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 assumed that Malzahn would be able to execute his spread, no-huddle strategy at Arkansas. Over the course of the season, there were speculations that this offense was not being employed and that Malzahn's authority over it was less than he had been assured, allegations that Malzahn has not publicly denied.