Arkansas Razorbacks 2021 College Football Preview
2020 Recap
Record – 3-7
ATS – 7-3
The Hogs entered the season on a nine-game losing streak but that didn’t stop them from getting off to a surprising start. They won three of their first six games (Miss St, Ole Miss, Tennessee) but fell apart near the end of the year dropping their final four contests (allowed 50+ three times). It should be noted that they lost three TIGHT ONES by a combined seven (!) points and were a lot more competitive than many experts thought. On to 2021!
Arkansas Razorbacks 2021 Outlook
OFFENSE
WOO PIG SOOIE rode the arm of former QB Feleipe Franks on offense (68.5%, 17-4 TD to INT) and were a lot more SPICY than we expected. Backup QB KJ Jefferson also flashed some SKILLZZZ and will be the starter in 2021. We like his upside and had a good game vs Missouri near the end of 2020 (274, 3 TD; 32 rush, TD). Seven of the top-eight targets in the THROW GAME return this season but they’ll miss WR Mike Woods who averaged close to 20 YPC (5 TD). Treylon Burks leads an underrated group (51-820, 16.1, 7 TD) and TE Hudson Henry could have a big year. #1 RB Trelon Smith returns (710, 5 TD) and he rushed for 241Y in the final 2G in 2020 vs Missouri and ROLL TIDE. Five LARGE starters are back up front but they’ll need to clean up pass pro, yo. They were last in the SEC in sacks allowed per game LY (34 in 10G). Sam Pittman can COACH EM UP.
DEFENSE
The Hogs have been awful on defense for five straight seasons and they finished the 2020 campaign #12 in the SEC in run defense (192 YPG). It’s worth mentioning that they were a SNEAKY SECOND PLACE in the conference in pass efficiency D thanks in part to a solid TD to INT ratio of 18-13. The bad news? They were last in the SEC in sacks per game. There’s reason for optimism given the return of ten starters and their top-six tacklers. The LB duo of Grant Morgan (3rd Team AA) (!) and BUMPER POOL is one of the best in the conference and they have some big bodies up front. They just need to find a way to get to the QB. Safety Jalen Catalon is excellent and leads a group that helped the Hogs finish 2nd in the SEC in INT LY.
SPECIAL TEAMS
RUH RUH.
There’s some work to do. They need to find a new PK and they were brutal across the board in 2020 (Net punting #100, #98 PR, #108 KR).
Schedule Analysis
Overall – Yup, it’s nasty. They play in the SEC West. They draw Georgia. They face Texas.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – Georgia Southern (September 18th)
The shaky run defense gets an early PUNCH IN THE MOUTH from the kooky Eagles run game. SEC play is on deck (Texas A&M).
Season Win Total
Per 5Dimes August 11
Over 5.5 -105
Under 5.5 -115
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Under.
They’ll be feisty but the schedule doesn’t do them any favors.
MEGAmazing Tidbit
It’s almost time, yo.
Woooooooooo, Pig! Sooie!
Woooooooooo, Pig! Sooie!
Woooooooooo, Pig! Sooie!
Razorbacks!
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
We like the toughness and attitude that’s already been installed by HC Sam Pittman. QB KJ Jefferson has a shot to be REALLY good and the defense will be better this season. How many wins are there on this schedule tho? We’ll call for 4-5 wins but think they’ll pull a major upset at some point along the way. We’d be shocked if they didn’t book another winning year vs Vegas.
Want more Arkansas football ?
WEBSITE
http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/sport/m-footbl/
FORUM
http://www.hogville.net/yabbse/index.php?board=1.0
http://arkansas.247sports.com/Board/Hawg-Heaven-59414
https://arkansas.forums.rivals.com/forums/the-hill.8/
http://www.secrant.com/rant/arkansas-sports/
https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/Board/Hawg-Lounge-102335/
https://arkansas.forums.rivals.com/forums/the-razors-edge.6/
NEWS
http://www.wholehogsports.com/news/razorbacks/football/
http://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/8/arkansas-razorbacks
TWITTER
Hashtag – #WPS
Accounts to follow