Arkansas Razorbacks: 5 Questions Still Left Unanswered from the Spring Game

The Arkansas Razorbacks have potential to be a contender for the national championship. The annual Red-White game provided a brief glimpse of the kind of talent that the Razorbacks will put on the field this season.

Although there was plenty to be excited about after that game, there are still questions that surround this team that have yet to be answered.

Will the Offensive Line Come Together?

The offensive line could make or break the team this year. The Razorbacks have numerous weapons in nearly every position, but without protection it will be hard to unleash an offensive onslaught.

Young Brey Cook is expected to get plenty of starting snaps as a freshman, and his adjustment could make all the difference. Bobby Petrino is very hard on his offensive line and demands that they are flexible enough to learn more than one position.

Until they entire line can work together as one unit, the Hogs' future is unclear.

Will They Adjust to Game Speed?

There is a big difference on the field when the games are played for real. The game is more physical and the game is much quicker. This can be a tough adjustment for some teams, as they are still in “scrimmage mode” when the season starts.

Will the Hogs answer the bell?

Luckily for Arkansas, all of the other teams in college football will face the same hurdle. If they have a successful adjustment, it could equal a fast start to the season.

Will the Special Teams Be Special?

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Chris Gragg #80 of the Arkansas Razorbacks blocks a punt by Ben Buchanan #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the fourth quarter during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louis

If there is any unit that suffers in the Red-White game, it’s special teams.

To avoid injuries, special teams are extremely watered down in the annual spring game. Kickoffs and punt returns are prohibited and will not be sufficiently tested until the start of the season. 

Special teams are very important in winning football games. The Razorbacks have practiced hard to improve in this area after missing a chance in the Sugar Bowl to scoop up a ball for a score. The Razorbacks realize that special team execution could be the difference between winning and losing.

Is Arkansas Filled with Tackling Dummies?

In the fast-paced and rugged SEC, it is imperative that a team knows how to properly tackle. The Razorbacks could face a bruising rushing attack or a pass-oriented offense, but if they can’t tackle, they won’t win many ball games.

The tackling in the spring game was dreadful. The secondary failed to wrap up the ball carrier on more than one occasion, which lead to long touchdowns. The spring game is not as physical, so the defense will get a pass. But if that happens when the season starts, Arkansas will be in big trouble.

Can the Hogs Handle Pressure?

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - JANUARY 07: The coaches trophy is displayed during Media Day for the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn on January 7, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Alabama gets hype every year in the SEC West. Even with the departure of Cam Newton, Auburn is still praised as a contender. As long as Les Miles is the head man at LSU, they will always be a threat to win the West.

Arkansas usually does not get the hype that the other teams get.

This year is different. After reaching a BCS bowl, the Razorbacks and their fanbase have high expectations for the upcoming season. Will Arkansas be able to live up to those lofty expectations or will they be overwhelmed with pressure?

Only time will tell, but it’s another question Arkansas will have to answer if they want to succeed this year.

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].