Arkansas coach Silverfield cites 'combination of errors' for struggling run game

The Razorbacks sit 135th nationally in rushing at 75.3 yards per game, and first-year coach Ryan Silverfield says the problems span the line, backs, quarterbacks and scheme.

Arkansas has managed just 75.3 rushing yards per game, placing the Razorbacks 135th among 138 FBS programs. The team's 17 yards on 20 carries in a lopsided defeat to Georgia marked its weakest ground outing in eight years.

First-year coach Ryan Silverfield told reporters there is no single culprit. He said identifying one fixable reason would be far simpler than the reality, describing the situation instead as a combination of errors ahead of a Week 4 home game against unbeaten Tulsa.

The offensive line was viewed as a preseason strength with returning starters Caden Kitler and Kobe Branham, transfer additions Malachi Breland and Bryant Williams, and four-star recruit Kavion Broussard at left tackle. Instead, Pro Football Focus grades show Broussard as the only starter above 65, Kitler last among qualified SEC centers, and all five starters stronger in pass protection than run blocking. Silverfield and coordinator Tim Cramsey suggested last week that lineup changes could come.

The backfield has also underdelivered. Sutton Smith, a high-profile transfer from Memphis, has not provided game-breaking production, and Silverfield said Monday that Smith, Braylen Russell and Cam Settles are missing the correct reads when blocking does hold up. The coach added that defenses are crowding the box because opponents do not fear the Arkansas passing game, and that quarterbacks KJ Jackson and AJ Hill have been inconsistent with RPO decisions.

Silverfield also pointed a finger at himself and his staff, saying they need to scheme better. His Memphis rushing attacks with Cramsey ranked 31st, 46th, 76th and 75th nationally over the past four seasons. Tight end Ty Lockwood said the group will keep working on the issue, whether it involves the scheme or players executing their assignments.