Arkansas' defense experienced stranger things in escape

Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Josh Liddell (28) faces off Coastal Carolina Chanticleers running back Jacqez Hairston (28) during a football game on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville

— It's probably doubtful Arkansas defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads has had the time to watch any of the second season of Netflix’ supernatural hit series Stranger Things.

But he did see some things that just didn’t make sense to him Saturday during a 39-38 win over Coastal Carolina, who came into the game just 1-7.

“We had some strange things that took place in the game,” Rhoads said. “Our first down efficiency was as good as it has been as far as allowing three yards or less on first down. We hit 60 percent and that’s a high number to hit. We held them to under 3.5 yards per rush and that is what you like to do in stopping the run.

“We tackled well, we had only eight missed tackles on the day. We played smart. We only had four busts. We played hard, our strain to finish level was high.”

But the Chanticleers put up 38 points - including a defensive touchdown - and no one walked away with a great feeling about how the defense played.

“So why so many points then and why did it feel like you didn’t play good defense?,” Rhoads said. “Well, 45 yards in penalties on the first two touchdowns drives. We had an opportunity to be third and 18 on the first drive and end the drive without a touchdown. We had an opportunity to be third and 13 on the second drive to end the drive and be off the field without any points.

"You can't give up those kinds of penalty yards and expect to be successful.”

Coastal Carolina had several huge pass plays where Arkansas defenders had coverage, but didn’t turn their heads around to make plays.

“We got beat at multiple spots," Rhoads said. "We got beat in multiple techniques. We got beat in zone, we got beat in man.

“At the end of the game, the same balls we were getting beat on, we are making plays on. That is what we have got to get back to, making plays on a consistent level in order to a chance to compete in this ball game.”

Arkansas’ defense did play well down the stretch according to Rhoads.

"That was needed, but yet good to see," Rhoads said. "The last three series we were three and out and three and out and four and out to win the game. When they had to get it accomplished they did.”

Arkansas is hopeful it will have safety DeAndre Coley - who has missed the last three games - and cornerback Britt Tutt back for Saturday’s 11 a.m game at LSU.

“Not having De'Andre has certainly hurt us in the last couple of weeks," Rhoads said. "He was really practicing well going into that game when he went down. We are anxious to have him back this week. We will have him back. I don’t know if he will be full strength, but we will have him back.

“He gives us production, he gives us a fresh body, which makes (safety) Josh (Liddell) better conditioned for a full game when it comes to that.”

Tutt’s availability brings depth to a group that includes starters Henre’ Toliver, Kevin Richardson and Kamren Curl, as well as fellow true freshman reserve Chevin Calloway.

“Not only having those guys on the game field, but having them on the practice field will be a benefit to us this week," Rhoads said.

Arkansas defensive end McTelvin “Sosa” Agim has missed four of the last eight quarters after being suspended for the first quarter against Ole Miss and being ejected for targeting in last Saturday’s game.

“Sosa is a very powerful and explosive kid,” Rhoads said. “At that position, that’s very important to our defense. He has the ability to be a playmaker and a very productive player.

“When you take that away from your lineup, you lose that component. Fortunate that it (the ejection) happened in the first half and we’ll have him for a complete game. I look forward to having him for a complete game.”

LSU certainly has a host of playmakers, including running back Derrius Guice.

“I think he's a tremendous back,” Rhoads said. “I shared with you a week ago, I think it was, who I thought were the best backs that we've faced thus far and he's right there at the top of the list. I say that based on exactly what we saw last year. He's a really good football player and so is (Darrell Williams). Maybe as good of a 1-2 punch as the Alabama backs or the Auburn backs. We'll be challenged by that.

LSU will likely pass the ball a lot, too, because of Arkansas’ pass defense struggles.

“I don't think there's any doubt that they'll do it again this week,” Rhoads said. “I also know we have to be able to stop the north and south run piece of it before they have to do that to expand what it is that they're doing.

“In last week's game, Alabama took away a good bit of the run portion of it and forced them into some of those throws. When they went to those throws, they had success. You're talking about 6-6 and 6-6 and 6-4, I mean, these are big, good-looking receivers that can get it and can make plays."

LSU has opened up its offense some under offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who was once an assistant at Wisconsin for Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema.

“What I know is what I see on film right now,” Rhoads said. “It’s a very interesting concept what they do with all the shifts, all the motions. They try to unsettle you. They try to get your eyes where they’re not supposed to be, try to get you out of alignment, try to get you out of leverage, and then take advantage of it from there.”