Arkansas addresses offensive and defensive concerns before visiting Utah
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 3:26 PM
Last updated Sep 6, 2026

Arkansas enters a road game against No. 21 Utah on September 12 following a 31-14 victory over North Alabama. Despite the win, head coach Ryan Silverfield identified five areas for improvement after the offense struggled to establish a consistent running game. Razorbacks running backs Sutton Smith and Braylen Russell combined for an uninspiring performance, and the offensive line failed to make necessary blocking adjustments. Defensively, the team allowed big-play opportunities through the air, and defensive end Quincy Rhodes saw limited action while managing health concerns. Quarterback KJ Jackson is expected to improve his decision-making after a mixed outing that featured three drops by the receiving corps. Arkansas travels to Salt Lake City for the first matchup between the two programs.
- •Arkansas defeated North Alabama 31-14 in its season opener.
- •The Razorbacks visit No. 21 Utah for a Week 2 game in Salt Lake City.
- •The Arkansas rushing attack averaged fewer than three yards per carry against North Alabama.
- •Quincy Rhodes was limited in practice and played a minimal role in the season opener.
- •Three of the Razorbacks' nine incompletions against North Alabama were caused by receiver drops.
- 3:26 PMYahoo Sports — Ranking Arkansas football's 5 biggest concerns heading into Utah
"Concerned about Arkansas football? We ranked out 5 biggest worries for Ryan Silverfield's Hogs as they prepare for a westward road trip to face Utah.
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