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Paul Finebaum evaluates Sam Pittman, gives blunt 2023 expectations for Arkansas

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•01/23/23•

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(Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

After a dip in 2022 and ESPN’s Paul Finebaum gave blunt expectations for Arkansas’ Sam Pittman moving forward.

After a 9-4 campaign, the Razorbacks went just 7-6 last fall and won the Liberty Bowl. However, that was not enough according to Finebaum.

As far as the commentator is concerned, Pittman built a good program, not a great one. He put it bluntly when he broke down what was to come.

“As we stand here today, you can’t you can’t have a conversation about Arkansas without saying how much we all like Sam Pittman,” Finebaum said on McElroy and Cubelic. “I mean, I don’t think there’s any question. His authenticity (is what) really makes him popular. You’re in pain to criticize him but last year was a mess. I thought they looked like maybe a 9-3 team and some people out there thought they could do better. I haven’t looked at the schedule particularly closely, but it’s going to be a challenge for them to get over the top. He’s built a good program. 

“But can he build a great program? I don’t know how I can go all in on saying he can at this point until he does … But I felt like he was way ahead of the game and now I feel like he’s trying to catch up, which is a tough spot for him.”

Pittman is now 19-17 as head coach of Arkansas through three seasons.

While there were blunt expectations from Finebaum, and maybe Arkansas fans, Pittman shared optimism for the 2023 season.

Pittman on bounce back opportunity

Sam Pittman previously discussed the ability to bounce back prior to the end of the season.

“It’s fun when you’re going through like our season last year, and you’re beating LSU and you’re beating A&M,” Pittman said prior to the bowl game. “It’s fun. Those are fun. Then expectations rise, and for us this year, we lost four games by nine points and I think we disappointed everybody. We disappointed the fanbase. Obviously we were disappointed. We feel like we can possibly do some damage control if we can go win this game. We want to. Winning a bowl. There’s not a better feeling towards it. But I feel like Kansas is very similar with us,” 

“They have high hopes for their future. For them to get bowl eligible, I think is obviously a huge accomplishment for their program, and I’m happy for them.”

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