Arkansas Razorbacks
Overall Rank # 14
# 4 Southeastern Conference
2010 Record: (10-3, 6-2)
2010 Bowl: Sugar Bowl vs. Ohio State (L 26-31)
Coach: Bobby Petrino (23-15 at Arkansas, 64-24 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Garrick McGee
Defensive Coordinator: Willy Robinson
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Knile Davis, RB, 1362 yards
Passing: Tyler Wilson, QB, 453 yards
Receiving: Joe Adams, WR, 813 yards
Tackles: Jerry Franklin, LB, 100
Sacks: Jerry Franklin, LB, 6.5
Interceptions: Tramain Thomas, S, 5
Other Key Returnees: WR Jarius Wright, RB Broderick Green, WR Cobi Hamilton, S/LB, Jerico Nelson, WR Greg Childs
Key Losses: QB Ryan Mallet, TE D.J. Williams
The Razorbacks were dealt a huge blow when they lost their most explosive player in standout running back Knile Davis when he went down with an ankle injury in the team’s scrimmage that will sideline him for the entire year. That will add even more pressure on Tyler Wilson, who already has big shoes to fill as he is the heir to the throne that Arkansas record setter Ryan Mallet left behind. Both of these gigantic losses, combined with playing in the SEC, arguably the toughest conference in all of college football, would make most teams crumbled and fall to the wayside, but not Arkansas. The Razorbacks are embracing the challenge. Football is all about facing adversity, and this team has plenty of that before they even step on the field in a meaningful game. They believe what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. The loss of Davis will make them better as a team in the future. It might take a few weeks to get use to not having him around, but eventually they will overcome the loss and be a more complete team as a result. Any team that counts these Razorbacks out is making a grave mistake.
Strengths:
Under the guidance of Head Coach Bobby Petrino, Arkansas has established themselves as an elite offensive unit in college football. This year should be no different. Tyler Wilson, the starting quarterback heading into this season, flashed moments of brilliance when he was used to relieve Ryan Mallet. However that was mostly in mop up time, so you cannot read too much into that. Although the loss of Knile Davis hurts, their passing attack is still a strong unit. They are returning their top four wide outs in Jarius Wright, Greg Childs, Joe Adams, and Cobi Hamilton. This group of pass catchers will be a lot of stress on any defense. Each of these players has different qualities about them that make them tough to stop. Joe Adams is fast and has a nose for the end zone whereas Greg Chilids is a big possession type receiver. Each of these receivers can make any catch on the field at any given time. The defense needs to cover all of them, and that is not easy. If the defense messes up, Tyler Wilson will fire a rocket and Arkasas will be racking up yards. This passing attack will not miss a beat and be the driving force behind the Razorbacks fight through the SEC.
Defensively this unit is bringing back their best player, in linebacker Jerry Franklin. He led the team in tackles and sacks a year ago. They also bring back playmaker Tramain Thomas who led the Razorbacks in interceptions. This until dominated the line of scrimmage last year, finishing second in the conference in sacks and tackles for a loss. With all the talent that they are bringing back on this side of the ball, expect more of the same this year.
Weaknesses:
The loss of Knile Davis really hurts this squad. Davis was the player the Razorbacks relied on to balance out the offense and keep defenses guessing. Now they will have to turn to someone else to fill that role. Broderick Green could be the one who has to shoulder the rushing attack. Finding a replacement for D.J. Williams will be tough as well. He was the Razorbacks leading receiver last year (although he played tight end). The special teams unit was not stellar last year either. They really struggled in returning kickoffs, a role they might have been considered for Knile Davis as well. That loss of field position could really haunt a team who is breaking in a new signal caller. The rushing defense from a year ago was not very good either, finishing tenth in the conference. This is something that I am sure Arkansas focused on throughout the year, and will improve this year. The return of many of their key defensive players should help this out.
Bottom Line:
With or without Knile Davis, Arkansas is a force to be reckoned with. Their aerial assault is one of the nation’s best, so they will put up a ton of points on the board. Arkansas is already adjusting to life without Davis, and by the time the season rolls around the team will be ready to roll without him. This team will be explosive and improved defensively, which makes them a danger to whoever they play. Any team that sleeps on Arkansas, or anyone who has written these Razorbacks off, are going to be in for a rude awakening.
Projected Bowl: Outback Bowl
2010 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 148.85 (69th in nation, 9 Conference)
Passing Offense: 333.69 (4,1)
Total Offense: 482.54 (9,2)
Scoring Offense: 36.46 (17,2)
Rushing Defense: 162.62 (71,10)
Pass Defense: 185.31 (20,6)
Total Defense: 347.92 (36,5)
Scoring Defense: 23.38 (47,7)
Turnover Margin: .08 (51,8)
Sacks: 2.85 (9, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 2.15 (75,9)
Madness 2012 NFL Draft Rankings:
#45 RB Knile Davis
#65 WR Greg Childs
#79 DE Jake Bequette
#93 LB Jerry Franklin
Madness 2011 Recruit Rankings:
#74 OT Brey Cook
2010 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 148.85 (69th in nation, 9 Conference)
Passing Offense: 333.69 (4,1)
Total Offense: 482.54 (9,2)
Scoring Offense: 36.46 (17,2)
Rushing Defense: 162.62 (71,10)
Pass Defense: 185.31 (20,6)
Total Defense: 347.92 (36,5)
Scoring Defense: 23.38 (47,7)
Turnover Margin: .08 (51,8)
Sacks: 2.85 (9, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 2.15 (75,9)
Madness 2012 NFL Draft Rankings:
#45 RB Knile Davis
#65 WR Greg Childs
#79 DE Jake Bequette
#93 LB Jerry Franklin
Madness 2011 Recruit Rankings:
#74 OT Brey Cook
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