Published February 21, 2012 - 9:29am
NEW: Discuss this topic in the Google+ community for SEC fans.
The 2012 Arkansas Razorbacks will likely enter the season with a top ten ranking. Bobby Petrino has himself a nice program on his hands, and 2012 could be the best opportunity for the Hogs to get over the hump and win the SEC West. While LSU will be loaded with talent, Alabama definitely takes a step back with the losses to either graduation or the NFL. While Arkansas’ schedule is by no means a cake walk, they do get both LSU and Alabama at home this year.
2012 Arkansas Razorbacks Schedule
- Sep 01 – Jacksonville State Gamecocks
- Sep 08 – ULM Warhawks
- Sep 15 – Alabama Crimson Tide
- Sep 22 – Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Sep 29 – at Texas A&M Aggies
- Oct 06 – at Auburn Tigers
- Oct 13 – Kentucky Wildcats
- Oct 20 – BYE
- Oct 27 – Ole Miss Rebels
- Nov 03 – Tulsa Golden Hurricane
- Nov 10 – at South Carolina Gamecocks
- Nov 17 – at Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Nov 24 – LSU Tigers
The Numbers
- 8 Home Games – 6 games in Fayetteville / 2 games in Little Rock (ULM, Ole Miss)
- 4 Road Games
- 1 Legitimate non-conference game (Rutgers)
- 3 Cupcakes (Jax State, ULM, Tulsa)
- 3 top 25 opponents (#2 Alabama, #3 LSU, #10 South Carolina) using ESPN’s early top 25 estimate
- 4 top 25 opponents (#1 LSU, #5 Alabama, #7 South Carolina, #23 Auburn) using an early SI poll
Rank
- SEC West: 6th
- SEC: 10th
Notes
While ranked 10th, the Hogs have themselves a very challenging schedule. They do benefit from 8 home games vs 4 away games and most importantly, home games against Alabama and LSU which are they key games to winning the west. While the Hogs got Kentucky in their SEC East draw, they also must play South Carolina which looks to be another top ten team.
The three game stretch to finish the season is very tough. Arkansas could be looking at a very good record and a very high ranking going into the South Carolina game on November 10th. At Columbia, at Starkville then LSU at home is a tough way to finish the season. If they will the SEC West, they’ll have earned it.
Arkansas also just added Rutgers as a non-conference opponent on September 22nd. While Rutgers is no cupcake, Petrino’s squad should have no problem winning this game at home.
Stay tuned as we break down each team’s schedule counting up to the toughest schedule. If you want a sneak peak at the full list, you’ll have to add SDS to your “Circles” on Google Plus here then view the recent posts.
Carolina is overrated, as is Alabama. While the Tide will be very, very good again in 2012, they are not a top 5 team this year. If the Hogs will ever have a schedule and returning talent to win it all, it is now. Do not under-estimate Arkansas’ returning talent and depth at receiver, even with the loss of Wright, Adams, and Childs. If new Defensive Coordinator Paul Haynes (formerly co-DC at Ohio St) is the real deal, the Hogs may finally have a potent defense to go along with their lethal offense (Knile Davis returns). As with a majority of teams, Arkansas’ lines will be the key. Look for OT Brey Cook (6’7″ 320) to make some headway on offense, and juco transfer DE Austin Flynn (6’4″ 260 4.5) to be more than capable in replacing Jake Bequette.
WPS!
Overrated? Really?! lol ok… I do hope y’all have a good season because I loathe LSU’s and Alabama’s pea cocking, however come week eleven seek refuge in another sport.
10-2 or 11-1. I’ll give LSU and ‘Bama their respect, BUT I DON’T GOTTA LIKE IT! I’m just hoping there’s some kind of hex that comes from shattering the trophy that cancels out Saban’s deal with the Devil.