Pittman aims to get more Razorbacks involved earlier in games moving forward.
Following the Arkansas Razorbacks’ (1-1, 0-0 SEC) 39-31 double overtime loss to Oklahoma State on Saturday, head coach Sam Pittman plans to rely on more players from the two-deep roster earlier in games. Pittman emphasized the need to spread the workload after the team appeared fatigued during the latter stages of the game, particularly in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Although 33 Razorbacks outside the starting lineup saw action, Pittman acknowledged in his Monday press conference that the Stillwater heat and fast-paced offenses took a greater toll than expected.
“We need to get more players involved,” Pittman stated. “Saturday was hot, and we ran over 90 offensive snaps. We’ve talked about bringing more guys into the game earlier. We need to be stronger in the fourth quarter, and we might have overworked some of our key players. Moving forward, we plan to rotate more players early.”
One player likely to see more action is true freshman running back Braylen Russell. The 6’1″, 253-pound native of Benton, Arkansas, had three carries for 23 yards and a touchdown in the season opener against UAPB but was noticeably absent in the Oklahoma State game. Pittman clarified that this was not the original plan.
“We had intended to play him,” Pittman said. “But as the game was going well, we hesitated to disrupt the momentum. By the time we realized, it felt too late to put him in due to his lack of experience.”
“We had a good discussion about making sure we get these young players into the game early, regardless of the situation,” Pittman explained. “Unless we don’t think they can help us win, but if they can, we need to give them a chance. Once we see their performance, we’ll feel more confident moving forward. That’s what happened with Braylen. I believe in him, but we need to get him on the field sooner.”
With starting running back Ja’Quinden Jackson dealing with cramps in the second half, the Razorbacks relied on transfer Rodney Hill. While Hill performed well, standing at 5’10” and 186 pounds, having a bigger back like Russell would be more advantageous in short-yardage situations.
“Anytime you have a back like [Jackson], who’s averaging six or seven yards a carry, that’s a big, physical player who can break tackles and make defenders miss,” Pittman said. “Obviously, you want your top players in when the game’s on the line. We’re confident in our other backs, but we didn’t get Braylen in, and we need to. He has to be involved earlier.”
Razorbacks Look to Involve More Players Earlier in Games, Says Coach Pittman
The Arkansas Razorbacks (1-1, 0-0 SEC) are shifting their strategy to incorporate more players from the two-deep roster earlier in games. After a tough 39-31 double-overtime loss to Oklahoma State on Saturday, head coach Sam Pittman emphasized the need to get more players involved from the start.
In Saturday’s game, 33 Razorbacks aside from the starters saw playing time, but Pittman noted that the intense heat in Stillwater and the fast-paced offenses left the team more fatigued than anticipated by the fourth quarter and overtime.
“We need to rotate more players,” Pittman said. “It was hot, and we ran over 90 snaps on offense. We’ve discussed bringing in other guys earlier. We need to be stronger in the fourth quarter, and we likely overworked some players. Our plan is to involve more guys earlier in the game.”
One player expected to see more action is freshman running back Braylen Russell. The 6’1″, 253-pound Benton native had three carries for 23 yards and a touchdown in the season opener but did not play in the Oklahoma State game. Pittman admitted this wasn’t the plan.
“We intended to play him but didn’t,” Pittman explained. “When things are going well, sometimes you don’t want to mess with the rhythm, and by the time you consider it, it’s too late to bring in someone with less experience.”
Pittman stressed the importance of giving younger players opportunities early, regardless of the situation, saying, “We need to get these kids in the game early, no matter what. If we think they can help us win, they need to be on the field.”
Starting running back Ja’Quinden Jackson suffered cramps in the second half, prompting the team to turn to transfer Rodney Hill. While Hill performed well, Pittman noted that having a bigger back like Russell could have been an advantage in short-yardage situations.
“Jackson’s a big, physical guy averaging six or seven yards a carry, and you want your No. 1 guys in when it matters,” Pittman said. “But we also need to get Braylen in the game earlier.”
Pittman also praised senior wideout Isaac TeSlaa, who made a critical catch on a 3rd-and-long play late in the first half, helping the Razorbacks score and take a 21-7 lead at halftime. Despite limited playing time, TeSlaa has shown his value, and Pittman acknowledged the need to involve him more.
“The biggest play to me was TeSlaa’s catch,” Pittman said. “He’s made plays like that twice now, and we need to get him on the field more. He’s a good player.”
The Razorbacks will face the UAB Blazers this Saturday, Sept. 14, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. Kickoff is at 3:15 p.m. CDT, with the game televised on SEC Network.
