Bobby Petrino believes Arkansas football's offense is rounding into form to end preseason

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas football offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino was not a happy camper walking off the field inside Reynolds Razorback Stadium after the second scrimmage of fall camp.

His quarterbacks had just thrown eight combined interceptions — with Taylen Green tossing two — and the offensive line struggled to protect the passers. There were some positives, like the Razorbacks' work in situation drills and some explosive plays that led to touchdowns, but overall it was a win for the defense.

But according to Petrino, the offense has put those struggles behind them. He believes the four practices since have been some of Arkansas' best all fall, and things are starting to come together for the offense on the eve of the regular season.

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"I think this was a really good week for us," Petrino said after Arkansas' closed practice Tuesday.

"We got into some game situation prep I guess you would say, some of the stuff you do in a game and it was fun to see our players react to it and learn it. Obviously, we’ve still got another week to get ready for our game, but this was really good for that and how you practice and how you prepare for it."

Petrino believes the Hogs are finalizing their offensive identity with fall camp behind them.

He's starting to understand the best way to run the football with his personnel, and E'Marion Harris' emergence at left guard has brought some consistency to the offensive line. Petrino was surprised that the defensive line was so far ahead to start fall camp, but Harris has helped balance the scales.

Petrino did mention Tuesday that Patrick Kutas, the regular starter at left guard, has participated in 'some work' at practice this week after missing considerable time with a back injury.

But the catalyst behind the uptick in play has been Petrino's quarterback.

"I think this week (Green's) been as good as he’s been, his accuracy and making all the different throws," Petrino said. "He can really throw it down the field, but he can also make the medium-range throws you have to make to move the sticks."

Arkansas fans will get their first true look at the Boise State transfer down in Little Rock. The Hogs open the season against Arkansas Pine-Bluff on Aug. 31 (6:30 p.m. CT, ESPNU).

But that night will also be a special one for Petrino, who will make his return to the sideline in the Razorbacks' signature cardinal and white. He last coached a game for Arkansas on Jan. 6, 2012, in a 29-16 win over Kansas State at the Cotton Bowl.

Petrino said the grind of fall camp has prevented him from thinking about what emotions he might feel walking onto the War Memorial Stadium field, but he's excited for whatever is in store.

"I’m looking forward to it," Petrino said. "I’ve always enjoyed going down to Little Rock and playing down in Little Rock. I think it’ll be fun. I can’t wait ’til we get down there."

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Bobby Petrino believes Arkansas football's offense is rounding into form to end preseason