2009 SEC Preview: Arkansas Razorbacks

2008 Record: 5-7

Head Coach: Bobby Petrino

The Razorbacks had their struggles in 2008, going 5-7, and losing five of six games in the middle of the season. By the end of the season though, Arkansas started playing better and capped off their season with a win over LSU at home.

This season, the Razorbacks return the majority of their starters on both sides of the ball, but the key ingredient in 2009 will be now eligible Michigan transfer quarterback Ryan Mallett.

If the Hogs get improved play from their defense, and Mallett is everything he's hyped to be, the Razorbacks could be back bowling in Petrino's second year.

Three Easiest Games

1. Missouri State 9/5

2. Eastern Michigan 10/31

3. Troy 11/14

The Hogs have a very manageable non-conference schedule with the three games mentioned above all at home. With a tough SEC schedule, two of these three games are as good as a bye, and Troy should be a win as well.

Three Hardest Games

1. At Florida 10/17

2. At Alabama 9/26

3. At LSU 11/28

In a word—ouch. Arkansas has to play maybe the three best teams in the league, all on the road in 2009. Fortunately for the Hogs, the games are spread out, but their first seven games are brutal. After Missouri State, their next games go like this; Georgia, at Alabama, at Texas A&M, Auburn, at Florida, and at Ole Miss. Not easy.

Top Offensive and Defensive Players

Offense: Michael Smith, RB, Senior

Michael Smith broke out of Darren McFadden's shadow last season with a great year. Smith accounted for over 1,000 yards rushing and 300 yards receiving as a junior, and recorded 10 total touchdowns. He did that while missing two games last season as well.

Defense: Malcolm Sheppard, DT, Senior

Malcolm Sheppard returns in 2009, poised for a big year. The senior had 53 tackles last season, but more impressive was his 13 solo tackles for loss, and his five solo sacks with five more assisted. The senior has been a part of 35 tackles for loss in his career, and looks to have another great year this season.

Breakout Player

Joe Adams, WR, Sophomore

If you don't know his name now, you will soon. In an offense that will want to get the ball down the field, and now with a quarterback that has the arm to make it happen, look for Adams to breakout as one of the SEC's best receivers in 2009.

While Adams had a modest 377 yards receiving with one touchdown last season, he can fly when he gets in the open field. Throw in a big time quarterback to get him the ball—watch out.

Number One Strength and Concern

Strength: Running Back

With maybe the best overall player on the team returning in Michael Smith, throw in sophomore Dennis Johnson, who ran for 127 yards in Smith's absence in the upset win over LSU, and sophomore D'Anthony Curtis, who was a highly recruited back out of high school, and the Hogs look solid in the backfield.

Concern: Defensive Backs' Experience

They graduated four seniors who played in over 40 combined games last season, and their starting corners and safeties coming out of spring consist of two sophomores, a freshman, and a junior. The good thing is the players coming back did get some playing time, but now it's on their shoulders, and only two of the four backups have seen significant playing time.

2009 is a Successful Season If?

In Bobby Petrino's second year, there is lots of anticipation, throw in a big time quarterback in Ryan Mallett and his expectations, and a bowl game is where this team should be after the regular season.

The schedule is pretty tough, but they should pick up three non-conference wins for sure, and with home games against Auburn, South Carolina, and Mississippi State in conference, those are their best six chances to get wins.

If they falter at home in one of those three games, it could be a tough road as they face LSU, Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M on the road, and Georgia at home.

The Razorbacks return as many starters as anyone in the league, so while their schedule doesn't look great, a quarterback like Mallett and a back like Smith should be enough to carry the Hogs to a bowl game, even if it's a 6-6 or 7-5 type season.