#15 Arkansas Razorbacks

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Arkansas

The Arkansas Razorbacks are entering one of the most interesting seasons in NCAA history. Well, the games may not be interesting, but the coaching situation sure is and read about plenty of it here since Petrino’s wreck with that blonde girl on the back of his motorcycle. Petrino has since been replaced by John L. Smith, who won’t improve the offensive game any but may help on the defensive side of the ball.

Since Arkansas won’t have their offensive guru with them this season, I expect a slight drop from the Razorbacks. Of course they may come out and prove me wrong and win the SEC, they definitely have the talent to do so.

Senior quarterback Tyler Wilson is one of the best in the country. Wilson threw for 3600 yards last season and 24 TDs with only one game under 200 yards (Alabama … LSU allowed 207 for those wondering). Wilson will have his feature back, Junior running back Knile Davis, that the Hogs were missing last season in his back field, at least as of this moment he is predicted to be back at 100%.

Wilson won’t have receivers Jarius Wright or Joe Adams as both are now in the NFL, and he won’t have receiver Marquel Wade after he was dismissed from the team. Wade was expected to be a big part of the offense this season as well as the return game.

The Hogs defense wasn’t terrible last season and three of their four defensive linemen are back, along with four other defensive starters.

Why Arkansas should be ranked higher:
Tyler Wilson is the real deal. The Hogs get Knile Davis back. Between those two, Arkansas could end up second in the SEC West.

Why Arkansas shouldn’t be ranked higher:
The Razorbacks lost their head coach, a guy that was very respected on the offensive side of the ball. Also, while the Hogs face Alabama and LSU at home, they still have to face Alabama and LSU (yes, I did that on purpose), along with A&M, Auburn, South Carolina, and a very underrated Mississippi State on the road. Not too easy to get through all of those games with more than 2 losses.

Returning Starters: 7 Offense / 6 Defense

Best games: Alabama, at Texas A&M, at Auburn, at South Carolina, LSU

2011 Total Offense: 29th (13th passing)

2011 Total Defense: 47th

2011 Turnover margin: 49th

Championship odds: 40:1

Projected record: 10 – 2

15. Arkansas, 16. Kansas State, 17. Texas, 18. Nebraska, 19. Ohio State, 20. South Carolina, 21. Stanford, 22. Oklahoma State, 23. Boise State, 24. Cincinnati, 25. Notre Dame