Sam Pittman’s job on line as Razorbacks open season vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff

It’s go time for coach Sam Pittman and Arkansas.

Not just because the season starts Thursday night in Little Rock with a game against FCS opponent Arkansas-Pine Bluff, but because Pittman’s fifth year likely will be his last year if the Razorbacks don’t improve.

The good news is that the 4-8 record of 2023 easily could have been better. Five of those losses were by one score, so it wasn’t as though Arkansas was completely hapless.

“I really like this team and I think with the culture and the tightness of the team, I think you can win those games a little bit easier than if it’s the other way,” Pittman said.

Two things may help Pittman get to a sixth year. The Razorbacks worked to improve the offensive line via the transfer portal, adding three likely starters. And the return of former head coach Bobby Petrino as the offensive coordinator figures to make the team more explosive.

Former Boise State quarterback Taylen Green, a dual-threat performer who started most of the last two years for the Broncos, will replace KJ Jefferson, who’s now at Central Florida.

Meanwhile, the Golden Lions are coming off a 2-9 season, although they ended it with a 35-34 upset win on the road vs. fellow Southwestern Athletic Conference program Texas Southern. But second-year coach Alonzo Hampton said his team is ready to defy predictions that it will finish near the bottom of its conference.

“You can tell a lot of the guys out here are very talented,” he said. “We just have to get better and put in the effort every time.”

UAPB plans to use a pass-heavy offense with returning quarterback Mekhi Hagans. It loaded its roster with transfers in the offseason, including former Memphis defensive tackle Antonio Johnson, as well as wide receivers JaVonnie Gibson and Kristian Gammage. They came in from Division II Arkansas-Monticello.

Despite the personnel additions, the Lions were tabbed for a fifth-place finish in the SWAC’s West Division. They are 49 1/2-point underdogs for this game.