Arkansas Razorbacks Football: 2009 Preview

Senior Analyst Written on July 07, 2009

AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 27: Quarterback Casey Dick #11 of the Arkansas Razorbacks leads the huddle during the game against the Texas Longhorns on September 27, 2008 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. Texas won 52-10. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

(Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

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several times, and if Mallett can simply win the turnover battle, he should be a terrific fit for Petrino's pass happy system.

Arkansas also figures to have one of the most loaded backfields in the conference, with running back Michael Smith returning. Smith has the highest yards per game average of any SEC football running back returning in 2009. He will be joined by two very talented freshmen, Knile Davis and Ronnie Wingo Jr. The Razorbacks offense also returns superstar tight end D.J. Williams, who might just be the best pass catching tight end in the league. Two other wide receivers, Joe Adams and Greg Childs, really stepped up their game in the spring and look poised to be star receivers in the SEC during the 2009 season.

Key Games: September 19 at Georgia and October 24 at Ole Miss

The game against Georgia in Fayatteville will be the first SEC test for the Razorbacks and it will be a stiff one. This game will give Arkansas a chance to prove that they are ready to turn the corner under Bobby Petrino. It will also set the tone for a very tough beginning to the SEC slate.

The game against Ole Miss comes right at the end of that tough stretch, and could make or break the Razorbacks against former head coach Houston Nutt. If the Razorbacks can pull out a win, they'll have some much needed momentum heading into their final five games.

Best/Worst Case: Things certainly won't come easy for the Razorbacks in 2009, as they'll face arguably the toughest road schedule in the nation, with games on the road at Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss and LSU. However, given the amount of returning starters and the arrival of Ryan Mallett, it's hard to see the Arkansas Razorbacks football team doing any worse than they did in 2008.

The ceiling is high for the young Razorbacks, but that absolutely brutal schedule means Arkansas will likely have to wait until 2010 before they're seriously in contention for the SEC West. We'll say the worst Arkansas will do this season is five losses, with the best case scenario being an eight-win season with a good bowl trip.

Follow our entire SEC Preview series at SEC Sports Hub - SEC Football.

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written on July 07, 2009 Preview/Prediction