Crystal Ball ‘09 — Wins And Losses
July 15, 2009 at 8:35am by TipsterHog
Filed under Arkansas Razorbacks, Football
In just one week, the madness begins. Bobby Petrino will be the first coach to take the podium next Wednesday afternoon at SEC Media Days and football season will officially begin.
In the meantime, it’s time to unveil our predictions for the 2009 season, as well as ask you to give us yours. It’s always a fun time every year to have everyone share their version of what the future holds.
And just like last year, we’re planning to do this with a three-part series of posts over the next week so that we can fully break down all of the prognostications.
We start today with the bottom line…wins and losses.
| Opponent (Win/Loss) | TipsterHog | HogBlogger | Sunshine | HogBaller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri State | W | W | W | W |
| Georgia | L | W | W | W |
| at Alabama | L | L | L | L |
| Texas A&M | W | W | W | W |
| Auburn | W | W | W | W |
| at Florida | L | L | L | L |
| at Ole Miss | W | L | L | L |
| Eastern Michigan | W | W | W | W |
| South Carolina | W | W | W | W |
| Troy | W | W | W | W |
| Mississippi State | W | W | W | W |
| at LSU | L | L | L | L |
| Conference Record | 4-4 | 4-4 | 4-4 | 4-4 |
| Season Record | 8-4 | 8-4 | 8-4 | 8-4 |
A few notes:
- Uh…notice anything? Yeah…8-4 seems to be kind of a trendy pick. (Chris Bahn over at ArkansasSports360.com agrees.) But just as a FYI…we all make these predictions independently and then I compile them together for the first time in these posts. But…uh…it’s apparent that we’re all thinking pretty similarly right now.
- An upset win over Georgia has been a trendy pick for a lot of people and we (mostly) tend to agree. It certainly seems like it could be a trap game for the Bulldogs unless they bring their ‘A’ game to Fayetteville.
- As long as this site lives on the ‘Interwebs,’ I have vowed that we will never all pick a Houston Nutt coached team to beat the Hogs. Period. (Of course, all of us predicting a win over the Rebels last year didn’t seem to help, either.)
Okay…the floor is open…what do you think? Click here and let ‘er rip.
Coming up next: Will the Hogs win their bowl game and who will be the breakout player of the year?
As far as the season goes this is what I personally think will happen.
Opponent (Win/Loss) P.H.W.
Missouri State W
Georgia W
at Alabama L
Texas A&M W
Auburn W
at Florida L
at Ole Miss L
Eastern Michigan W
South Carolina W
Troy W
Mississippi State W
at LSU W
Conference Record 5-3
Season Record 9-3
Personally I think the Georgia And Ole Miss games are make or break for the razorbacks. If they win both of those games they could possibly be 9-3 or if they lose both those and a hiccup along the way 6-6. Honestly I think they will win one of those games (not sure which one) and will end up 8-4 going to an average bowl game
TipsterHog, let me be the first to say it… Arkansas vs. Ole Miss will not even be close. We are going in and will cream them.
As for last year… since I never saw the replay on the “so called” offensive interference near the end of the game, I’m still thinking we should have won that game… (assuming Alex hit the field goal). Anyway, I wouldn’t worry too much about “missing” that call from last year.
Owasso…it happened right in front of us and from 25 rows up there was no doubt that it was NOT offensive pass interference!
But, other than creaming Ole Miss, what’s your prediction for this season?
Ok… let’s assume that it was a bad call… we keep the ball. Do we win that game or now? I realize that Alex was struggling but stil… what’s your thought?
As for a prediction for 2009 goes… I’m close with your prediction… I’ll go out on a limb and say 9-3 with the 9th being a win over Georgia in a close one. I’m concerned that we might slip up and lose an game somewhere that we could have or should have won.
First let me say that I am pretty excited about this team. I think we will get to see much clearer what a Petrino team will look like in the future. With that said here we go.
Missouri State W
Georgia W
at Alabama W- This will be my 1 0f 2 upset picks. Bama has no offence
Texas A&M W
Auburn W
at Florida L
at Ole Miss L- I’m afraid Houston just might have our number for at least two more years.
Eastern Michigan W
South Carolina W
Troy W
Mississippi State W
at LSU W-My second upset. It will knock LSU from the title game.
Off to a BCS Bowl ranked number 6 in the nation. Yes that’s right we arrived one year ealier than predicted.
Thank you Mike, I thought sure I would be the first. Yes, it is true this could be a 6-6 team if the defense doesn’t come together and all of the tough teams on our schedule play as advertised.
But, I really like the look, feel, and voice of this team. We haven’t seen this many players on campus in a long, long time. We WILL have a running game and the Petrino pass attack though slowed by a few early growing pains will begin to come of age. The defensive front seven is much improved. If the DB recruiting class can be plugged in in time, that defense could be better than expected (they have nowhere to go but up.) If Smith can put special teams on the field, this team can be the surprise of the SEC.
Tough Schedule, no doubt. But, GA and Alabama are playing with new QBs. Fla has to keep the balloon in the air. They have great players yes but, college football is a game of teamwork and emotion. Too much success can be tough to handle. I am counting on Nutty making a key stumble here and there along the way although that could be one of the best games of the year. The winner might even take the West. I am hoping this is the year Miles finally wears out his welcome at LSU.
I say 10-2 with a trip to the Championship game and the BCS. Most hog teams arrive a year ahead of schedule while they are still off the radar.
I will say 10-2. Refs try to cheat us in Alabama but we prevail for the upset. The national media is going crazy and by the time we go to the swamp, Lee Corso and the gang will be in Gainesville for an early season showdown of undefeated teams. We lose a hard fought game to Florida. By the end of the season, we are one of the surprises of the year and battle LSU for the west crown and the “boot”. A tired Arkansas team loses in Baton Rouge but play big in our bowl game. Setting up a top 10 start and National Championship aspirations for the 2010 season.
We should win all the home games and the game at Jerry World.
We should lose all the away games.
Things do not happen as they should, so we will lose one of the ones we should win and win one of the ones we should lose. Anyway, I am right with the Hogbloggers geniuses——-8 wins and 4 losses.
Missouri St. – W
Georgia – W
Alabama – L
Texas A&M – W
Auburn – W
Florida – L
Ole Miss – W
Eastern Michigan – W
South Carolina – W
Troy – W
Mississippi St. – W
LSU – L
Final Record – 9-3…..Cotton Bowl maybe?
I can see this season going a variety of ways. As pointed out, two otherwise strong teams (Ala. and Ga.) are lacking an experienced QB. I believe that will hurt GA more than Ala. because of Alabama’s defense. Alabama could do what they did years ago and that is win with defense. However, we have a loaded Florida team on defense that should carry them far. Auburn likewise will have a strong defense with their new HC. That too could be a strong factor to propel Auburn upward since their OC probably learned his lesson from Arkansas’ former Running Game Coach regarding a running game and protecting the ball. Going into the season his QBs are questionable in protecting the ball. Their QBs were highly touted QBs coming into the college ranks but their teams have not produced as expected. That should change since they have great talent in the backfield as well as all over the field and a HC who can build a strong defense. If the QBs protect the ball and because they are much more experience, they should have enough talent to cause problems for most teams in the SEC and therefore will be a factor. Don’t count them out. Talentwise (not coaches), I rate the SEC teams thusly: 1. Florida 2. LSU 3. Alabama 4. Georgia 5. Auburn 6. Tennessee 7. Arkansas 8. Ole Miss 9. 10. SC 11. Miss State 12. Vandy. Some in this order except for the top 5 could be flipped many other ways, such as numbers 6 through 10. All things being equal (such as no team having injuries that hurts them in the race), outstanding QB play in vital. QB strengths should be with: Florida, Ole Miss, LSU and Arkansas and potentially Auburn if they can settle on a QB who jells early on. Therefore, my picks: 1. Florida 2. LSU (if their QB continues to improve) 3. Ole Miss (if their offensive line finds depth and early help replacing the talented and BIG offensive lineman 4. Arkansas and Auburn. Who will win the West? Ole Miss and Florida the East. Talk to me next week and I may flip all of these teams but I do think that if Markeson can rebuild the O line, look out for Ole miss. I look for the Hogs to beat GA because they are due to lose to the Hogs. I would not pick our Hogs to trounce anyone in the SEC. If Ole Miss gets their running game going I am afraid the trouncing will be in reverse. However, the Hogs are LOADED on offense…not sure about that defense just yet. Should now be a great rivalry between the Hogs and Rebels. Gotta run the shrimp is ready to eat!
“Do we win that game or now?”
Of course we do! ;^) Seriously, that was a makeable FG from where Crawford caught it and, IRRC, the offense had a bit more time to get more if they felt it was needed.
Even if Tejada had missed the attempt, I would have much rather lost that way than have a grandstandin’ ref rob us yet again.
If the offense clicks then we could surprise some teams All things consider these days (injuries, academics, suspensions) they should be able to go 8-4, but I think we could easily beat Alabama or Georgia like us they are breaking in a new quarterback.
hawgfan100,
FYI – I agree 100% with all that you said!
Pretty much agree with the board. But, the Ole Miss game is circled on Petrino’s calender. I feel this is a statement game for the Hogs against the NUTT. I’am predicting 9-3 (losses to Florida,Alabama and LSwho). Of course injuries could be a problem. In which case “all bets are off “. Anybody’s guess at that point.
Look for improved Defense and especially the Special Teams. The offense will score lots of points.
Gary
Missouri State W
Georgia W
at Alabama L
Texas A&M W
Auburn W
at Florida L
at Ole Miss W
Eastern Michigan W
South Carolina W
Troy W
Mississippi State W
at LSU W
First, there is no way we lose to Ole Miss this year, they are VASTLY over-rated. Yes, they have probably the best “traditional” QB in the SEC, but they also have one of the best coaches at going into freak out mode and losing games.
I believe Ole Miss game will be what gives us momentum into the back half of the season. If we are coming off 4 wins going into LSU I believe we take them down too. Of course, I could see us beating Alabama and losing the LSU, but I believe either way we split.
Naturally, this is all contingent on our D getting their act together. Hopefully Winston, Gordan and the JuCo’s Leon and Crim can provide us with a secondary that’s far less flammable than last year. They will be the difference in 10-2 and 8-4. Call me optomistic
SEC 6-2
Total 10-2
Florida – Superbly loaded. They look unbeatable on paper but sometimes looks are deceiving! Could go all the way. Could faulter but do not bet on it.
LSU loaded..loaded…loaded but let’s see if the QB rolls. Could go all the way.
Auburn – do not count the war eagles/tigers(?) out if their big D gets rolling and their big backs get holes to run through. They may be overlooked by others’ but to others’ detriment. They are loaded with talent.
Ole Miss – They have a good solid group returning but there appears to be holes to fill, i.e. O-line (but Markeson is the best O-line/running back coach in the nation so)….. If the pieces fall into place, no injuries, build backups, this team could again be dangerous if Markeson gets the running game going. Austin appears to have the passing game rolling.
Georgia – This team is loaded but w/o an experienced QB they may turn out to be the LSU of 2008. They will do harm to many teams and could be the surprise if their QB gells early.
South Carolina – Coached by what was once thought of as THE smartest and premier college coach in the nation (see what talent does for a coach) South Carolina may be much stronger but yet may lack that great QB (see what the lack of a strong QB does for a coach’s reputation. Nolan R use to talk about how coaches are overrated (except for his coaching talent) and talent makes a big difference and we have seen how that was true with his teams falling down during his last 4 years. Sooner or later he is gonna find a QB but it has been a long time in coming.
Tennessee – Wow. Forgot about them! I see them suffering again this year. Not sure how their loud-mouthed freshman coach will do. Father could turn the tide for him because their D was even not bad last year. Freshman coach will be media fodder if he faulters.
-The rest will upset a few people but not do much else.
Predicting without solid facts (no games played) is definately a practice in futility, but interesting if not taken seriously or to Nevada, but here goes:
Missouri State – W Ugh!
Georgia – W Love Nice coach but QB to be developed.
Alabama – L Could go either way depending upon their new QB and Hogs D.
TAM – W TAM is better but Hogs should win going away. I hate it that Hogs wimped out of the Texas Longhorn game for this year.
Auburn – W But if their seasoned QBs gell under the system, all bets are off. Talent is very good. This is another one Coach P would love to win.
Florida – L Nuff said.
Ole Miss – L I do not see the defense stepping up. On the positive side, Oxford, however, is not a hostile place for other teams to play so the home field advantage is nil. That is a plus for the pigs, but honestly, this might not be close.
Eastern Mich – L Ugh! UCA could destroy this team. Go Bears.
South Carolina -W They likely will be much improved if QB gells. So much for having a premier coach that Hog fans would have killed for in years past.
Troy – W A trap game but Coach P knows the system too well to lose.
Miss State – W (Who knows how the dogs will perform..they go up/down.
LSU – L Hogs could win there if their QB does not perform up to what I think he will. If LSU had gone for the running game more last year they would have been tougher.
8-4 BUT if D improves significantly and offense rolls as expected with a year under their belt in new system, then Hogs could upset all predictions but let’s not put too much pressure on the Hogs. After all this is the SEC with many tough games weekly.
I see where DJ Williams was not picked numero uno as TE. He will show them! Hogs not being picked up is a tremendous advantage and they just might take advantage of it and fool a lot of people.They have weapons if the D can hold.
It’s amazing that not 1 commenter or panelists picked the Texas A&M game as a loss. I listen to WTAW out of College Station and they see it the exact opposite way. They see the Hogs as down but rebounding and talk about the progress the Aggies have made since last season. It should be a good game. Overall, I agree with the panel, but the A&M game will be the difference between 8-4 and 7-5.
I agree that the Georgia and Ole Miss games will have a great affect on how the season goes…both appear to have good teams but Georgia’s QB will likely be given plain vanilla offense when they meet Hogs and that could be a BIG plus for the Razorbacks if the D is much improved. It will be improved but we shall have to see how it does in their first games to get a measure of their possibilities. I like what I am reading about their attention to the coaches, their comfort level, etc. It definitely will be a marked improvement overall this year. One big plus for Coach P is that is seems to have a national reach when it comes to bringing inn assistant coaches. Hopefully, they have ironed out their offensive line problems from last year. Last year was a learning year which should prove very beneficial this year. How is the season ticket sales coming along? Anyone hear about that?