We continue HawgBeat's series of analyzing Arkansas' games through the lens of Pro Football Focus after the Razorbacks' 21-17 loss to the No. 24 Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday.
The analytics from PFF keep track of grades for each player on a scale of 0-100. The website goes further into depth on specific grades, but for the purpose of this story, we will just look at offensive grades.
Here are the grades on the offensive side of the ball from the Texas A&M game...
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Team Grades
~Overall: 67.2
~Offense: 63.6
~Passing: 58.8
~Pass blocking: 71.9
~Receiving: 64.0
~Running: 65.2
~Run blocking: 61.1
Notes
~ Starting offensive linemen Josh Braun (87.4), E'Marion Harris (83.3) and Addison Nichols (84.8) were all strong in pass protection, while Fernando Carmona Jr. (67.1) was average and Keyshawn Blackstock was subpar (36.9).
~ The highest run-block grade on the team came from small-statured wide receiver Isaiah Sategna (73.6), with the next highest from fellow pass-catcher Tyrone Broden (68.9).
~ With such poor run-blocking grades, it comes as no surprise that zero Razorbacks eclipsed the 70.0 run-grade mark. The highest grade on the team came from freshman running back Braylen Russell (66.5).
~ The tight ends continue to struggle in Bobby Petrino's offense, as Luke Hasz (55.5), Var'Keyes Gumms (55.2) and Ty Washington (31.1) were all in the bottom five of offensive rankings.
~ Quarterback Taylen Green had his worst PFF showing of the season, as he finished with a 59.6 offensive grade, 58.8 pass grade and 60.2 run grade.
Arkansas Offense PFF Grades - Texas A&M
| Player, position | PFF Grade - Texas A&M | Snaps vs Texas A&M |
|---|---|---|
| Isaac TeSlaa, WR | 72.6 | 32 |
| Andrew Armstrong, WR | 71.4 | 62 |
| Braylen Russell, RB | 67.3 | 16 |
| Joshua Braun, RG | 67.2 | 73 |
| E'Marion Harris, LG | 64.9 | 73 |
| Ja'Quinden Jackson, RB | 64.3 | 57 |
| Addison Nichols, C | 63.9 | 73 |
| Isaiah Sategna, WR | 60.6 | 56 |
| Tyrell Reed Jr., RB | 60.0 | 1 |
| Taylen Green, QB | 59.6 | 73 |
| Keyshawn Blackstock, RT | 59.4 | 73 |
| Fernando Carmona, LT | 59.3 | 73 |
| CJ Brown, WR | 58.2 | 2 |
| Tyrone Broden, WR | 56.0 | 62 |
| Luke Hasz, TE | 55.5 | 27 |
| Var'Keyes Gumms, TE | 55.2 | 7 |
| Rodney Hill, RB | 53.9 | 2 |
| Jordan Anthony, WR | 51.6 | 20 |
| Ty Washington, TE | 31.1 | 21 |
TAKEAWAYS
1. Arkansas has to win on the ground...
...because it certainly can't win in the passing game alone. Sure, Texas A&M has a vaunted front-seven that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the country, but Tennessee and Ole Miss have similar elite threats in the trenches. That's not to mention LSU and Missouri, top-15 teams with the usual high-end talent on the defensive line.
Time and time again, the Aggies lived in Arkansas' backfield when Green dropped back to pass. That was due in part to a failing run game, which couldn't generate any yardage on first down plays.
If the Razorbacks want to find any more offensive success against conference foes, it starts with getting better running lanes for Ja'Quinden Jackson.
2. Keep feeding Isaac TeSlaa
Arkansas desperately needed someone other than Andrew Armstrong to step up in the passing attack, and it finally got some reprieve in Isaac TeSlaa.
The former Hillsdale College transfer had his best performance as a Hog against the Aggies, as he caught five passes for 120 yards and a touchdown.
Current starting wide receiver Tyrone Broden has a measly eight catches on 28 targets through four games, according to PFF. After TeSlaa's outing, it may be time for a depth chart change.
3. Time to accept reality of tight end situation
The tight end unit for the Razorbacks has consistently graded poorly through the first third of the season, a shock considering the talent in the room.
Luke Hasz and Ty Washington are two players who have shown the ability to take over in the pass game against SEC competition, while Var'Keyes Gumms showed big improvement during the offseason.
Eventually, though, it's time to accept reality, and the truth is that Hasz and company may never have the breakout game that many are hoping for.
