2011-2012 Football Previews – Southeast Conference – Arkansas Razorbacks
The floor-crossing Bobby Petrino may not be the most popular guy in the room, but he’s well-liked enough amongst Hogs fans: he’s led Arkansas back to national relevance.
2011-2012 SEC | Arkansas Razorbacks Football Preview
Coach: Bobby Petrino
2010 Record: 10-3
Arkansas Gambling Odds from Bodog to win BCS: +3000
Arkansas Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2011 Schedule –>
Arkansas was a double-digit win team last year in the ruthless SEC West, and despite losing starting QB Ryan Mallett to the NFL, are poised to be a contender again in 2011.
Looking up at Alabama and LSU is never an enviable spot, but Arkansas is a talented outfit with NFL-calibre talent at many different positions. It all depends on how many of the razorwire SEC games shake out for the Hogs.
Team Strengths
Gone is Mallett, but there is still a buffet of options at junior QB Tyler Wilson’s disposal. Arkansas has an absurdly deep receiver corps, highlighted by Greg Childs, speedy Joe Adams and Jairus Wright, all seniors. The Hogs lose excellent TE D.J. Williams to the NFL, but if any option emerges at TE, Arkansas might have the most well-rounded group of pass catchers in college football.
Another potent offensive weapon is RB Knile Davis, who was a first-team SEC selection last year with 1,322 yards rushing, 13 TDs and an impressive 6.5 yards per carry. These skill-mongers will make the transition for Wilson much easier than one might think.
On the “D”, Arkansas has become relevant and prominent in recent seasons. The Hogs once had a reputation for weak defense, but lately players like DE Jake Bequette and LBs Jerry Franklin and Jericho Nelson have turned that reputation on its head. The Razorbacks are dangerous on both offense and defense in 2011.
Team Weaknesses
There always is some trepidation when an offense must replace an NFLer at quarterback. Wilson has looked good in limited action, but he’s still not Mallett. Mallett had the swagger and the cannon arm to put points on the board instantly, especially with Arkansas’ speed at WR. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
There are some questions on the offensive line; it breaks in some new starters, including a freshman and a converted tight end. Yikes.
The main questions are pivot and O-line; all other position groups either got a little bit less talented but more experienced, or preserved the extensive ability on the depth chart.
2011 Arkansas Football Prediction: 10-3
When it all shakes down, the Hogs should probably be right near where they finished in 2010. The players that have departed should be replaced adequately and oodles of talent remain in certain areas. It will be exciting to see what RB Davis does for an encore and to see if Wilson can spread the ball around enough to make everyone happy.
Although Petrino is known as being a bit of a back-stabber and a floor-crosser in both college and the pros, he has rebuilt this Arkansas team with good recruiting and matching production. Even if his means are a little machiavellian, you can’t say fairer than that.
2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Schedule
9/3/11 12:00 PM ET MSBS
9/10/11 12:00 PM ET NMEX
9/17/11 12:00 PM ET TROY
9/24/11 12:00 PM ET @ALAB
10/1/11 12:00 PM ET TXAM
10/8/11 12:00 PM ET AUB
10/22/11 12:00 PM ET @MISS
10/29/11 12:00 PM ET @VAN
11/5/11 12:00 PM ET SOCAR
11/12/11 12:00 PM ET TENN
11/19/11 12:00 PM ET MISST
11/25/11 2:30 PM ET @LSU
One reply on “2011 Arkansas Razorbacks Gambling Odds | Predictions”
Will the Razorbacks finish with more or less than 8 wins in 2011?