Razorbacks fans will likely see their pride and joy in an unfamiliar spot this season – last place in the SEC West. It doesn't appear that the Hogs will be able to make up for the losses of their top three offensive players: Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, and Marcus Monk. SportsBetting.com has the Arkansas Razorbacks listed at 100 to 1 odds to win the 2009 BCS Championship. With the hiring of head coach Bobby Petrino, you can be assured that offensive production will soon be on the way. Find out how College Football Predictions Expert Jeff Alexander sees this rebuilding season shaking out in his 2008 Arkansas Razorbacks predictions for Point-Spreads.com.Offense - Arkansas' offense is going to look completely different under Bobby Petrino than it did under Houston Nutt as Petrino is a pass first guy. Petrino is convinced that his proven passing attack will work in the SEC. The problem is that it likely can't work well this year because the talent is down after losing three key offensive players. Receivers London Crawford, Carlton Salters, Marques Wade, and Lucas Miller have not proven themselves as big play guys, but they certainly will get more opportunities under Petrino. Senior Casey Dick will be the starting QB, but Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett is talented and will be waiting to step in next year. Dick will be asked to do much more than hand the ball off in Petrino's offense so it will be interesting to see how he does. There will undoubtedly be growing pains attached. Michael Smith and Brandon Barnett are both quick scat backs, but Petrino thinks that their size and durability could be problems. Rimington Award winning center Jonathan Luigs and guard Michael Petrus anchor the line.
Defense - The Razorbacks lost all four of their starting defensive backs so there is going to be an adjustment period for the replacements. The linebacker corps of Jerry Franklin, Elston Forte, and Ryan Powers must prove itself as well. Arkansas does have speed up front and that will help out its inexperienced defensive backfield. Defensive ends Adrian Davis and Damario Ambrose are one of the better duos in the conference. Malcolm Sheppard is a player that never takes a snap off in the inside. Starting tackles Ernest Mitchell and Marcus Shavers both missed spring drills due to injury rehabilitation but they should be ready to go this fall.
Special Teams - Alex Tejada was very good for the Razors last season making 17 of 23 field goals with his longest at 47 yards. He'll take over the kickoff duties as well this season. The kick return spot will go to Michael Smith and punt return duties could go to Jerell Norton who missed spring practice with a hamstring injury.
College Football Predictions for the 2008 Arkansas Razorbacks – 6th in SEC West
Two years ago the Razorbacks were among the best teams in the nation. Last year, they were still explosive offensively and very competitive. This year, the rebuilding project begins under a new head man. With players asked to learn such a different offensive system and with so many new players being asked to step into expanded rolls, growing pains are inevitable.
SportsBetting.com has posted football betting odds on various 2008 College Football Predictions: Alabama
60 - 1
Arizona
100 - 1
Arizona St
100 - 1
Arkansas
100 - 1
Auburn
40 - 1
Boise St
100 - 1
Boston College
100 - 1
California
100 - 1
Clemson
30 - 1
Florida
6 - 1
Florida St
60 - 1
Georgia
6 - 1
Georgia Tech
100 - 1
Illinois
50 - 1
Iowa
100 - 1
Kansas
75 - 1
Kansas St
100 - 1
Kentucky
100 - 1
LSU
12 - 1
Louisville
100 - 1
Maryland
100 - 1
Miami FL
100 - 1
Michigan
30 - 1
Michigan St
100 - 1
Missouri
15 - 1
Nebraska
75 - 1
North Carolina
100 - 1
North Carolina St
100 - 1
Notre Dame
100 - 1
Ohio St
6 - 1
Oklahoma
6 - 1
Oklahoma St
100 - 1
Oregon
100 - 1
Oregon St
100 - 1
Penn St
50 - 1
Rutgers
100 - 1
South Carolina
75 - 1
South Florida
100 - 1
Tennessee
100 - 1
Texas
30 - 1
Texas A&M
100 - 1
Texas Tech
75 - 1
UCLA
75 - 1
USC
3 - 1
Virginia
100 - 1
Virginia Tech
40 - 1
Wake Forest
100 - 1
West Virginia
20 - 1
Wisconsin
50 - 1
Field (Any Other Team)
25 - 1
