Keep expectations reasonable for new Hogs

It is a little more than 72 hours — depending on what time you read this — before the University of Arkansas Razorbacks kick off their 125th football season. This one is complete with a newly expanded stadium, new life and new hopes. With that in mind, here are a few things to expect and not expect from this season: Expect: Lots of energy and enthusiasm on the sidelines. Don’t expect: A lot of profanity, especially from head Coach Chad Morris, who is a very religious man who walks the walk and talks the talk but never carries it on his sleeves. Expect: To see freshmen play. Expect them in the first four games. Don’t expect: All of the freshmen who are going to play to be in action during the first four games. Under the new rules, the coach can decide which four games a freshman can play and still redshirt. Expect: To see a much more uptempo game. Don’t expect: To see much more uptempo games in the years to come. At SEC football media days, Morris said he was tweaking the offense to fit the personnel. Smart

move by a smart coach. Expect: The Razorbacks to struggle in SEC play, especially in the SEC West where they face the incomparable Alabama, the always dangerous Auburn, and talented teams such as Texas A&M, Mississippi State, LSU and Ole Miss, which may be better than most expect because of quarterback Jordan Ta’amu. Don’t expect: The Razorbacks to struggle as much in the future after Morris gets more players who fit his offense. Expect: To see as many as five quarterbacks this season. Whether it be injury or just simply making a change for a better matchup, all five quarterbacks have something to offer. Don’t expect: The freshman quarterbacks to not be redshirted. They may get four games experience, but for the long run — and that is what Morris is in it for — the more freshmen you redshirt the better the future. Expect: To see more and more former players come home to watch games. Morris and Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek have reached out to lettermen in a big way. Don’t expect: Either Morris or Yurachek to think the program started with their hiring. Expect: The Razorbacks to have legitimate shots at upsets over LSU and maybe A&M. Don’t expect: To see the Hogs hit the wall in the fourth quarter. By all accounts, they are in much better shape. Expect: Arkansas to win its road opener against Colorado State, making the Hogs’ record for road openers just 4-11 since 2004. Don’t expect: The Razorbacks to win more than one road game, but it is OK to hope. Expect: Lots of discussion among fans about who is the best quarterback. Don’t expect: Morris or offensive coordinator Joe Craddock to listen. They are the ones in every meeting and practice. Expect: This team to be a little more fun to watch. Don’t expect: This team to contend for any titles in the next year or two. The majority of these players were recruited for a pound-theground scheme, not air Arkansas. Expect: More from the special teams. Don’t expect: The defense to give up 44 points per game in SEC play like it did last season. Expect: To have fun. Don’t expect: Too much. *** In the dark and confusion Saturday night, it appeared No. 6 appeared alongside Bryant’s LaTavion Scott to help a family and a disabled man during the mass confusion at War Memorial Stadium, but it was actually No. 5 from Benton, Kyvian Carroll, a linebacker, who by all accounts is an outstanding young man who has committed to play college football at Fresno State.