quarter when Auburn played backup defenders and quarterback Jacolby Criswell busted a 62-yard run.
First-year offensive line coach Eric Mateos has transformed the unit in 2024.
Arkansas (2-1) added three starters from the NCAA transfer portal — left tackle Fernando Carmona (San Jose State), center Addison Nichols (Tennessee) and right tackle Keyshawn Blackstock (Michigan State) — to come alongside starting right guard Josh Braun.
Patrick Kutas, who was projected to be the starting left guard, has not played due to a back injury. Redshirt sophomore E’Marion Harris has filled the spot.
“The O-line is probably the most improved unit that I’ve seen this year with the guys they’ve brought in from the portal,” Freeze said. “They’re really, really improved in the offensive line.”
The Razorbacks have been among the nation’s top rushing teams through three weeks. Arkansas ranks 11th nationally averaging 259 yards on the ground per game.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades, Arkansas is second in the SEC with an 81.8 run-blocking grade.
Behind the revamped line, the Razorbacks have averaged 587.3 yards per game, which ranks fifth nationally.
“Offensively, it’s a lot to deal with, with the way they’re using their quarterback in the run game and in the pass game,” Freeze said. “And their running backs are really, really solid with an improved O-line.”
More from WholeHogSports: Notable stats, PFF grades from Arkansas’ win over UAB
During his news conference Monday, Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said he and Mateos “hit” with the players added up front. But the fifth-year coach acknowledged the unit needs to improve its protection.
The Razorbacks rank 13th in the SEC with a 66.2 pass-blocking grade by PFF.
“We’re good when we get on the right guys,” Pittman said. “Our empty protection has been an Achilles heel a little bit for us this year. Certainly, we’re working on it….We just have to get clued in better assignment-wise on empty protection. We probably need to run the ball more.”
Arkansas has two of the SEC’s top rushers in its first season under offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. Running back Ja’Quinden Jackson leads the league with 397 rushing yards and Taylen Green is No. 1 among SEC quarterbacks with 245 yards on the ground.
“This quarterback is another one that’s going to run around and make a lot of plays,” Freeze said. “They’ve got a really good offensive scheme that makes you prepare for a lot of different things. And experienced coaches that have done this a long time.”
According to PFF, 49.6% of Jackson’s rushing yardage this year has come after contact. He has registered 17 rushes of at least 10 yards. Jackson forced 10 missed tackles in Week 3, which were most in the SEC.
“They’re running extremely hard,” Pittman said, who added, “We’re averaging [6.6 yards per rush] and have some good backs. Really pleased because I think you can end up winning close games when you can run the football.”
Freeze said Auburn (2-1), which lost 21-14 at home in Week 2 to California, is preparing for its biggest challenge yet.
“They’re deep at some places and look like an SEC football team,” he said, “particularly on the O-Line and the running backs and tight ends.”
