2013 Outlook - Arkansas

Arkansas has been on the cusp for a few years now, and initially I thought this would be the year they made the jump.  Unfortunately for them the talented, yet troubled Bobby Patrino was recently ousted as coach, so this could make this a tricky season for the Razorbacks.  Still, they have some real talent, so you never know.

The offense for the Razorbacks will be in pretty good hands.  Returning starting QB, Tyler Wilson is going into his SR season, and he is touted as one of the top QBs in the country.  He has a good arm, show excellent touch, and absolutely has the talent to push Matt Barkley for the top QB taken in the 2013 draft.  At RB, the return of JR Knile Davis give this team an explosive weapon.  Many see him as one of the top three backs in the country for good reason.  JR OG Alvin Bailey should improve on a great SO campaign, and lead the hog up front, giving Wilson time, and Davis holes.  They only question mark is at receiver.  The top three targets from a year ago (Childs, Adams, and Wright) have all moved on to the NFL, and TE Garrett Ukeman died suddenly in Nov.  Outside of SR WR Cobi Hamilton, someone else will need to step it up.

The defensive unit has some talent, but no one to the caliber of Jake Baquette, who headed to the NFL.  JR DT Robert Thomas will be the focal point up front, but they do have some solid depth behind him in the rotation.  The linebackers have some experience, but Alonzo Highsmith is the only standout from that unit.  The secondary get a boost now that former linebacker Ross Rasner will be lined up at safety, but again, no real standouts in the group.

You don't have to have standouts to win, and with the Arkansas offense, they can definitely win in a shootout.  They also have the benefit of hosting both Alabama and LSU at home, so the cards could fall their way in 2013.