Skinny - This time next year Arkansas could be this year's Mississippi. Jevan Snead went from second place at Texas to God this past season in terms of the media coverage and hype. Ryan Mallett will be the Snead of this season. The difference between Snead and Mallett is that Mallett actually has collegiate experience going into his first season at the helm of his new SEC school. As a Penn State fan, I was dreading Mallett's final three years but when RichRod signed on at Michigan and Mallett decided to transfer it was a burden off the backs of all the Big Ten schools. Mallett flashed a lot of potential his freshman year at Michigan and looked to be the heir apparent to Chad Henne, and than RichRod happened. Arkansas isn't leaving Mallett without weapons either. DJ Williams returns after a great year at the tight end position last year and Michael Smith is one of the top backs in the SEC.
Strength - Offensive Potential
Ryan Mallett is the pivotal man for the Arkansas offense, but if one looks at the roster the ability to score is there from other positions. DJ Williams is the most proven at tight end, catching 61 passes last season and looks to compete for All-American honors this season. Two receivers, Jarius Wright and Joe Adams, both started several games last season as true freshman and should only be better after a year adjusting to college ball. Lucas Miller is the returning leading receiver and should provide a good complement to the two sophomores. Michael Smith is an All-conference back that will solidify the potentially lethal Arkansas rush attack. If De'Anthony Curtis can live up to his potential and if Broderick Green somehow gets granted eligibility this year, there will be options behind Smith.
Weakness - Offensive Line
Don't get me wrong, this offensive line could easily turn heads this year, but will it? Losing Jonathan Luigs isn't going to help the team, but the return of Mitch Petrus will help minimize the loss. Arkansas has been strong on the line under former coach Houston Nutt, but they took a huge step backwards last year under Bobby Petrino. Can the Razorbacks adjust to the scheme better this year? They gave up more sacks last season than they did in the last three seasons combined (46-44). That's never a good statistic, no matter how dominant the line was the previous years. The line should be more experienced and a better supporting cast should help the Razorbacks.
Key Game - 10/10/09 Auburn
A home game versus division rival Auburn could be the defining point for the Razorbacks this season. Games at Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and LSU will all be difficult and just pulling off one of those games would be a big step for the program. The games against Georgia, Auburn, and South Carolina could all prove difficult, but are winnable especially the early season matchup with Georgia as they are still breaking in their new offense. Auburn falls right in the middle of a tough stretch in the schedule and is the only true home game in five games, so winning is a must or the Razorbacks could face a tough slide in the standings and in confidence.
Key Player - Ryan Mallett
Mallett hasn't played in a year because of transferring rules, but if he can pick up where he left off in Ann Arbor, he has the potential to put up big numbers in the Arkansas offense and make Jevan Snead be so last year. Mallett is a big guy, weighing almost 250 and standing tall at 6'7'', and has no trouble seeing over the offensive line and downfield. He's not much of a threat with his feet, but he can pick apart a defense with his arm if given the opportunity. Having DJ Williams, a target in the middle, should open up the outside and give some 1 on 1's for his receivers. If he can connect with the wideouts, look out for a big year from the offense.
Impact freshman - Darius Winston
Predicted SEC finish - 4th (West)
Top 5 players
1. TE DJ Williams
2. RB Michael Smith
3. QB Ryan Mallett
4. DT Malcolm Sheppard
5. RG Mitch Petrus
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