Published April 6, 2011 - 10:30am
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The Arkansas Razorbacks will likely fire on all cylinders on offense come fall, just as they did in 2010. We know that because playmakers abound on offense. However, what you may not know in Fayette-nam is that the Razorbacks have some really beastly young men who will hold down the defensive line, and they should really provide depth and impact to make this team better next season.
If there was one question mark for the Razorbacks last year, it was the defense. However, with the SEC being slightly different in 2010 with prolific offenses running the show, the defense just needed to bend and not break (see Auburn also). They did that. Usually, the defenses catapult SEC teams, but 2010 was slightly an anomaly in that respect.
Though, in 2011, Arkansas will have mammoth defensive linemen who will hopefully step up to the plate to take this defense to the next level.
In addition to three-year starter at defensive end Jake Bequette, Arkansas really has some Hogs up front (no pun intended). Alfred Davis (6-1, 326), Byran Jones (6-2, 312lbs), DeQuinta Jones (6-5, 307), and JUCO transfer Robert Thomas (6-3, 325) will all play at defensive tackle. The average weight the opposition will be running into will be 317.5lbs along the defensive front. That’s a ton of weight. Will they all be adequate? We’ll have to wait and see.
Bobby Petrino is very happy about his defense and the direction they are headed this spring leading into next season. The Razorbacks ranked 89th nationally in 2009, but in 2010, they ranked 36th nationally. Petrino now feels like they are getting to where they need to be to compete for a SEC West division crown.
Arkansas is entering year four of the Petrino coaching era. With an added impact and more stops on defense, lookout SEC West!
There line is huge but can they get up the field to the QB or RB? Terrence Cody was also huge but he was used just to plug holes, he couldnt get sacks. Bama and LSU will probably run side to side all game long until the big boys tire out then Arky is done.
They’ll definitely do their best! Last years game may have been a little different without that 54yd breakout by Ingram. Bigger bodies to close those holes and force them to the outside may not be that bad of an idea.
I think Arkansas will be in it to win it in 2011.