College Football Predictions – Arkansas Razorbacks 2010

The 2009 Arkansas Razorbacks went 9-4 in College Football Picks, going 7-5 against spread, beating the betting odds overall 6 times and less than 6 times. Coach Bobby Petrino enters his third season in Fayetteville with a team that could be the surprise team in the SEC West. The Razorbacks finished fourth last year beating every team they were supposed to beat and losing every time they were supposed to lose as well, ending the season with a 20-17 Liberty Bowl overtime victory over East Carolina. . The Hogs were one of the highest scoring teams in the country, averaging just over 36 points per game which was good enough for 9th overall in the nation. Arkansas passed for just over 295 yards per game, which ranked 10th nationally, and overall the team ranked 20th in the country at 427.3 yards per game. The Razorback’s defense was as bad as the offense was good, allowing over 401 yards per game on the ground and through the air, that stat converted to opponents scoring 25.1 points per game.

The Razorbacks should be better on both sides of the ball in 2010, but the offense will be especially talented at the skill positions. 2009 offensive coordinator Paul Petrino left for the same job at Illinois, the Razorbacks won’t miss a beat, quarterbacks coach Garrick McGhee has been promoted to offensive coordinator. Quarterback Ryan Mallett will have a talented group of receivers to include Joe Adams, Greg Childs and Jarius Wright. Tight end DJ Williams is also a valuable weapon. Mallett set school records last year by throwing for 3,624 yards and 30 touchdowns, this kid is a legitimate Heisman candidate in 2010. Running back Ronnie Wingo could be a rising star and the offensive line has four starters.

On the other side of the ball, the Hogs need to develop it, they want to compete with Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, and Auburn and become a top SEC football program. The pressure will be on defensive coordinator Willy Robinson, especially when it comes to pass defense, which has been terrible. Cornerback Isaac Madison returns to the lineup after missing all of 2009 with a knee injury. Linebacker Jerry Franklin is looking to become the first Razorback player to lead the team in tackles three straight seasons and the defensive line needs to step up their game, defensive end Jake Bequette led the team in sacks and rushes last year.