2008 Arkansas Razorbacks
Written June 20, 2008 by Jason Lowry
Even though the team lost the dynamic duo at running back in Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. Head coach Bobby Petrino will have his hands full this season as the Razorbacks only return 11 starters from last year’s team that finished the regular season at 8-5 overall and 4-4 in the SEC West. Professional handicapper Jason Lowry is set to make his 2008 Arkansas Razorbacks football predictions. With so much talent gone there is going to be a number of positions up for grabs this season, and we got a good idea of who is leading the way after spring ball. While many positions won’t be set till the season gets much closer, we are ready to take a look at what the Razorbacks are expected to put out on both sids of the ball.
Offense:
The offensive numbers are likely to way down as they only bring back 6 starters, but the guys the lost were responsible for the majority of the offense. The team still has senior quarterback Casey Dick, who was pretty solid last season throwing for 1,695 yards and 18 touchdowns. At running back they are going to have to find someone to replace the over 2,000 yards and 27 touchdowns McFadden and Jones combined to put up a year ago. It looks like new comer freshman De’Anthony Curtis will play a big role, but expect to see plenty of junior Michael Smith and junior Brandon Barnett. This year the Razorbacks will have to have someone step up at receiver as they lost their 4 top receivers from a year ago. As it look now freshman Joe Adams and sophomore Carlton Salters will join returning junior starter London Crawford. The team returns 3 senior starters on the offensive line, and center Jonathan Luigs. It looks like sophomore DeMarcus Love will take over the job at right guard, and fellow sophomore Ray Dominquez will take over the left tackle spot.
Defense:
The team only returns 5 starters on this side of the ball, and its going to take a lot of improvement from some players if this unit plans on stopping the high powered teams in the SEC. The team returns all its starters up front as they return 3 on the line including senior defensive tackle Ernest Mitchell and junior defensive end Adrian Davis. Expect senior Antwain Robinson to hold down the other end spot, but will likely share some time with sophomore Damario Ambrose. The team brings back 2 of the 3 starters at the linebacking spots, and it looks like junior Freddie Fairchild is going to end up being a good one by the time he leaves. The secondary returns no one from last year, but do have some talent left behind. Junior corner Jerell Norton looks like a solid player, and senior Jamar Love will get his first chance to prove he is good enough to be on the field. Junior free satety Rashaad Johnson did manage 53 tackles and 2 interceptions in limited playing time, and senior strong safety Walner Leandre will need to improve big time to help this unit out.
Prediction: 5th in the SEC West
While some think that this team will be the bottom feeders in the SEC, we think that head coach Bobby Petrino can get the best out of what he has this season. We think that this team can put together 2 wins in the conference. We don’t think the Razorbacks will be going to a bowl game this year, as they have one of the toughest schedules you will fine.
Be sure to check back for more of Jason Lowry’s team preview and predictions. Also before long we will be tackling the NFL season. If you want to get ready for the best betting season there is, head over to Sportsbook.com and get ready for all the action this fall.