#12 Arkansas Razorbacks Season Preview

Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson did well replacing Ryan Mallett against Auburn last season.  This year Wilson replaces Mallett as the Razorbacks full time starter.

Offensive Outlook: Ryan Mallett may have left Arkansas, but Tyler Wilson should succeed for the Razorbacks.  Wilson really did well during the game against Auburn Tigers throwing 332 passing yards and 4 passing touchdowns in the contest.

Despite losing DeMarcus Love at offensive tackle the Razorbacks have a strong offensive line.  5 star recruit Brey Cook will start for Arkansas at left tackle this season as a true freshman.  Right tackle Grant Freeman will play next to him at right tackle.

Arkansas has legit offensive tackles, but the real strength is the interior offensive line.  Arkansas has Grant Cook at left guard, Travis Swanson at center who could be a 2013 draft prospect, and Alvin Bailey at right guard.  Arkansas even has some quality backups for depth on the offensive line like left guard 5 star recruit Mitch Smothers or Seth Oxner a late round 2012 prospect who has the potential to be a sleeper.

Tyler Wilson has 3 premier wide receiver targets even if the pass protection is so so this season.  Joe Adams, Jarius Wright, and Greg Childs can all get open on any given play.  Despite losing tight end DJ Williams Wilson has more than enough passing targets to throw to if the offensive line does not pass block for a long time.  These Razorback receivers have the ability to run routes and get open allowing Wilson to get rid of the football quicker.

The fact is Arkansas’s run blocking offensive line is so good it will really help Knile Davis out this season. Some believe Davis could get drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.  Davis had 1,322 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns for Arkansas last season.  Ronnie Wingo Jr. could step in as the #2 back when necessary.  Davis will likely get a vast majority of the carries for Arkansas this season though.

Defensive Outlook: The Razorbacks have two key players on defense returning.  Left End Jake Bequette is the Razorbacks best pass rusher and he is also an effective run stuffer.  The other key player is linebacker Jerry Franklin who is due for a big season at Arkansas.

Projected Record 10-2: I expect Arkansas to maintain their 10-2 regular season record from last season.  I am projecting two losses to Alabama and South Carolina for the Razorbacks this season.  If they defeat South Carolina on their home turf then the Razorbacks could end the year with a 2nd straight trip to a BCS Bowl game if an SEC Champion makes the National Title.

TCU went unbeaten as an at large 2 straight years and they did not get to play in the same bowl game in back to back years so I think the same rules would apply to Arkansas meaning they would likely play in one of the other 3 bowl games if they went 11-1.

In the end I see Arkansas losing to Alabama and South Carolina going 10-2 ending the year with a New Years Day Bowl win.