FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman remains undefeated in bowl games, now with a perfect 3-0 record. While some might add qualifiers to every win, Pittman’s flawless bowl record stands as a stark contrast to the struggles of his predecessor, Ken Hatfield, who endured a 1-5 bowl record despite leading teams that were competitive nationally for much of his tenure.
That history paints a colder picture of the Razorbacks’ offseasons, especially considering two of those losses came during bowl games where quarterback Quinn Grovey battled illness, including back-to-back Cotton Bowls and a tough Orange Bowl against Oklahoma, which was revenge for the Hogs’ dominant 1977 victory. Regardless of the circumstances, the bowl record remains a lingering issue.
Even Houston Nutt, who posted a solid winning percentage, faced the same postseason struggles, finishing 2-5 in bowl games, despite his overall success. This reality has haunted the Razorbacks for years, making Pittman’s undefeated bowl performance all the more significant.
After the Razorbacks secured a 39-26 victory over a shorthanded Texas Tech team in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, optimism for the next season has reached new heights. Pittman’s joy was palpable after the win, but fans should temper their expectations. Legendary coach Lou Holtz wisely warned after an Orange Bowl victory, “last year has nothing to do with this year.”
While a win is always a boost, it’s important not to read too much into it. By the time the Razorbacks hit the field for fall practices, some players from this game may no longer be on the roster. With the transfer portal still in play — with one window closing and another opening in April — the landscape can change rapidly. We’ve seen players transfer even after spring practice finishes.
For now, fans can relish the victory and the hope it brings, but remember: what happens in the bowl game doesn’t guarantee success in the season ahead. Pittman’s focus is already shifting to filling roster gaps and preparing for the next chapter, one puzzle piece at a time.
