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Arkansas Razorbacks: SEC West
Sam Pittman's first year was much different than everybody expected, as the head coach had the difficult task of training a team to play in the SEC West without the necessary amount of practice and meetings to be competitive in college football's toughest division.
Now returning the majority of the starting lineup for 2021, Arkansas has a modest but necessary goal: win at least four games this season. Can Pittman lead the Razorbacks on that quest?
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Here's a look at the Arkansas Razorbacks' strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2021-2022 season.
2021-2022 SEC West Conference preview: Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas' strengths: While they have to show a better level from last year, as they allowed 34 sacks during 10 games, Arkansas' offensive line returns all five of their starting linemen. Consistency and cohesion are both key at the line, especially with so many quality pass rushers in the SEC West, so that's a strength for this team.
Arkansas' weaknesses: The Razorbacks defense only amassed 14 sacks last year, the same as Vanderbilt and South Carolina and the worst mark in the SEC West. In comparison, apart from Ole Miss, no other team from the division had less than 24. Arkansas needs to find a more effective way to rush the passer.
Arkansas key player: Offense
WR Treylon Burks: Seven touchdowns in 2020 represented a great number for Burks, who'll be the main target for KJ Jefferson when the season starts. He's a big, strong receiver who excels at the point of attack. He has the potential to be drafted in the first round if he has another good season.
Arkansas key player: Defense
LB Bumper Pool: The senior will be instrumental for Arkansas if they want to surprise and play in the bowl season. You probably heard of Pool when he got 20 tackles during a SEC West contest last year against Mississippi State, and his 100+ tackles in 2020 were a great mark. He has a good understanding of the position as he does a great job reading the gap fits.
2021-2022 Arkansas Razorbacks schedule:
Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. Rice Owls
Week 2: Saturday, September 11 vs. Texas Longhorns
Week 3: Saturday, September 18 vs. Georgia Southern Eagles
Week 4: Saturday, September 25 vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Week 5: Saturday, October 2 at Georgia Bulldogs
Week 6: Saturday, October 9 at Ole Miss Rebels
Week 7: Saturday, October 16 vs. Auburn Tigers
Week 8: Saturday, October 23 vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
Week 9: Bye week
Week 10: Saturday, November 6 vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Week 11: Saturday, November 13 at LSU Tigers
Week 12: Saturday, November 20 at Alabama Crimson Tide
Week 13: Friday, November 26 vs. Missouri Tigers
2021-2022 Arkansas Razorbacks prediction (4-8 overall, 1-7 SEC)
The good news is that the Razorbacks will be more competitive in 2021 than they were last season. The bad news is that it's not enough to compete in such a strong SEC West. It's unrealistic to expect Sam Pittman to take Arkansas to the same heights as Alabama and Texas A&M after just one recruiting class.
Four wins seems to be a realistic season for the Razorbacks in 2021, and they'll need a couple of breaks to reach the bowl season.
