2008 Arkansas Razorbacks College Football Predictions & Preview
Bobby Petrino takes over in his first full season at Arkansas and it looks to be a complete rebuilding year in Razorback country. Houston Nutt knew what he was doing win he left this team that’s completely lacking in talent and head for Ole Miss. One thing is certain though, Petrino will make the most out of his offense. He’ll find a way to get as much out of he can with a team that lost two first-round NFL draft picks in Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. Info Plays gives you our 2008 Arkansas Razorbacks NCAA football predictions along with team preview of what to expect with this squad.
Offense:
Rimington Award center Jonathan Luis returns for his third season to anchor this offensive line. 3 returning starters on the line also include senior guard Mitch Perus and sophomore DeMarcus Love. So the Razorbacks at least have something to build on up front. D.J. Williams and Andrew Davie will have slash roles in Petrino’s offense. The Razorbacks have four returning wide receivers, but this corps must prove they can make some plays. Freshman Crosby Tuck missed most of last season with a broken arm and must get healthy to add even more depth at wideout.
Senior Casey Dick is the starter at quarterback, and he’ll be asked to do a lot more in this offense. Former University of Michigan QB Ryan Mallet broke his thumb in the spring, and is still awaiting his long-shot NCAA appeal of the transfer rule that requires him to sit out this season. Small, quick returning tailbacks in Michael Smith and Brandon Barnett can make plays. But the Razorbacks will be looking for more of a durable, bruising back to compliment this duo.
Defense:
Arkansas loses all four starters in the secondary, but the Razorbacks are convinced they can make a youth movement full of talent work form the get-go. Jamar Love and Isaac Madison were first-team corners in the spring drills. Junior Jerell Norton missed the spring with a pulled hamstring but should make his fair share of contributions this season. Junior Matt Harris emerged as a free safety. Dallas Washington and Bret Harris were strong safeties in the spring. Walner Leandre, a key 2007 reserve, is expected to be fully recovered from shoulder surgery by the fall.
Linebacker voids were a big problem heading into the spring as well, but Jerry Franklin inside and Elston Forte and Ryan Powers outside eliminated most of the concerns. Junior Wendel Davis should contribute at linebacker also after recovering from knee surgery in the spring. The Razorbacks like the speed they have up front in ends Adrian Davis and Damario Ambrose. Malcom Sheppard gives max effort on the inside to eat up blockers. Returning starter Ernest Mitchell and Marcus Shavers are senior tackles who also missed the spring due to injury rehab.
Arkansas Razorbacks Predictions at Info Plays: 6th in SEC West
Arkansas lacks the experience and playmakers to compete in the SEC this season. The Razorbacks will finish 6th in the SEC West this season just behind former head coach Houston Nutt’s Rebels. As you can see, the Razorbacks must first overcome numerous injuries to have the pieces for a winning program. From the looks of it, it appears most of their key guys should be fully recovered by the fall to make practices very competitive. Competition never hurt anybody, and Petrino at least has that going for him heading into his first year at the helm. Fans are enthused about the coaching change and the promise of more passing. So they will have Razorback country’s support at least until they hit a losing streak which could start with a road game at Texas just three games into the season.
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