These players felt that Malzahn would be able to implement his spread, no-huddle offense at Arkansas. Over the course of the season, speculation arose that this offense was not being implemented and that Malzahn had less control over the offense than he was promised, claims that Malzahn has not verified publicly. Some of the parents of these players met with Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles in December to question the role of their sons on the team.
These players believed that Malzahn would be able to put his spread, no-huddle offense into practice at Arkansas. Throughout the season, rumors emerged that this offense was not being implemented and that Malzahn had less control over it than he was guaranteed, assertions that Malzahn has not publicly confirmed.