Can Arkansas Line Up Another New Year's Day Bowl?

SEC West No. 4: Arkansas Razorbacks

2007 Results and Offseason

Arkansas played in their second straight New Year's Day Bowl, led by the outstanding running back tandem of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.  Both left early for the NFL, and HC Houston Nutt bolted for Oxford.  After a lengthy head coaching search, Arkansas plucked Bobby Petrino from the Atlanta Falcons to come to Fayetteville.

2007 Record: 8-5 (4-4)

Ret. Starters: 10

Ret. Lettermen: 43

Off PPG: 34.3 (3rd), RYPG: 282.4 (1st), PYPG: 149.8 (12th)

Def PPG: 31.1 (10th), RYPG: 142.4 (6th), PYPG: 249.6 (10th)

Offense (Six Ret. Starters, 19 Ret. Lettermen)

Casey Dick is back for the Hogs at QB and should have better passing stats under Petrino's system.  His younger brother Nathan Dick could press his older brother.  Do not rule out true freshman Jim Youngblood if he shows a lot of promise for the future.  Ryan Mallett (Michigan transfer) lost his appeal and will sit out '08.

Arkansas led the SEC in rushing last season, but Darren McFadden and Felix Jones are both gone to the NFL (first round draftees).  DeAnthony Curtis is a true freshman and could very well start.  The leading returning rusher is junior Michael Smith.  FB Peyton Hillis is also gone.

At wideout, Arkansas lost its top four receivers (three of which were also their top rushers).  Lucas Adams is the leading returner, but expect true frosh Joe Adams (originally a USC commit) to also figure in.

Arkansas does return Rimington Award winner C Jonathan Luigs, along with three other starters on the O-line.  Petrino's system will bring some changes to the blocking schemes.

Defense (Four Ret. Starters, 21 Ret. Lettermen)

The Razorbacks lost their top six tacklers off a defense that struggled against the pass.  Leading returning tackler Freddie Fairchild was dismissed in June, leaving an entirely new unit at LB.

The D-line will be led by DT Malcolm Sheppard, who had 10 TFL last season.  Three other starters return on the line as well.

The secondary lost all four starters from last year.  CB Jerell Norton had five INTs and 11 pass breakups.  This unit allowed close to 250 ypg, and the loss of all four starters does not help.

The Hogs are very strong up front but need time to gel in the back seven.

Special Teams

Both kickers return, but neither was spectacular in '07.  Norton will likely return punts again, but someone new will be back on kickoffs to replace the dangerous Jones and McFadden.

Recruiting: Link

Schedule

The non-conference schedule has longtime SWC rival @Texas on Sep. 13.  W. Illinois, UL-Monroe, and Tulsa visit.  From the East, Arkansas draws vFlorida, @Kentucky, and @So. Carolina.  The game @Miss State on Nov. 22 could sway the season.

Final Thoughts

Petrino's ugly exit to Arkansas makes him the bad guy in the SEC this season.  At first I was wondering why Nutt would be pushed out, but when they hired Petrino, I said, "Oh, that's why!"

A big myth about Petrino's offense is that he likes to throw a lot, but just like Steve Spurrier, the Arkansas HC is very balanced.  This year will be rough with all the new starters, and no bowl is very possible.

Prediction

Likely Loss: @Texas, @Auburn, vLSU

Likely Win: vW. Ill, vULM

5-7 (2-6)

Next up is SEC East No. 4 South Carolina

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