Arkansas Football: Odds Suggest Razorbacks Will Not Miss Bobby Petrino

Summer is here, and that means college football is right around the corner. What better way to pass the time than look at how the oddsmakers view the SEC?

Bovada released its odds to win the BCS National Championship, conferences and divisions this week. It should come as no surprise that Alabama and LSU are both predicted to win the SEC West. The two juggernauts have 8/5 odds right now to win the SEC West.

But what about Arkansas?

The loss of Bobby Petrino didn't seem to hurt the Razorbacks that much. The Hogs are currently listed at 4/1 to win the SEC West.

Bottom line, the oddsmakers still love the players on Arkansas' roster.

As well they should.

Arkansas has two legitimate Heisman Trophy contenders in quarterback Tyler Wilson and running back Knile Davis. There is some doubt, though, whether or not Davis can come back at 100 percent after breaking his ankle last summer. If he can, he will be one of—if not the—best running back in the SEC.

The loss of three star wide receivers will be minimized by the return of wide receiver Cobi Hamilton and tight end Chris Gragg, both of whom eclipsed the 500-yard receiving mark last season. If the suspended wide receiver Marquel Wade is welcomed back, that's three legitimate downfield threats for Wilson to find.

The one question on offense is the offensive line, but the return of Knile Davis and a stable rushing attack should take at least some pressure off of Wilson. 

Defensively, there are some questions. But the move of Tenarius Wright to linebacker should help, as long as junior college transfer Austin Flynn can step up at defensive end. Plus, the addition of Paul Haynes as defensive coordinator should improve a defense that was woeful under former defensive coordinator Willy Robinson.

Oddsmakers are still high on the Hogs. The offense is still very potent. Plus, with home games against Alabama and LSU—their two primary competitors in the SEC West—the schedule sets up nicely.

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