T-Row's Top 25...No. 15 Arkansas

Originally Published: Aug 18, 2010 8:21 PM CDT

For the record. I am not wearing a Florida Gators hat while I write this blog.

Ryan Mallett has NFL scouts drooling. The giant, 67, riflearm quarterback for Arkansas had a huge season in 2009 (3,624 passing yards, 152.5 passing efficiency, set or tied 16 school records) and even more is expected in 2010. Head Coach Bobby Petrino hasnt made a ton of friends in his coaching stops in recent years, but the man can coach some football. The Razorbacks went 8-5 last year with a win over East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl. They could be a dark horse for a BCS bowl this season.

The Hogs offense will score. Ryan Mallett has a multitude of weapons. Receivers Joe Adams, Greg Childs, Jarius Wright and Cobi Hamilton combined for nearly 2,500 yards last season. And D.J. Williams is an awesome tight end. Expect Ronnie Wingo, Jr. to get the majority of the carries at running back. Mallett had offseason foot surgery but should be unaffected when the season kicks off. Former Sooner QB Garrick McGee now takes over as Arkansas Offensive Coordinator.

Does Arkansas have a defense? That is the question. The Razorbacks have ranked last in the SEC in defense each of the last two seasons. Their pass defense has been atrocious. The Hogs are expected to be more stingy in 2010, but well have to see it to believe it.

Bottom line: Arkansas offense should be good enough to out-score most opponents. But when they face elite defenses they could be in trouble. Theyll lose to Alabama, at Auburn and either at Georgia early in the season or in the season finale against LSU.

Prediction: 9-3