A team that could be surprise some opponents in the SEC is the Arkansas Razorbacks. The big news in Fayetteville is transfer quarterback Ryan Mallett taking the reigns on offense. Bobby Petrino has always been an great quarterbacks coach and is generally recognized as an offensive genius. Petrino will find a way to score points and should have a much easier time during his second season as head coach of the Razorbacks. Mallett, a sophomore, transfered from Michigan after Rich Rodriguez made it known that he was less than thrilled with Mallett in his version of the spread offense. He has a big time arm and stands at 6'7, so he should have no problems seeing the field. Mallett has some weapons returning on offense with guys like junior tight end DJ Williams and small, but deadly running back Michael Smith. Replacing two offensive linemen will be an important key to success for Arkansas.
The defense has no choice but to improve from last year when the Razorbacks ranked last in the SEC. Arkansas gave up at least 21 points in every single game last year. Typically, defense is king in the SEC, but Petrino is a guy who is more aggressive than most head coaches. If the Razorbacks want to improve on last year's 5-7 record, the returning starters will need to rely on their experience to control field position. Defensive end Malcom Shepard had 6.5 sacks last year and loves to wreak havoc in the backfield. With seven upperclassmen starting on defense, I expect to see the unit improve from last year.
On special teams, the Razorbacks didn't make a field goal attempt over 30 yards last year. That is unacceptable for a big time college program. Kicker Alex Tejada had a big time sophomore slump last season after an impressive freshmen campaign. He will need to regain his first year form to keep his job this year. The Razorbacks will also break in a new punter in 2009.
The schedule for the Razorbacks is moderate: road games at Alabama, Texas A&M, Florida, Ole Miss, and LSU. The 'backs also take on UGA, Auburn, South Carolina, and Mississippi State at home along with what could be a tough out of conference home game against Troy. With five of their last six games at home, the Razorbacks could find themselves in the middle of the pack in the SEC West if they can manage to control things on defense while Mallett and the offense get rolling.
PREDICTION:
Realistic Best Case Scenario: 9-3
Realistic Worst Case Scenario: 5-7
X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 8-4 (5-3) 3rd Place in the SEC West
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