Special Teams Can't Be Arkansas' Achilles Heel in 2024

If you were to say the words "special teams" to any Arkansas fan, then you'll likely cause their memory to be flooded with harrowing images.

A game-winning field goal against Texas A&M that bounced off the very top of the right upright at AT&T Stadium. A fake fair catch that led to a North Texas touchdown and one of the most embarrassing moments in program history. A push pass thrown by punter Sam Loy against Auburn in 2019 that looked like a scene out of "The Replacements."

Those moments, along with a myriad of others, have shaped a stigma around Arkansas' special teams unit. And whoever is coaching that unit, well, the Razorbacks are bound to end up creating a highlight for an opposing team.

Arkansas Fans Will Miss Little

That's not to say special teams haven't gifted Arkansas a few bright spots over the years. Among the most notable ones is former Arkansas kicker Cam Little, who is now in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars. But it seems like those bright spots are always snuffed out by a new gaffe that manages to trump even the worst fears of the Razorback faithful.

Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman brought in special teams coordinator Scott Fountain, along with the rest of his staff, in 2020. There were a few poor showings by the unit in Fountain's first year. Most notably, there was a missed game-tying field goal against LSU by kicker AJ Reed.

But the special teams group encapsulated the overall feel of the Razorbacks' 2020 season. While not close to being a championship contender, they'd come a long way from the dark ages of the short-lived Chad Morris era.

Razorbacks Seek Special Teams Leaders

With Little and punter Max Fletcher both gone in 2024, Matthew Shipley and Devin Bale—along with a host of competing backups—will try to replace Arkansas' veteran leaders and form a solid reputation for themselves.

Razorback fans have been spoiled by the talented Little over the past 3 seasons. Little, a Moore, Okla. native, went 53 for 64 on field goals during his time at Arkansas while also being perfect on extra points. Little's leg was especially prevalent in crunch time. Point-blank, Arkansas games such as Florida in 2023, Mississippi State in 2021 and LSU in 2021 couldn't have been won without Little being counted on to come through in the clutch.

Shipley seems to be a decent option to replace Little. But if things start to go south, then it won't take long for his head to be called for. The same can be said for Bale, who comes to a team that was all too familiar with punting away the football in 2023.

Fountain, along with the rest of Pittman's staff, knows that if the 2024 season starts poorly, the 62-year-old Pittman might be sent to his lake house in Hot Springs, Ark., sooner than anticipated. Just as offense and defense are important, Pittman knows how much special teams can change a game. Bottom line: If he is to stick around at Arkansas for another year, then he can't afford to let special teams become his team's Achilles heel.

Should Arkansas be doomed to another losing season, don't be surprised if special teams are pointed out as a culprit.