Jimmy Carter.

I don’t believe in moral victories.

UConn beat Arkansas by 13 points. The Razorbacks didn’t win.

It was easy to see the Hogs’ progress in a 75-62 loss, though.

The game had all the signs of being another big road loss, similar to the 76-49 debacle in Austin against an average Texas team last season.

The Huskies were the more experienced team, had the homecourt advantage and the talent advantage.

Arkansas started fast, taking an 8-1 lead in the first four minutes. UConn responded with a 21-4 run and it looked like the game would be over by halftime.

A funny thing happened, though.

The Razorbacks hung around. Not only did they hang around, they were in the game with less than seven minutes left.

The Huskies were clearly the more complete team and pulled away late for the win, but the Hogs didn’t make it easy or lay down. What a difference a year makes.

Arkansas is just seven games into the season, but it’s easy to see the difference with Mike Anderson on the bench.

The Razorbacks play with passion and purpose. There’s a system and everyone on the team has a job.

UConn shot 59 percent, while the Hogs managed just 31 percent. That stat shows how impressive and gritty an effort it took for Arkansas to keep the game close.

The Razorbacks are going to be a tough out for anyone they play because they play smart, aggressive and are well-coached.

That’s not to say there won’t be growing pains this season. There might be a lot.

It was clear Saturday that there was a talent gap on the floor.

The Hogs’ older guards struggle to consistently get a shot off on the perimeter against good defenders.

Arkansas grabbed 27 offensive rebounds and outrebounded the Huskies 47-35, but are undermanned inside and need a low-post scorer. *cough* Jarnell Stokes *cough*

There is talent there, though.

BJ Young showed why he was a consensus five-star prospect, scoring from 3-point range, driving to the basket and doing it all while letting the game come to him.

He was the most impressive player in a game against the defending national champions and on a court with seven of the top 100 players in the 2012 recruiting.

He and fellow freshman guard Ky Madden have skill and savvy. If the Razorbacks can keep the duo for three years, they will be one of the most dynamic backcourts in the Southeastern Conference, if they aren’t already next year.

Freshman forward Devonta Abron hadn’t shown much in the Hogs’ first six games, but played like a beast against a UConn team with seven players 6-foot-8 or taller, grabbing 16 rebounds, including 12 offensive.

He and fellow freshman forward Hunter Mickelson weren’t on the court much together, but played well when they were. Mickelson’s skill and length compliments Abron’s strength and width.

The freshmen’s play against the Huskies was impressive, especially in their first collegiate road game and against their first ranked opponent. It’s clear that they can play Anderson’s system and will get better with experience.

It’s also clear not everyone can play his system and this isn’t a team talented enough to accomplish what he wants – a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

It is a team that proved it can compete with anyone and won’t back down, though, a staple of Anderson’s coaching tenure.

Add in a player of Stokes’ caliber and Arkansas could become a team that will not only compete with anyone, but can beat them, too.

What a difference a year can make.

Jimmy Carter is the sports editor for The Arkansas Traveler. His column appears every Tuesday. Follow him on Twitter @jicartersports.