Sam Pittman likes where Arkansas is after first quarter vs. Alabama
With Arkansas trailing Alabama 7-6 after the first quarter, head coach Sam Pittman knew his team had to get better in the red zone.
Following the first 15 minutes, the Razorbacks kept themselves in the game against the favored Crimson Tide. However, settling for field goals rather than scoring touchdowns might not get it done.
Pittman spoke to ESPN’s Tom Luginbill as the second was about to start.
“Well we’ve had a couple of negative plays off of him as well, you know, the drive so we just got to stay out of sacks, negative plays,” Pittman said. “We had a sack to stop that last drive. I like the way our guys are playing and we’re getting some positive yards on first down. Like our defensive plan, we had a bust on the long pass by Milroe. I like where we’re at in the game though.”
However, Arkansas punted to open the second quarter and Alabama marched down the field to take a 14-6 lead.
Early in the second quarter, Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson was five-of-eight passing for 71 yards. On the ground, Rashod Dubinion led the way with six carries for 15 yards.
On the flip side, Jalen Milroe was three-of-four passing for 148 yards and a touchdown and also ran a touchdown in to extend the lead for Alabama. The Crimson Tide used the “tush push,” made famous by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sam Pittman acknowledges struggles on offense
Earlier this month, Pittman had to face reality that his team struggled on the offensive side of the ball. It seemed to carry over into Saturday, at least through the first quarter.
Pittman noted Arkansas’ struggles on offense, but reiterated his belief in offensive coordinator Dan Enos and the ability to turn things around and get better.
“Obviously, we have to get better as a team in all those things,” Pittman said. “Working with him has been enjoyable. I think we’re all a little bit, including him, frustrated that we’re not having more explosive plays and things of that nature. But working with him has been fantastic. We’ll continue to try to improve every week and he knows we have to improve. I know it, the kids know it, the rest of the staff knows it. But it’s been enjoyable.”