Arkansas Razorbacks 2009 Season Preview/Prediction
The College Football season may be 3-4 weeks away but our man James Hayes has been deep in study and will provide his take and 2009 College Football Predictions on as many NCAA teams as he can before the 2009/10 season kicks off.
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Coach: Bobby Petrino
2008 Record: 5-7
While the Razorbacks are in for some tough sledding playing in the SEC West, they have plenty of intriguing players, which should help them in the wins ledger. Although cursed by many for his lack of loyalty (and perhaps morality) one merely has to look at Coach Petrino’s track record
Arkansas Gambling Odds from Betus.com to win BCS: +10000
— for instance, building a Louisville program that quickly disintegrated without him — to see that the Hogs are on the road to betterment.
There are dynamic players sprinkled all over the depth chart. Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising is new quarterback Ryan Mallett, a 6″7, 250 lb pocket passer. He transferred from Michigan when newly-arrived coach Rich Rodriguez brought in his spread/shotgun style attack. One could correctly guess that Mallett possesses a cannon arm. More importantly, he has speed at wideout to make the offense dangerous. The aerial show will be complemented by a ground attack featuring lightning-quick senior Michael Smith and 240 lb USC transfer Broderick Green.
Team Strengths
Smith, Green, soph WR Joe Adams and TE D.J. Williams make up the weapons Mallett will use to make the offense prolific. The Hogs also return the bulk of their defense, highlighted by linebacker Jerry Franklin and interior lineman Malcolm Sheppard.
On the offensive line, RG Mitch Petrus joined the team as a walk-on but he’s become perhaps Arkansas’ best lineman.
Team Weaknesses
Despite a swagger and an arm that could shatter granite, Mallett hasn’t proven anything yet. Also, with his massive size he isn’t very mobile, so the Razorbacks’ heavy-set offensive line will have to improve their pass protection. The squad also loses veteran punter Jeremy Davis, bringing in a JUCO to fill his spot.
Arkansas is not dealt any favors on the schedule. The team plays at Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida and LSU. Georgia and Auburn come to Fayetteville, and the Hogs also play an interesting game in Arlington, TX versus Texas A&M.
Arkansas has the roster to pull some upsets; perhaps seeing if the flaky Petrino is committed will prove what tangible direction this team is heading.
2009 Arkansas Razorbacks Record Prediction: 8-5
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2 replies on “2009 Arkansas Razorbacks Gambling Odds”
I lost any small amount of respect I had for Bobby Petrino when he jumped ship a couple of years ago in Atlanta. I hope he falls flat on his face this season, and the Razorback alumni run him right out of town
Ryan Mallett, a transfer from Michigan, is expected to be the best quarterback that Arkansas has seen in quite some time. Casey Dick was a decent signal caller, but Mallett can win games for the Razorbacks while Dick just did what he could not to lose them. With tight end D.J. Williams and receivers Joe Adams, London Crawford and Lucas Miller all returning, Mallett should be in for a big, big year. And the passing attack will get plenty of help from the rushers in the backfield. The diminutive Michael Smith ran for over 1,000 yards last year and there is plenty of depth behind him just in case his hamstring injury develops into a big problem. Dennis Johnson was the team’s second leading rusher last season, but recruits Ronnie Wingo and Knile Davis will also be in the mix, as well as USC transfer Broderick Green.
Assuming Mallett lives up to his hype, the Arkansas offense should be in good shape. In fact, now that Smith has emerged as an elusive running back, the Razorbacks could put up a ton of points in a hurry. The difference between a trip to a bowl game and another disappointing season will be the play of the defense. If they can improve and at least not rank last in the conference in total defense, this is a team that should make it to a bowl despite a tough schedule.