Over the course of the next several weeks, the SoBros Network crew will be going team-by-team through the SEC, previewing the 2018 American tackle football season. Up next, the Arkansas Razorbacks!
2018 Arkansas Preview
There isn’t a team in the SEC that underwent as many drastic changes as the Arkansas Razorbacks did this offseason. There’s a new head coach in town, Chad Morris, who comes to Fayetteville by way of SMU. The hire raised a few eyebrows, considering the ‘Stangs haven’t exactly blown the doors off their competition in recent years (they won seven games in two seasons with Morris at the helm). But, it was more about the offensive philosophy that Morris brings to the table. It’s something different. It’s up-tempo, high octane offense, but it’s a lot different from Bret Bielema’s pro-style offense, and it’s going to take time. We’re talking about a complete philosophical rebuild from scratch.
Not to mention, John Chavis comes to town (his 4th SEC stop as defensive coordinator), and will install a 4-3 defense as opposed to the 3-4 the Razorbacks ran last season. Yeah – like I said….it’s a lot of change. It’s the kind of change that’s going to take years to install, assuming this regime gets years to work. But, overall, I think this team can build a competitive program in a couple of years.
And, really – there’s some talent in Fayetteville. It’s not like the cupboard is bare. They have quality linebackers and defensive ends, and stud corner Ryan Pulley is returning after injury. The entire secondary, while inexperienced, is drawing praise for their potential. On offense, Jared Cornelius looks to be the big beneficiary of this wide-open offense, as the do-it-all wide receiver. There’s depth in the backfield. But, the big question mark is at quarterback, where Cole Kelley and Ty Storey are battling it out for the starting job. There’s a foundation here, for sure, but the SEC is ultra competitive and time is of the essence. Is Morris going to get that time? That’s the question.
2018 Razorbacks Schedule
Saturday, 9/1 – vs. Eastern Illinois – The first of two locks on the Razorbacks schedule. This will serve as little more than a tune-up game.
Saturday, 9/8 – @ Colorado State – This one should be a win, but don’t discount the Rams at home. This has been a consistent bowl team over the last several seasons, appearing in five straight (though they only won one).
Saturday, 9/15 – vs. North Texas – The Mean Green was one of the best teams in C-USA last year, going 9-5 including the conference championship and bowl game. They could be a nuisance, but the Razorbacks should take this one at home.
Saturday, 9/22 – @ Auburn – No chance on the road at Auburn. Plain and simple.
Saturday, 9/29 – @ Texas A&M – If things go right, this could be a surprise win for the Razorbacks, but I think people are sleeping on Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies right now.
Saturday, 10/6 – vs. Alabama – NOPE.
Saturday, 10/13 – vs. Ole Miss – They get this one at home, and they at least have the system to score points with this Ole Miss offense. But, do they have the horses? That’s a different story. This one could be quite the shootout if Morris gets his system implemented smoothly.
Saturday, 10/20 – vs. Tulsa – The second of the Razorbacks’ locks on the schedule.
Saturday, 10/27 – vs. Vanderbilt – Who wants to be the worst team in the SEC this season? Whoever loses this game could very well get that honor. I like the experience that the Commodores have, though.
Saturday, 11/3 – BYE WEEK
Saturday, 11/10 – vs. LSU – Though I don’t think the Tigers will be as good as folks are expecting them to be, I don’t think the Razorbacks have enough to contend with them. Even if it is at home, I expect this will be a loss.
Saturday, 11/17 – @ Mississippi State – On the road against one of the real dark horses in the SEC this season? I don’t like their odds. I do like the Bulldogs.
Friday, 11/23 – @ Missouri – This one’s similar to the Ole Miss game in that they have the system built to score points, but unlike that game, I’m giving them 0% chance of winning on the road against one of the best quarterbacks in the entire country.
Prediction
I’m calling my shot now – I believe the Razorbacks will be the worst team in the SEC this season. Of all the previews I’ve done so far, they have the lowest floor, and it’s only two wins. There are only two games on this schedule that I would consider locks. Meanwhile, I think the ceiling is five wins, assuming they can take care of business against Colorado State and North Texas, then surprise against Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, or LSU. It’s a reach to think this is a bowl team at this point. This ia most likely a 4-8 football team. Sorry to all of the Razorbacks fans out there – but if you guys can just get this season out of the way, who knows where this program will be in a year or two?
Other 2018 SEC Previews
Alabama Crimson Tide
Arkansas Razorbacks
Auburn Tigers
Florida Gators
Georgia Bulldogs
Kentucky Wildcats
LSU Tigers
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Missouri Tigers
Ole Miss Rebels
South Carolina Gamecocks
Tennessee Volunteers
Texas A&M Aggies
Vanderbilt Commodores
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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