Newly hired Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Paul Haynes is looking forward to the challenge of turning around a unit that ranked 51st in total defense in 2011 and possibly relieving some pressure off head coach Bobby Petrino's offense, Robbie Neiswanger of the Arkansas News reports.
Cotton Bowl 2012: New Arkansas Defensive Coordinator Eager For Challenge
“We know our offense can put up points. We’ve got to take the pressure off of them in not having to win games 45-40,” Haynes said. “Be an effective defense. Our goal — and we’re not going to sell ourselves short — is to be the best defense in the country.”
Haynes replaces Wily Robinson, who was dismissed last week.
One might argue a better, more attainable goal would be becoming a better defense within the SEC, where the Razorbacks ranked ninth in 2011. Four SEC defenses allowed more than 100 yards less per game than Arkansas’ 371.4-yard average in 2011.
Six schools, including Vanderbilt, ranked in the Top 20 nationally in total defense.
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