Offense
The Arkansas offense in 2010 centers around Ryan Mallet. And despite what you may hear from most prognosticators, Mallet must IMPROVE his play for the Hogs to have shot at the SEC West. Despite throwing for over 3,600 yards in 2010 with 30/7 TD/INT ratio, Mallet was dreadful in the big games away from Fayetteville and Little Rock. In four away games last season against top 20 opponents, Mallet complete just 46% percent of his passes and averaged just 223 yds through the air. Not actually great numbers for the SEC’s top QB and one of the NFL’s top draft choices in 2011.
However, Mallet has a load of talent around him to help lead Arkansas to a big season and a possible SEC Championship berth. RBs Ronnie Wingo and Broderick Green return as well as does the SEC’s best receiving corps led by Joe Adams and Greg Childs. Expect big things from this offense in 2010!
Defense
The main reason many people are hesitant to jump on the Razorbacks bandwagon is due to the dreadful performance of Bobby Petrino’s defense the last few seasons. Against Arkansas’ five ranked opponents in 2009, the unit gave up an average of 33.2 points a game.
However, the Hogs return 7 starters and this unit is expected to be much improved. The defensive line returns four freshman who started at least one game in 2009 as well as a linebacking corps that has its #1 and #3 tacklers back. The biggest improvement I expect you’ll see in the Razorback defense is from the secondary. Highly touted sophomore Darius Winston returns after he missed six starts last year. This will be a fast, deep, and aggressive unit in 2010.
Overall
I believe Bobby Petrino is one of the great offensive masterminds in college football today. While at Louisville his explosive offenses lead the Cardinals to 4 bowls and pair of #6 AP finishes. Many are calling for Petrino to lead Arkansas to similar success in only his 3rd season in Fayetteville. However, he must naviagte a schedule that will likely have him on the road against 3 ranked conference opponents in Georgia, Auburn, and South Carolina all on the road. The first big conference game will be in Athens against the Dawgs. A win there and look out, the Hogs could be in for a special season.
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