2011 certainly had some memorable plays throughout the season. And I’m sure you can think of more plays that stood out in your mind from one of your favorite players.

Here are SDS’ top five plays of 2011:

Joe Adams – 60-yard punt return TD against Tennessee

Morris Claiborne – 99-yard kickoff return TD against West Virginia

Melvin Ingram – Fake punt TD run

Tyrann Mathieu – SEC Championship punt return TD

Trent Richardson – 76-yard TD run against Ole Miss

Any others that were your favorite?

Arkansas’ special teams units have been pretty special over the last couple of seasons. As a unit, they’ve had a few lows; namely, giving up a punt return for a touchdown to the Tide’s Marquis Maze in 2011. But for the most part, the Hogs have out-played their opponents in the third (and often forgotten) part of any given football game: special teams.

Joe Adams provided one of the most spectacular plays in all of college football last year, with his miraculous punt return versus Tennessee. It was one of four punts he took to the house in 2011. But Smokin Joe is now playing for the Carolina Panthers, so a new punt return man must be found.

One of the biggest things that will be missed about Adams was his ability to flip the field on any given punt return. In a league where field position is oh-so key, Adams had that ability.

With former Hog Marquel Wade now kicked off the team, John L. Smith will probably look to Keante Minor to take over as the new punt returner. Minor never actually returned any punts, but he did provide some key blocks for Adams and Wade last season.

Keante has good size (6’0″ 205 lbs.) and speed (4.4), and has shown plenty of shiftiness, along with some soft hands. Incoming freshman Eric Hawkins might also be given a look at punt returner, especially considering he has consistently run a 4.28 40-yard dash.

Senior Dennis Johnson, Arkansas’ all-time leader in kick return yards, has also had a few exciting plays for the Hogs, too. DJ brought back a kickoff 98 yards against South Carolina, to help the Hogs win that game last season, and he’s back to add to his 2,475 career return yards and 3 TD. Look for sophomore Keante Minor or freshman Jonathon Williams to lend a hand in the return game.

Zach Hocker (6’0″ 180 lbs.) and Dylan Breeding (6’1″ 211 lbs.) return to give Arkansas an outstanding duo in their kicking game.

Hocker, a junior from Russellville, has been the Hogs’ best placekicker in nearly twenty years. Zach connected on 21 of 27 (78 percent for you math majors) field goal attempts last year and hit 55 of 57 PAT’s. His 40 touchbacks led the SEC and was second in the country.

Dylan Breeding is a senior from Hoover, Alabama. He is coming off a 2011 season where he averaged 45.3 yards per punt with a long of 70, and he was named 2nd Team SEC by the coaches and the press. Breedings’ yards per punt was league’s best.

Sophomore longsnapper Alan D’Appollonio (6’0″ 201 lbs.) returns after a solid 2011, as does sophomore holder Brian Buehner (5’11″ 195 lbs.). Breeding has done some holding in the past as well.

If Arkansas can find a suitble replacement at the punt return job, and can keep containment on their kickoff and punt teams like they did most of the season in 2011, the Razorbacks should field a solid special teams’ unit again this fall. Of course, it won’t hurt that the special teams guru over the last three years is back as Arkansas’ head coach.

Previous Breakdowns:

• Defensive Backs
• Linebackers
• Offensive Line
• Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
• Quarterbacks & Running Backs
• Defensive Line

Wade, Humphrey, and Peterson each face four felony counts of burglary following a string of on campus break-ins, with a trial date on August 27th. Gilbert faces an aggrevated burglary charge for a seperate incident with a trial date on July 26th. None were in Arkansas’ media guide.

Wade, a sophomore, was thought to be the next slot receiver for the Hogs, taking over for a departed Joe Adams. He was also going to be counted on to handle punt return duties. The punt return job will now, most likely, fall to sophomore Keante Minor.

Humphrey, also a sophomore, was really a non-factor in 2011, and he was considered a third string wideout on a team loaded with receiving talent. His father, Bobby Humphrey, a star at Alabama and with the Denver Broncos, must be truly disappointed.

Peterson, a freshman, was a 4-star TE coming out of high school, and had a bright future at Arkansas. He was going to be counted upon to provide depth and a second receiving threat at that position behind senior Chris Gragg.

Tyler Gilbert, a sophomore, was buried on Arkansas’ depth chart at MLB, but looked to have adequate talent and size to eventually grow into an SEC linebacker.

Now, because of their immaturity and stupid decision-making, we will never know what they could have accomplished at Arkansas.

While Adams’ punt return was downright nasty, the commentator’s call of “Houdini’s in the house wearing No. 3″ should win something too, right? Incredible night; incredible call; incredible punt return.

It’s only fitting the screen flashes to then special teams’ coach John L. Smith.

In case you were living in a hole last fall, here it is again:

Take away Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Justin Blackmon from the top picks and what’s left? A bunch of can’t-miss, Sunday-ready defensive stars from the nation’s toughest conference patrolling a backfield — or secondary — near you.

What would an all-SEC draft day be without a few surprises …

1. Indianapolis Colts: With Peyton Manning’s future up in the air in Indy, the Colts need a franchise player in this position with the top pick — not necessarily a quarterback. Colts GM Ryan Grigson narrows it to two players, Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill and LSU’s Morris Claiborne, before making a selection. Indy needs an insurance policy on Peyton … Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M.

2. St. Louis Rams: The Rams aren’t trading away the No. 2 pick in this draft with the standout player they’ve wanted all along still on the board. The shocking news of Luck and RGIII pulling out of the draft means Sam Bradford’s the future in STL. This All-American will start from Day 1 on the carpet in St. Louis and may even have an impact in the return game like his brethren in Arizona … Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Minnesota needs to draft remaining top-tier talent rather than need with the third pick, eliminating wideouts Rueben Randle and Alshon Jeffery from the mix. Troy Williamson never worked out under the dome and the Vikes didn’t resign Sidney Rice, both former Gamecocks. Adrian Peterson is the franchise player, but this All-SEC sensation can benefit the other side of the football and its multitude of problems early … Melvin Ingram, LB/DT, South Carolina.

4. Cleveland Browns: Remember Madden cover boy Peyton Hillis? Neither do I. Cleveland hasn’t decided whether the tailback will be re-signed, tagged or dumped into free agency. Tampa tried to move up at the last second to grab this selection, but the Buccaneers were not giving the Brownies enough draft picks in return … Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman and the Bucs had the rug pulled out from under them in the first round after the Browns picked up Trent Richardson. In need of another Crimson Tide star, a lanky cornerback has his name called to eventually replace the aging — but talented — Ronde Barber … Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama.

6. Washington Redskins: Dan Snider has pulled a fast one on everyone in attendance and watching around the world. Roger Goodell just called a speedy athlete from Athens, Ga. with the No. 6 overall pick. Snider must think this two-way player is a cross between Santana Moss and LaRon Landry. Time will tell how this pick turns out … Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Help along the defensive line is a necessity in Jacksonville and a couple of tackles are sitting in the front row waiting to be called. It’s either Miss. St’s Fletcher Cox or LSU’s Michael Brockers for the Jags since Ingram went to the Vikings with the third overall pick … Fletcher Cox, DT, Miss. St.

8. Miami Dolphins: Hootie frontman Darius Rucker has another reason to cry for his beloved pro football team. After GM Jeff Ireland tries valiantly to acquire Manning from Indy in a sign-and-trade, he drafts an offensive lineman to further frustrate the South Beach fanbase. Well, someone has to block for Chad Henne and J.P. Losman … Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia.

9. Carolina Panthers: Move over Steve Smith. Armanti Edwards? You can slide further down the bench. Cam Newton teams up with a physically-gifted target with big hands and a knack for coming down with the football. Questions about his weight and speed are put to rest when this South Carolina native sprints up to the podium donning the draft’s most subtle garnet and black suit … Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina.

10. Buffalo Bills: Finally, a schedule selection that fits in most mock drafts. The Bills need help on the outside, especially someone who can cover that pesky Wes Welker on the drag route two games a season … Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have been SEC-heavy in recent drafts. Dexter McCluster, Javier Arenas and Eric Berry made splashes as rookies and Kansas City believes it is a team stacked with young talent. It’s hard to believe former LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey is already a four-year veteran. He’ll be joined by another Bayou Bengal who has slid to No. 11 …. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Head coach Pete Carroll and the rest of Seattle’s brain-trust has spent the entire offseason looking for another weapon to follow Marshawn Lynch. Lynch is the only household name in the rainy city and he’ll be a free agent after this season. It’s too early to select Vick Ballard or Tauren Poole, so the Seahawks go defense. But be careful, picking a linebacker didn’t work out in 2009 with Aaron Curry … Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald is begging for a sidekick in the desert, another target to ease some of the pressure off the former Pittsburgh Heisman candidate. The Cardinals are afraid of the lack of size associated with two available Arkansas wideouts, so they draft a Tiger — LSU’s third selection of the first round … Rueben Randle, WR, LSU.

14. Dallas Cowboys: With lock-down corner Dre Kirkpatrick off the board, the Cowboys eye the next-best defensive back. This guy excelled at the combine and should fit it nicely in the Big D secondary. He may even see a few snaps in the Wildcat (note: sometimes no Tony Romo is better than shotgun Romo) … Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Most pundits think Philly goes defense here, possibly linebacker, but the athletes the Eagles wanted have already been selected. Who is the top remaining player from the SEC? It would be hard to argue against Georgia’s Orson Charles, but Philadelphia already has three tight ends on roster. Unable to deal the pick, the Eagles stay up front … Ben Jones, C, Georgia.

16. New York Jets: Rex Ryan and the Jets are feasting at No. 16. For some reason, an Alabama ballhawk is available for the taking. He’ll gladly join a talented secondary for the rookie minimum in New York … Mark Barron, SS, Alabama.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Cincy thought about going with former Florida standout Janoris Jenkins in the middle of the first round, but leaned towards a player without any off-the-field troubles. This defender becomes the Commodores’ first opening-round pick since Jay Cutler in 2006 … Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt.

18. San Diego Chargers: When will Philip Rivers, one of the AFC’s top quarterbacks, win a Super Bowl? Whenever the Chargers decide on playing consistent, mistake-free football is the short answer. San Diego looks deep south on its draft board with the 18th pick. Think mini-Antonio Gates … Orson Charles, TE, Georgia.

19. Chicago Bears: LSU DB Brandon Taylor raised eyebrows in the Bears’ camp with sparkling combine numbers but even Chicago is skeptical on selecting a projected fifth-rounder. Drafting a 6-foot-6, 300-pound blocker is usually a safe bet in the NFL and the Bears choose that route … Brandon Mosley, OT, Auburn.

20. Tennessee Titans: Methinks the Titans are a little too Chris Johnson-happy with this pick. Along with Washington’s surprise selection of Brandon Boykin 6th overall, Tennessee raises some eyebrows in the back after requesting an invoice for this track star … Chris Rainey, RB, Florida.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Rookie and new signee Casey Hayward helps the front office with Cincy’s next pick. These two battled a few years as SEC East Division rivals even though both were starters on defense … Antonio Allen, SS, South Carolina.

22. Cleveland Browns: What a draft it has been for the Cleveland Browns. First, they grab Alabama’s Trent Richardson fourth overall then trade a 2013 first-round pick to the Detroit Lions for this year’s 23rd overall selection. For what reason you ask? Speed … Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas.

23. Cleveland Browns: Acquired via deal with Detroit, the Browns go back to the SEC West for another playmaker who so happens to be teammates with pick No. 22 Joe Adams. Cleveland’s receiving corps overhaul continues … Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Big Ben and the Terrible Towels got away from smash-mouth football last season to a more sexy spread attack. The result? A wild-card playoff loss to the Denver Tim Tebows. The Steelers get back to a powerful backfield with their tailback of the future … Vick Ballard, RB, Miss. St.

25. Denver Broncos: John Elway and the rest of Denver’s brass skipped the draft festivities in New York. Instead, the Broncos sent in Tebow to grade players and make the team’s only first-round pick. The former Gator noticed a highly-rated lineman still on the board capable of protecting his blind side next season in the pocket or on the run … Bobby Massie, OT, Ole Miss.

26. Houston Texans: Can Houston keep defensive end Mario Williams? The former top draft pick is in line for a big pay day should he avoid injury and accumulate some sacks next season. In lieu of Williams’ expected absence, the Texans move on … Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas.

27. New England Patriots: The Patriots wanted Miss. St’s Fletcher Cox to solidify a front run that couldn’t stop the run in the Super Bowl. Too bad. Cox was gone 20 picks previously to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The next best thing is some secondary help to put the ball back in the hands of Tom Brady and Co. … Brandon Taylor, S, LSU.

28. Green Bay Packers: The Packers look at one of the conference’s newest members for the 28th overall pick. This player, under the tutelage of Charles Woodson, could help a unit near the bottom of the league in pass defense … Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M

29. Baltimore Ravens: Running the football has worked for the Baltimore Ravens. Jamal Lewis, Willis McGahee and Ray Rice have perfected the low-risk, high-reward offense that has become the franchise’s staple since 2001. Throw this guy into the mix with those other powerful shape-shifters … Tauren Poole, RB, Tennessee.

30. San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers make their money on defense, not offense, and should draft accordingly. With most of the SEC’s top defensive talent off the board, San Francisco looks at the best available option: the kicking game. Any team led by Alex Smith under center is sure to punt a few times a game, so why not make those kicks extra lethal … Drew Butler, P, Georgia.

31. New England Patriots: Former Florida All-American Brandon Spikes has become the leader of New England’s defense and numbers wise, there’s a player still waiting to be picked who is just as special. This year’s SEC-tackles leader slips because of his stature, not because of his performance … Danny Trevathan, LB, Kentucky,

32. New York Giants: The SEC’s last-remaining first-round pick gives Eli Manning a target across the middle twice as athletic as incumbents Jake Ballard Bear Pascoe … Deangelo Peterson, TE, LSU.

Mr. Irrelevant: Stephen Garcia, QB, South Carolina. He “walked-on” Tampa’s practice squad after the draft and is rumored to be in a battle with Josh Freeman for the starting spot. The hot-button topic going into fall camp is this for new coach Greg Schiano: How many turnovers should I expect from each quarterback?

Who would be your top SEC picks in the NFL Draft?

Adams and Wright are two of four Razorbacks looking to impress scouts during the week-long series of tests, drills and evaluations. Adams, believed by most to be the more NFL-ready of the two, is just outside the elite WR group, a list containing Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon, Baylor’s Kendall Wright, Michael Floyd from Notre Dame and South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery.

While both are undersized at 5-foot-11 and 5-foot-10, Adams and Wright have impressed scouts with their hands, agility and world-class speed to make up for their lack of size. Adams, a Paul Hornung award finalist, caught 54 passes as a senior for 652 yards and three touchdowns. By now, SEC fans know the role Adams played in the return game (see Tennessee highlight film). Wright snared 66 passes for a team-high 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns, a banner senior campaign that included a 13-catch, 281-yard effort in a win over SEC newcomer Texas A&M.

Defensive end Jake Bequette and receiver Greg Childs will join the two Razorback speedsters in Indy.

Defensively, Arkansas only loses one defensive lineman, but DE Jake Bequette is a huge loss.  Bequette led the team in sacks with a total of 10 and he forced five fumbles.  The Razorbacks also lose their best linebacker in Jerry Franklin.  Franklin led the team in tackles with 101 total tackles.  Arkansas loses a total of 6 defensive backs  It will be difficult to replace the production of Safety Tramain Thomas.  Thomas was second on the team in tackles with 91, and he led the team in interceptions with five.  Jerico Nelson and Greg Gatson are two other DBs that will be tough to find replacements for.

Needs Met: Arkansas filled all of their positions of needs with a warm body, but there are no real ground-breaking players in this class.  Up front the Razorbacks signed two offensive linemen in Cordale Boyd and Jeremy Ward, and it is a safe bet that both guys are destined for a redshirt.  They signed two RBs and I really like Jonathan Williams who could add quality depth to the running back stable.  The Razorbacks spent most of their offensive scholarships on wide receivers since that’s where their biggest losses were.  They signed four WRs, including Demetrius Wilson, who is a JUCO guy that could have an immediate impact.  However, don’t be surprised to see true freshmen Keon Hatcher or D’Arthur Cowan on the field next year.  Both guys are big possession type receivers that Arkansas will need.

Defensively, Arkansas used seven scholarships on defensive linemen.  The Razorbacks signed bookend defensive ends from Vigor High School in Alabama.  JaMichael Winston and Darius Philon (both from Vigor) are going to be great players, but rumors about Philon’s health will have fans waiting to see if they are true or not.  Austin Flynn is a speed rush JUCO defensive linemen that will probably be in the rotation next year.  The Razorbacks signed three linebackers, with Otha Peters looking ready to come in and contribute next year.  They also signed four defensive backs, and Jared Collins brings a ton of speed that could get him on the field next year.

Biggest Get: Jonathan Williams is a great back out of Texas that will be a quality back-up next year, but I think he could be a starter his second year.

Biggest Miss: Dorial Green-Beckham.  It looked as if Arkansas had DGB locked up prior to signing day, but Missouri kept the best recruit in the country at home.  This loss hurts bad, because the Razorbacks were looking to replace three productive receivers.

Final Evaluation: This class is not bad, but it’s not great either.  If the Razorbacks want to finally get over the hump and beat Alabama and LSU on a yearly basis, they are going to have to out-recruit those teams.  This recruiting class is not better than Alabama’s or LSU’s, and it’s not even the third-best class in the SEC West.

Final Grade:  C+

Other 2012 Signing Report Cards:

• Alabama Crimson Tide: A+
• Auburn Tigers: A-
• Florida Gators: A+
• Georgia Bulldogs: A
• Kentucky Wildcats: C
• Missouri Tigers: C+
• Ole Miss Rebels: C

Arkansas had not won eleven games in a season since 1977, when they ended that year with an Orange Bowl victory over Oklahoma to finish 11-1. A 29-16 decision over Kansas State Friday night in the 76th Annual Cotton Bowl, earned the Hogs win number 11 for the first time in thirty-four years, and it virtually guaranteed the Razorbacks a top-five finish in at least one of the major polls.

The Cotton Bowl featured the only non-BCS match-up between two top 10 schools, when #6 Arkansas met #8 Kansas State at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Both squads came into the game with 10-2 records, and hoping for an up-lifting off-season, and a big boost in recruiting with a bowl victory. The teams didn’t disappoint, as each provided some exciting plays for the over 80,000 fans on-hand to watch the Classic.

Jerry Jones’ stadium is out of this world, and there could be no better setting for a major college bowl game. The hospitality shown to both teams and to the fans by the AT&T Cotton Bowl is bar-none, the best of any bowl game. I’m still trying to figure out why the Cotton Bowl is not one of the BCS games. But then again, I don’t really think most people understand or like the BCS anyway.

Arkansas placekicker Zach Hocker started off the scoring with a 26-yard field goal, to give Arkansas a 3-0 lead. K-State couldn’t do anything with the ball early, as the Hogs defense played outstanding against the run for most of the night.

After pinning the Wildcats near their own goal line, K-State punted. Arkansas return man Joe Adams fielded that 47 yard kick at the Hogs 49 yard line, got three or four great blocks by his teammates, and took it to the house for six. Didn’t anyone tell Kansas State, “Do NOT punt the ball to Smokin Joe!”? It was Adams fourth punt returned for a touchdown on the season, and was the first in the Cotton Bowl since Arkansas’ Lance Alworth took one back in the 1961 game versus Duke.

The Razorback defense continued to play well, frustrating the Wildcat offense. KSU QB Collin Klein came into the game as a 1st Team All-Big XII player, with over 1,000 yards rushing and a whopping 26 rushing touchdowns. The Hog defense gave up a second half TD to Klein, but held him to a meager 42 yards on 24 carries. For the game, K-State managed only 87 yards rushing, and 173 yards through the air. For a running team like KSU, that’s not how you win ball games.

After another Hocker field goal to make it 13-0, Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson connected with receiver Jarius Wright on a 45-yard touchdown bomb, stretching Arkansas’ lead to 19-0. The TD catch was Wright’s 12th of the year, setting a school single-season record. Wright would finish his career at the UA as the single best wideout in school history, holding each of the following records: most catches in a game (13), season (66), and career (168), most yards in a game (281), season (1,117), and career (2,934).

Kansas State lineman Raphael Guidry blocked the extra point attempt, and Nigel Malone scooped up the ball and returned it for 2 points, making the Hogs lead 19-2. K-State would get a TD pass from Klein to TE Andre MacDonald just before halftime, setting the score at 19-9, and giving the Wildcats the momentum.

KSU Head Coach Bill Snyder would capitalize on that momentum, calling the right plays for the Wildcats best possession of the game, at the start of the 3rd quarter. K-State drove 60-yards in just over three minutes, and Klein dove in from the six yard line to cut Arkansas’ lead to 19-16. The Cats would get no closer.

Two possessions later, the Hogs put together a great drive, going 68-yards in three minutes and twenty-five seconds. The drive culminated with a 9-yard TD pass from Wilson to Cobi Hamilton, pushing Arkansas’ lead back to ten points, 26-16.

With time winding down, KSU abandoned their vaunted option-style running game, and started throwing the ball. Klein showed good accuracy, completing 12 of 19 attempts for 148 yards in the second half (16 of 30 for 173 yards in the game). But when pressured, Klein’s accuracy failed him, or he was sacked for a loss. The Razorbacks sacked the K-State QB 7 times, one shy of the record set in the 2000 Cotton Bowl by Arkansas, in a 27-6 win over Texas.

Hocker would add his third field goal to stretch Arkansas’ lead to 29-16, with three and a half minutes to play.

On their final possession, KSU only ran for positive yardage once, on a Klein scramble. The other plays included passes, and QB sacks. Most of Klein’s completions for the game were underneath the coverage, and for shorter gains. His longest completion went for 23-yards. With under a minute to play, Klein finally went deep. Arkansas rover Jerico Nelson was there for the interception, returning it 61-yards, and sealing the victory for the Hogs.

Junior QB Tyler Wilson, who broke former QB Ryan Mallett’s single season completion record (267), was named the games Offensive MVP (20 of 31, 216 yds, 2 TD). Senior DE Jake Bequette was the Defensive MVP (3 tt, 2 sacks, 1 caused fumble).

#6 Arkansas improved to 11-2 for the 2011 season, claimed their fourth Cotton Bowl championship in school history, and should be ranked in the Top 5 in the final polls. This bowl victory, coupled with eleven wins, is huge for the Razorbacks. It will be a valuable recruiting tool for Head Coach Bobby Petrino and his staff going forward. It also could mean that the Hogs will start the 2012 season ranked in the top 10.

Although the Hogs will be losing 18 seniors from this team, to include Jake Bequette, Jerry Franklin, Jarius Wright, and Joe Adams among others, there are a plethora of players returning with game experience, not to mention the incoming freshmen. With a favorable schedule next season, and Coach Petrino driving this Hog bus up the mountain, it’s just a matter of time before Arkansas claims another kind of championship for their own.

After that, it was all Tigers. LSU proceeded to out-score Arkansas 41-3 from that point on and dash any hopes that the Hogs might have had of earning a second straight BCS Bowl.

Instead, Arkansas will find out Sunday evening, Dec 4, whether they will play in the Cotton Bowl or the Capital One Bowl. A trip to Dallas probably means a clash with Kansas State. A date in Orlando, and the Razorbacks could play one of four teams: Wisconsin, Penn St, Michigan, or Michigan St.

I am not going to extol the prowess of the LSU football team in this article. Everyone knows that this year’s version of the Bayou Bengals are outstanding and are ranked #1 for a very good reason. Les Miles has put together a fast, powerful, and aggressive team that can earn at least a share of the national championship if they beat Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.

Arkansas has had a very good season, and there is absolutely nothing this team should hang their heads about. A 10-2 regular season, followed by a New Year’s Day bowl game is awesome. There are a great many teams across the nation that wish they had what Arkansas has, right now.

The Hogs’ losses were both on the road, to the two best teams in the country, and the polls reflect that fact.

These 17 seniors have been responsible for 32 victories in the past four seasons, with one more possible. This will be their third straight bowl game, and their second 10-win season in a row. They have laid the foundation for a bright future under Bobby Petrino as the Arkansas head coach.

The gruff handshake at midfield has been talked about. But who could blame Petrino for it? Les Miles tried to put “style points” up on Arkansas, and Petrino’s team and coaching staff were not able to “win one for the Gipper” for fallen teammate Garrett Uekman. Who wouldn’t be highly emotional and upset? I am sure Petrino had no interest in standing at midfield and listening to Miles drone on about the game.

The Hogs will have to wait 364 days to get their chance at revenge on LSU and bring the Golden Boot back home. I heard the commentators speak about how the Tigers think they will be even better in 2012. That remains to be seen. LSU does have some good players coming back, and are always signing solid recruiting classes.

Arkansas will lose four starters on offense, and five on defense. Jarius Wright, Joe Adams, Jake Bequette, Jerry Franklin, and Tramain Thomas just to name a few. Bobby Petrino and his staff will have to find and develop some younger guys to replace those playmakers.

Razorback fans are now focused on cheering their team to a bowl victory. It would top a very good year, and help these Hogs going into the off-season, knowing they won 11 games, and finished ranked in the Top 10.

One game note from Friday: even though Jarius Wright was held to 2 catches for 27 yards and 1 TD, he has moved into first place in the following school statistical categories….most receptions in a season (63), most receiving yards in a season (1,029), and tied for most receiving TD in a season (11).

My picks for the Arkansas Razorbacks on the All-SEC Teams:

1st Team – QB Tyler Wilson, WR Jarius Wright, DE Jake Bequette, S Tramain Thomas, Ret. Specialist Joe Adams

2nd Team – WR Joe Adams, TE Chris Gragg, OL Alvin Bailey, DL Byran Jones, LB Jerry Franklin

Hon Men – OL Grant Cook, LB Alonzo Highsmith Jr, LB Jerico Nelson

All-Freshman Team – CB Tevin Mitchel, WR/KR Marquel Wade, DE Trey Flowers