2011 Arkansas Football Predictions

Written by Steve Janus

The Arkansas Razorbacks finished up the 2010 season 10-3 after falling to Ohio State 26-31 in the Sugar Bowl. The Razorbacks went 6-2 in the SEC with their only losses coming against Alabama and Auburn. While Arkansas has 13 starters back from last season, they have to replace the school’s all-time leading passer in Ryan Mallett, who set the mark (7,493 yards) in just two seasons.Replacing an NFL quarterback will be the Razorbacks biggest challenge in 2011.

Here is a look at what Arkansas will look like on each side of the ball, plus my predictions on where they will finish the year in the SEC.

Offense:

The leading candidate to take over the starting quarterback job is junior Tyler Wilson, who completed 66.7% of his passes for 453 yards and four touchdowns in limited action last year. Wilson doesn’t figure to come anywhere close to Mallett’s 3,869 yards and 32 touchdowns, but luckily for him he is surrounded by a ton of talented skill players that will make his job a lot easier.

Junior running back Kniles Davis rushed for 1,322 yards and 13 touchdowns, while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. If the Razorbacks are going to contend with the likes of Alabama and LSU in the SEC West, they are going to need an even bigger season out of Davis and the running game.

Arkansas brings back their top four receivers from last season, which should really help the inexperience of Wilson at quarterback. Joe Adams led the way with 50 catches for 813 yards and six touchdowns, but he wasn’t the only one making plays in the passing game. Greg Childs had 46 catches for 659 yards and six touchdowns, Jarius Wright had 42 catches for 788 yards and five touchdowns, and Cobi Hamilton had 32 catches for 630 yards and six touchdowns.

A big concern with the offense is the fact that the Razorbacks have just two starters back on the offensive line in sophomore center Travis Swanson and sophomore right guard Alvin Bailey. That will force Senior guard Grant Cook and senior tackle Grant Freeman are expected to take over on the left side, while true freshman Brey Cook figures to step in at right tackle. If this unit fails to produce, the Razorbacks offense is going to take a big hit in 2011.

Defense:

One of the Razorbacks biggest weakness last year was their inability to stop the run. They allowed 163 yards a game on the ground. The hope will be that will three returning starters Arkansas will be able to show some significant improvement in that area. Senior defensive end Jake Bequette is an elite talent on the outside, but sophomore Bryan Jones and junior DeQuinta Jones aren’t exactly forces on the inside. Junior Tenarius Wright will step into a starting role opposite of Bequette at the other end spot, and has some nice potential after racking up six sacks last year.

The strength of the Arkansas defense comes at the three linebacker spots. Seniors Jerico Nelson (87) and Jerry Franklin (100) both return to the starting lineup after finishing 1-2 in tackles last year. Added to the mix will be junior outside linebacker Terrell Williams, who was sixth on the team with 45 tackles last year.

In the secondary the Razorbacks bring back senior free safety Tramain Thomas. and junior corner Darius Winston. Thomas is one of the top safeties in the SEC. He led Arkansas with four interceptions, and was third on the team in tackles with 83. Sophomore Jerry Mitchell figures to take over at the other starting corner spot, while senior Elton Ford is expected to open the year as the starting strong safety.

SEC Prediction: 4th SEC West – I believe the loss of Mallett is going to be too much for the Razorbacks to turn in another double-digit win season. They have little chance of winning the West with road games at LSU and Alabama. I still think this team could win 7-8 games, but as of now I have them finishing behind Mississippi State for third in their division.

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