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9.3.2022 KEYS TO VICTORY MATT JONES & SCOTTIE BORDELON WHOLEHOGSPORTS.COM SPECIAL TEAMS One hallmark of early-season games seems to be a number of big plays in the special teams. Arkansas has seen this firsthand under coach Sam Pittman, primarily in the punt game. Georgia in 2020 and Rice last year blocked punts in the Razorbacks' season openers. The Bulldogs' block two years ago was a key play in helping Georgia pull away after Arkansas kept the game tight for 2 1/2 quarters. Pittman said special teams can be difficult to prepare for early in the season because there is not film on a team. He noted Arkansas has been better in punt protection after the first month of the past two seasons, but acknowledged Georgia blocked a punt during its rout of the Razorbacks last October. The key, Pittman said, is for the special teams to be sound in their technique and have good communication to avoid breakdowns. "If you're sound with roles and schematics, you should be OK," Pittman said. "Georgia blocked one last year on us (with a look) that we hadn't seen. Not only that, but we just weren't necessarily sound against that look. We started to make an adjustment (afterward), but we'd like to make the adjustments before it happens, where we can be able to pick that up." Cincinnati struggled to kick field goals last season, but was sound in every other aspect of special teams. The Fremeau Efficiency Index ratings combines kickoff return, kickoff, punt return, punt and field goal efficiency and ranked the Bearcats 18th in 2021. Cincinnati blocked three punts and six field goals last year. "When they break games, it's because they get turnovers, and it's on special teams," Pittman said. Arkansas returns kicker Cam Little, a Freshman All-American last season when he made 20 of 24 field goals. Little has extended his range from last season and the Razorbacks should feel confident whenever he kicks from inside 50 yards. One of the more intriguing story lines from the weekend involves Cincinnati punter Mason Fletcher and Arkansas punter Max Fletcher, brothers from Melbourne, Australia. Max Fletcher battled returning punter Reid Bauer in the offseason and both could potentially kick against the Bearcats. ARKANSAS WRS VS. CINCY DBS Perhaps the most intriguing matchup to watch Saturday will be between the Razorbacks' receivers and the Bearcats' secondary. Both teams must replace great players in both areas. Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner was drafted fourth overall by the New York Jets in this year's NFL Draft. Arkansas receiver Treylon Burks was drafted by the Tennessee Titans 14 selections later. The wide receiver room was an area of concern for Pittman prior to the start of the preseason, but several receivers have elevated their play in recent weeks to the point that Pittman believes it could be a position of strength for the Razorbacks. "They've become more confident," Pittman told the Hawgs Illustrated Sports Club last week. "They are catching the ball better." Among the Arkansas wideouts to watch are the transfers, Jadon Haselwood and Matt Landers, along with returning receivers Warren Thompson and Ketron Jackson. Pittman said both returning receivers have improved greatly over a season ago. Arkansas coaches have also been complimentary of their freshman class of receivers, in particular Isaiah Sategna, a speedster from Fayetteville who had more receiving yards last year than any other high school player. In addition to Gardner, Cincinnati must replace Seattle Seahawks fourth-round draft pick Coby Bryant. The Bearcats also lost starting safety Bryan Cook to the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round. On his radio show this week, Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell was asked how he will replace two All-America cornerbacks. He indicated it will be by committee. "You'll see more of a rotation," Fickell said, "especially at the corner positions and the nickel position." Fickell said he is excited about the development of senior boundary cornerback Ja'quan Sheppard. "He's done a great job," Fickell said. "I think he's been the guy who has been the most consistent throughout the spring and fall." TRENCHES Pittman was a defensive lineman at Pittsburg (Kan.) State and earned a professional reputation as one of the best offensive line coaches in college football. Fickell started 50 consecutive games as a defensive tackle at Ohio State and in high school was a state champion wrestler. As a linebackers coach on the staffs of Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer, Fickell coached several hard-nosed linebackers on great Buckeyes teams in the 2000s and 2010s. It should come as little surprise their teams have built identities on a physical brand of football. Great technique should be on display Saturday in the trenches, especially on the offensive line where both teams return the majority of their starters from last season. The Razorbacks return every primary starter except for departed left tackle Myron Cunningham. Center Ricky Stromberg and guards Beaux Limmer and Brady Latham have all received All-America or All-SEC recognition this preseason. The Bearcats have all five offensive line starters back from last year, though former walk-on Joe Huber won the starting job at right tackle this preseason. Last year's starter at that spot, Dylan O'Quinn, will start at right guard. O'Quinn and center Jake Renfro, a Freshman All- American in 2020, are the most notable returning players on the Cincinnati line. Both are on the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy. The Bearcats will often line up with two tight ends and one ARKANSAS SET TO HOST CINCINNATI IN SEASON OPENER ON SATURDAY See KEYS, Page 4 NWA Democrat-Gazette/David Beach KJ Jefferson led the Razorbacks in rushing yards last season, but Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell says he is interested to see if Jefferson throws more in the season opener. http://www.bentonvilleglass.com/ 507 SOUTH MAIN ST. • BENTONVILLE, AR 479-273-5545 • RESIDENTIAL • AUTOMOTIVE • COMMERCIAL Bentonville Glass Inc. SERVING NW ARKANSAS SINCE 1971 Window Tinting for your home and car! NOW HIRING QUALIFIED THERAPISTS & ESTHETICIANS Thanks for voting us the Best of the Best! FAYETTEVILLE 3557 North Shiloh Drive 479-571-3689 ROGERS 2603 W Pleasant Grove Rd 479-633-8340 Monday-Saturday 8 am-8 pm | Sunday 10 am-8 pm *Offer valid for first-time guests only. All session times include a total of 10 minutes of time for consultation and dressing, which occurs pre and post-service. Additional taxes and fees may apply. 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