Arkansas Football: 5 Things We Learned Coming out of the Spring Game

The Arkansas Razorbacks believe that they can compete in the SEC West, as well as play in a BCS bowl game.

With the Annual Red-White game behind them, the focus will turn to the start of the regular season. The game can be used as a measuring stick as the team goes forward into the future.

Here are five things we learned coming out of the spring game.

1. Fine Without Ryan Mallett

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew

If the spring game is any indication, the Razorbacks will be just fine with Tyler Wilson at the helm.

Wilson looked sharp as the leader of the White team. His deep ball looked wobbly at times, but he looked great in the pocket and engineered scoring drives early in the game.

Ryan Mallett will always be a fan-favorite at Arkansas, but Wilson pick up where he left off.

2. Offensive Line Is the X-Factor

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Jarius Wright #4 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs after a catch against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockm

One thing became very apparent during the game and that is the offensive line will make the difference on this team.

The Arkansas offense has plenty of weapons and if the offensive line can gel, this team could be one of the most dangerous offenses in the country.

Brey Cook is adjusting well for a freshman and the pass blocking seemed to work, but the run blocking needs adjustments. This unit will be the key to success for what could be a very high-scoring offense.

3. Unpolished Hogs

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks huddles his team against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Get

If a negative could come from the Red-White game, it was the sloppiness of the execution on both sides of the ball.

On offense many of the wide receivers dropped catchable passes and cut routes short. On defense, the secondary took a very soft approach to tackling, which led to some big plays. On special teams, a botched snap during a punt play could have easily been avoided.

It’s understandable that teams do not go full speed at the spring game, but the teams needs to focus on the details.  

4. Dennis Johnson Is Back

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AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 27: Linebacker Dustin Earnest #42 of the Texas Longhorns wraps up tailback Dennis Johnson #33 of the Arkansas Razorbacks behind the line of scrimmage in the second quarter on September 27, 2008 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stad

Dennis Johnson is just one of the many talented running backs on this team. Last year he suffered a devastating injury and was lost for the season. His absence paved the way for a sensational season by Knile Davis, but Johnson was missed.

He is back and looking better than ever. He carried the ball with authority and found pay dirt during the spring game. A healthy Johnson is good news for the Razorbacks.

5. Bobby Petrino Is Game Ready

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks to hand the ball off against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Pho

Petrino is chomping at the bit to get the season started. It was interesting to see his maneuvers during the game. Although it was just a friendly inter-squad scrimmage, Petrino took it seriously.

Just before halftime instead of letting the clock run out, he played it out. He wanted to get his team focused and ready to start the season, and that should have Razorback fans very excited.

Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com, your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at [e-mail].