This week we've been taking a glance at the key offseason questions facing every team in the SEC. Now we turn our attention to Arkansas, which finished 7-6 in 2016.

1. Who will run the defense?

This is priority No. 1 for head coach Bret Bielema after news surfaced that Robb Smith, the Razorbacks' defensive coordinator the last three years, is moving on to Minnesota to join P.J. Fleck's staff. Bielema must fill that void first and foremost, and whoever gets the job has his work cut out for him. The Razorbacks lose a significant chunk of their defensive line plus their best linebacker, Brooks Ellis, and the unit has to improve. The Razorbacks allowed 37.1 points per game to Power 5 conference competition, which was next-to-last in the SEC and 81st nationally. They also allowed an SEC-worst 7.34 yards per play; that number was also the worst among FBS teams who played at least 10 Power 5 opponents.

2. Can the Razorbacks better protect their quarterback?

Starting quarterback Austin Allen had a solid first season as a starter, but he took a beating. Arkansas allowed 35 sacks, the second-most in the SEC. Even so, Allen kept getting back up and didn't miss a single game. With a running game that should only get better with Rawleigh Williams III and Devwah Whaley returning, the Razorbacks can be a more explosive offense if they can keep Allen a little more clean. With four starting offensive linemen returning, there should be less shuffling up front than there was early on in 2016 as the Hogs tried to find the right starting combination. The tough part is they must replace their left tackle, All-SEC selection Dan Skipper.

3. Who will step up at receiver?

Four of the Razorbacks' top five pass-catchers in 2016 were seniors and will be gone, including leading receiver Drew Morgan (65 receptions), Keon Hatcher (who led the team with eight touchdowns) and tight end Jeremy Sprinkle. The good news? Jared Cornelius, who performed admirably in the slot, will be back. Cheyenne O'Grady, a talented young tight end, caught a touchdown in the Belk Bowl while replacing a suspended Sprinkle, flashing a glimpse of what could be to come. He'll have competition though, as the Razorbacks signed the nation's top junior college tight end (Jeremy Patton). Also coming to help the receiving corps is the ESPN JC 50 No. 2 overall player, receiver Brandon Martin. Both will have a chance to compete for spots right away after signing in December.