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2012 Arkansas Razorbacks College Gambling Odds | Predictions

2012-13 Football Previews – (SEC) – Arkansas Razorbacks

The Hogs have really taken a step forward in the last several seasons, but this off-season has been shrouded in controversy (not unlike many other scenarios in the world of college football). The lying and sex scandal that precipitated the firing of head coach Bobby Petrino should hopefully not affect the product on the field in Fayetteville in 2012, but who knows? At the very least, Arkansas could miss Petrino’s aggressive play-calling.

SEC 2012-13 Football Previews: Arkansas Razorbacks
Coach: John L. Smith
2011 Record: 11-2
Arkansas Gambling Odds from Bovada.lv to win BCS: 22-1
Arkansas Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2012 Schedule –>

This is a team that is nearly as talented as divisional rivals LSU and Alabama, but can the Hogs put everything else behind them?

The Razorbacks have grown a reputation for having a dangerous team, and for good reason. The offense has been deadly for several seasons now, with a high-octane vertical passing attack and good RBs. Even more notable is how the Hogs’ defense has gradually improved to approach the proficiency of the offense.

Petrino led much of this evolution into a powerhouse program; jerk though he is, Petrino has been so coveted in the past because he is a damn good football coach. In comes John L. Smith to hold the clipboard, who had a role as a co-ordinator at Arkansas and has head coaching experience at Michigan State and Louisville.

At least Smith has pieces to work with. Starting pivot Tyler Wilson returns, he is the best QB in the SEC (with apologies to Georgia’s Aaron Murray). Along with Wilson is an excellent RB duo in Knile Davis (back from a broken ankle last year) and leading returning rusher Dennis Johnson. Wilson also has a phenomenal target to throw to in 6”3, 209-lb senior WR Cobi Hamilton. The Hogs’ offensive line should be decent, if not spectacular. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

On “D”, Arkansas has some legitimate players such as LB Alonzo Highsmith, DT Byran Jones and safety Eric Bennett. Nobody would confuse Arkansas’ defense for Alabama’s or LSU’s, but they do enough to make Arkansas very dangerous, given the explosive offensive schemes. Kicker Zach Hocker and P Dylan Breeding should keep Arkansas special teams in good shape, as will the respectable team speed on the return and kick-off squads.

2012-13 Arkansas Football Prediction: 10-3

This is kind of a difficult team to get a gauge on. With Petrino holding the clipboard and up to his usual hijinks, I think the Hogs had the horsepower to seriously challenge LSU or ’Bama. The problem is that Petrino was up to his hijinks, it was just away from the football field. Consequently, Smith and his staff must hit the ground running with a talented team in an uncannily challenging division and conference.

There is no doubt that Arkansas has the offense to score on any team in the nation; Wilson should have another great year and no one wants to play in Fayetteville, given how the fans have embraced this upstart team. However, an off-season of distractions and media scrutiny can always derail a promising team. If someone goes down to injury or if a player missteps, the pressure will only mount.

Arkansas gets Alabama and LSU at home this season, and draws South Carolina out of the East division (which could be far worse). Still, I see this Razorbacks team not quite living up to expectations and – though they will be very impressive at times – finishing behind the top two teams in the West.

2012 Schedule

9/1/12 TBD JACST
9/8/12 TBD @ULMON
9/15/12 TBD ALAB
9/22/12 TBD RUTG
9/29/12 TBD @TXAM
10/6/12 TBD @AUB
10/13/12 TBD KENTY
10/27/12 TBD MISS
11/3/12 TBD TULSA
11/10/12 TBD @SOCAR
11/17/12 TBD @MISST
11/23/12 2:30 PM ET LSU

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By James Hayes

James has been naming every player on the EA Sports video game rosters for half a decade now, he’s finally putting his knowledge to better use writing for us here at CappersPicks.com. Your comments are welcome below…Give Us Your Take!