Saturday’s loss is extraordinarily disappointing by itself, however when the larger image is examined, it is simply the newest instance of Pittman being unable to shut out tight video games. Since Pittman took over this system in 2020, one-score video games have been his kryptonite.
Apart from a magical 2021 season that noticed Arkansas go 9-4, Pittman’s file in video games determined by eight factors or much less is a paltry 3-13. 5 seasons into the Pittman period, the shortage of wins in clutch conditions is not simply an unlucky coincidence, however relatively an appalling sample that continues to crop up each season.
Let’s not mince phrases: Pittman is leagues higher than predecessors Bret Bielema and Chad Morris and this 2024 Razorbacks squad is way improved over final yr’s staff. However except main modifications are made, shut video games will proceed to swing in favor of Arkansas’ opponents.
A type of modifications should be a rise in self-discipline. Arkansas was solely flagged for seven penalties on Saturday, however two defensive move interference calls have been handed down on Oklahoma State’s last drive of regulation, with the aforementioned private foul in opposition to Sorey handing the Cowboys the profitable rating on a silver platter.
Then come the tangible errors that Arkansas made on Saturday: A pick-six, a fumble, two missed discipline objectives, a missed, wide-open throw that might’ve gone for a landing and a scarcity of a pass-rush all contributed to an Arkansas loss that was utterly avoidable.
There’s nonetheless sufficient expertise in Fayetteville for Arkansas to doubtlessly win seven or eight video games, however except Pittman and Co. can clear up the litany of tangible and intangible errors, Arkansas will not be capable of understand its full potential.
After all, Arkansas is not the one program in school soccer historical past that has ever blown a lead, nevertheless it looks as if the Razorbacks have extra of a penchant for blowing leads than their friends. Whether or not it’s the 1969 ‘Large Shootout’ between Arkansas and Texas, the 2016 Belk Bowl in opposition to Virginia Tech or Saturday’s contest in Stillwater, the Hogs at all times appear to return up on the quick finish of the stick.