No. 24 | Arkansas

By Charles Drake | 08.24.2010

Head Coach    2009 Record    Returning Starters

Bobby Petrino      8-5 (3-5)       9 Offense, 7 Defense

Offensive Overview
All the pieces are here to have a top offense nationally.  Veteran quarterback with a cannon for an arm? Check.  Solid running game with depth? Check.  Wide receivers that can get separation in the SEC and gain yards after the catch? Check.  Veteran offensive line that has gone through the gauntlet of an SEC schedule and had success? Check.  A versatile tight end group that can either get up the hash and make a play or block down when needed? Check.  If you haven't figured it out yet -- the Arkansas Razorbacks are loaded for bare on offense with the versatility and depth needed to get through the SEC and stay consistent.  Much hyped Ryan Mallett leads the troops at quarterback coming off a 30 TD/7 INT ratio in 2009.  Running backs Broderick Green and Ronnie Wingo should have no problem filling the hole Michael Smith left -- especially Wingo.  Joe Adams and Greg Childs at wide receiver head up a nice receiving corps that also has great pass catching ability

at tight end with D.J. Williams.  The offensive line returns four starters

including the leader of the line in tackle DeMarcus Love.  Arkansas averaged 36 points a game (9th nationally, 1st in the SEC) in 2009, and in 2010 returns all but two starters -- yep, they're going to be pretty good.

Defensive Overview

When you finish up 2009 ranked towards the bottom of the SEC in almost every major defensive category, the defense must be horrible, right?  Yes and no...  The Razorbacks did force a lot of turnovers and have some really nice young talent in the fold.  The tackling must get better in 2010 along with cutting down on the big plays given up to opposing offenses.  The defensive front should be pretty good -- even with the loss of Malcolm Sheppard.  The linebacking unit is filled with upper-classmen, but not much top end talent if your going off last year's film -- they must get better, especially on the outside.  The much-maligned defensive backfield should be better with the return of Isaac Madison at corner and the emergence of highly-touted sophomore corner Darius Winston.

Team Superlatives
Most likely to be a leader on offense: QB Ryan Mallett
Most likely to be a leader on defense: ILB Jerry Franklin
Most likely to be a household name by December: WR Greg Childs
Most likely to make an instant impact: DT Bryan Jones
Most likely to lead the team in tackles: Franklin
Most likely to lead the team in sacks: DE Jake Bequette
Most likely to lead the team in receiving yards:  Childs
Most likely to lead the team in rushing yards: RB Ronnie Wingo
Most likely to win a national award: Mallett

Prediction

2010 Prediction: 8-4 (4-4)

In looking at the schedule and question marks on defense an 8-4 or 9-3 season seems most likely in 2010 for the Razorbacks heading into bowl season. A stretch of @Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M in Arlington (Texas), @ Auburn, and Ole Miss at home will be tough to get through without a couple losses, but if they can manage 4-1 through those five games, a double-digit win season is very possible.