Chris Bahn: Improved Offensive Options Don't Mean Improved Offensive Statistics For All Razorbacks

Between the two of them, tailback Michael Smith and tight end D.J. Williams accounted for 2,093 yards of total offense for Arkansas in 2008. They scored 13 touchdowns, earning a good bit of regional and national recognition along the way.

Smith was named second-team all-SEC by media and coaches. Williams garnered all-SEC first-team billing from media and was the first Razorback in school history to become a semifinalist for the Mackey Award, given annually to the nation's best tight end.

It wouldn't take much convincing for folks to agree that Smith and Williams were the Arkansas offense in 2008.  This year? Not so much.

Smith still leads the team in total rushing yards, but he's on track for a 540-yard season. He's got one rushing touchdown and at his current rate of one every four games, Smith could have three by the end of the year, matching his lowest output ever.

Williams isn't faring any better. He's fifth on the team in receptions with eight and might break 300 yards receiving if he continues like this.

So what gives? Did Williams and Smith get worse? Are the defenses better than what Arkansas saw last year? Hardly. Defenses are better geared to stop Smith and Williams, but they knew what was coming last year, so there's got to be more to it.

What's with the disappearing act?

Part of it has to do with quarterback Ryan Mallett. While Mallett's great decision-making and strong arm have been good for the offense as a whole, those skills have actually held Williams and Smith back to a degree.

Last year, those two guys were more or less security blankets for Casey Dick.

Dick was comfortable to dump the ball to Williams when he didn't like what he saw on the field on passing plays. When he really didn't like what he saw pre-snap, Dick would check into a running play for Smith.