Crystal Ball 2010 — Wins And Losses
July 19, 2010 at 7:35am by TipsterHog
Filed under Arkansas Razorbacks, Football
In just a little over 48 hours, the college football season will officially begin.
The annual SEC Media Days event kicks off in Birmingham on Wednesday and Arkansas Head Coach Bobby Petrino is scheduled to appear on Thursday morning along with Razorback players Ryan Mallett, D.J. Williams and Jake Bequette.
For now, though, it’s time to unveil our predictions for the 2010 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.
As always, we’re planning to do this with a three-part series of posts over the next three days so that we can fully break down all of the prognostications.
We start today with the bottom line…wins and losses.
| Date | Opponent | TipsterHog | HogBlogger | Sunshine | HogBaller |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 4 | Tennessee Tech | W | W | W | W |
| Sept. 11 | Louisiana-Monroe | W | W | W | W |
| Sept. 18 | at Georgia | W | W | L | L |
| Sept. 25 | Alabama | L | L | L | W |
| Oct. 9 | Texas A&M | W | W | W | W |
| Oct. 16 | at Auburn | W | W | W | L |
| Oct. 23 | Ole Miss | W | W | W | W |
| Oct. 30 | Vanderbilt | W | W | W | W |
| Nov. 6 | at South Carolina | L | W | W | W |
| Nov. 13 | Texas-El Paso | W | W | W | W |
| Nov. 20 | at Mississippi State | W | W | W | W |
| Nov. 27 | LSU | W | W | W | W |
| Conference Record | 6-2 | 7-1 | 6-2 | 6-2 | |
| Season Record | 10-2 | 11-1 | 10-2 | 10-2 | |
A few notes:
- Yeah…uh…we realize you may have a hard time reading these because the sunshine emanating from them is so bright. As most of you longtime RBN readers know, we’re not typically known for our unified positivity around here. But what can we say…we obviously think it’s going to be a season to remember on The Hill.
- Having said that, the usual caveats apply as far as injuries, acts of God, etc. In particular, these predictions assume that a certain 6′ 7″ quarterback doesn’t experience any more phalange issues…or get struck by lightning.
- For the first time in our four years of predictions, we’re unanimous in picking a Razorbacks victory over LSU. You keep on truckin’ down there Lester…we’re liking our chances against you more and more every year up here in ‘Ar-Kansas.’
- Road games are always worrisome in the SEC. While the jury is still out on whether Georgia will be improved, there’s little doubt that both Auburn and Mississippi State will be better than last year. But personally, I’m most concerned about playing what could be Steve Spurrier’s best USC team on the road in Columbia.
Coming up tomorrow: Will the Hogs win their bowl game and who will be the breakout player of the year?
Let’s get this party started….
To say our schedule is managable is still pretty scary. I’m glad we trade Vandy for Florida. But, Georgia Alabama back to back, Auburn and South Carolina on the road? Miss. St. always plays us tough down there. Bobby will have them ready but, what a year this is going to be. I am still waiting for the year that the West is won with three losses. This conference is just too tough.
My favorite prediction for this year is a simple 9-3. After 5-7 and 8-5 it seems like the proper progression for a team with defensive and special teams questions. As much as Ryan is The Man. I tend to think our really big years are ahead. And, as much as I love seeing Ryan go deep early and often with the flick of a wrist, I tend to think the talent behind him and around him makes that position almost my least worry.
Having said all that; I do believe this year can exceed all expectations. Our progress should be more geometric than linear (I apologize for the big words on a sports blog.) Bobby was forced to build with a very young team and a very tough schedule. This is the year that all that pays off big. I think you’re right. The Petrino era is at hand. Help me up on the bandwagon, 10-2 with a shot at Atlanta.
Could be 9-3 or 12-0. Geometric huh (at you didn’t say exponential as I would have). But a little statistics here. Something in the middle of a two tailed normal curve with two standard deviations. 10-2 with a near miss sounds like a good bet to me.
I stand corrected, thanks.
Hot diggity. Some bold predictions there, fellas. If our defense is half-improved over last year, those marks could be dead on.
I love all of this and can’t wait until the fall. I don’t mean to change the subject too much, but it just makes me nervous.. What if we go 10-2 or 11-1.. Is it really the beginning of The Petrino Era, or is Petrino gone? The SEC is the premier league. I don’t believe he can go to SEC West school if Miles has a bad year and gets canned. But what if Urban’s heart goes south on him again? Any other big school coaches on the hot seat?
We all love the hogs – but to many people, it is still “Ar-KANsas”.
I can’t wait to put it to HD – “I called that play” – N this year. I know it’s shallow, and I am a bad person – but that is the game I am looking forward to in Fayetteville. The South Carolina game makes me nervous. I think it will be a real show of coach’s ability to keep a team focused and prepared and hyped up late in a season on a long road game. I really want to beat Alabama, but they are tough. If we lose that game, I hope they beat us on the field and not with a bad call or something – those just give you a horrible kick in the gut “what do we have to do”.
Tejada… please son, get your head on straight.
At this point in time I don’t see Petrino leaving unless it’s for really big money. Where would that be, taking into consideration the pluses at Arkansas. Maybe USC if Kiffin blows it, Notre Dame if Kelley blows it. A&M if it doesn’t live up to this year’s expectations. I don’t think that LSU or Florida would be that interested. However, If Miles can pull out a decent record and if Rodriguez continues to disappoint, Miles could be headed to Ann Arbor and then the LSU job opens up. Personally, at this time, I think that Mahlzahn maybe on people’s radar for such a job. Besides if Petrino does well then why would he leave a good situation that he himself developed to start over? I don’t think that this is the year for better openings than Arkansas, but I could be wrong. Only possibilities I see are if Miles and Rodriquez both fail then Bobby could be going to the Wolverines and/or Tennessee might still be looking after this season.
I don’t think Petrino leaves the SEC. I don’t think he is a national candidate for jobs like Notre Dame and Michigan. Tennessee won’t be open for at least 3 more years. Certainly Florida might be a possiblility or Auburn if those ever become available. Georgia is kind of out of the question because of Atlanta. I think he has done such a good job of building his recruiting base he stay right here for at least another 3 to 5 years, maybe even 6 to 10. He is setting such a solid foundation right now any good coach will have the table set for him. I think he stay put. Thank goodness!!!!
If BP is getting good money from Arkansas and winning games, why would he leave?
I predicated Petrino’s possiblity of leaving for Michigan on the basis of a good (10-2, or better) year. If Rodriquez loses to Notre Dame, MSU, and OSU, bye, bye Rich even if he wins the rest. ND wil give Kelly 3 years. If Petrino continues to win (assuming that he starts this year) he will definately be on the radar for both jobs. but your right, he needs to get some big time wins in the SEC for national resume enhancement. As far as lack of Petrino’s loyalty is concerned,it is interesting to note that the so called national sports sages did not ding Sabin anywhere near as much for leaving MSU, LSU and especially the Dolphins. Only for Sabin’s ‘greed”, which tells you a lot about about sports writers’ inferiority complexes and jealousies.
I agree with Golf about our brighter years still being ahead of us. Among those not familiar with the program, there is a feeling that its now or never because of Mallett, but I think we will be fine at QB and the rest of the roster gets deeper and more talented every year. I share the sentiment that no one could ever accuse the bloggers here of being blind homers. If anything you guys are harder on our teams than outsiders. That’s cool. Its gives you guys validity. I’ll go 9-3. That schedule is still brutal!
I’m with Golf & Carolina Hog on this one. I think a lot of people are wrongly putting all their eggs into one basket because of Ryan Mallett.
Even if Ryan is 100% ready to go by the time we travel to Georgia, (which is questionable) we still don’t know how good the rest of this team is going to be.
I think we all agree the O-line, RBs, D-line, LBs and DBs will at least be moterately improved, but how much exactly is the big question, and what are the percentages of those progressions turning over in the win collum? There’s also a reason knowone is excited about the STs.
That, combined with how good Georgia is early in the season with a talented, but very young QB, with tons of talent and great coaching around him.
How good will ‘Bama be with an expected great offense, but with holes to fill on D. They still have a lot of young talent on that side of the ball and we all know the defensive rep Saban carries with him.
How improved will Auburn be?
How improved will SC be with an up and down, but very talented QB?
Will les Miles start doing more with less? They have a lot of 4 and 5* recruits over there every single year, but still have way too questions at QB.
I’m still not comfortable predicting a 10-2 season, even though I agree that we are very capable of doing just that.
Momentum is key. I say if we beat Georgia in Athens, we go 9-3, with 10-2 a very real possibility.
If we lose to Georgia, 9-3 becomes somewhat of a dimmer hope IMO, with 8-4 a very real possibilty. (Fingers crossed)
I can certainly appreciate the cautious optimism, but I really think we can run the table this year. Mallet is a great asset, but what really puts us over is our receiver corps. Remember when defenses had to worry about Marcus Monk only? Guess what – this year they have to worry about Childs, Williams, Wright, Adams, and now Dennis Johnson. All of these guys can run after the catch and can make plays. That puts incredible amounts of pressure on the secondary and linebackers. And with Wingo as a threat our offense should really be unstopable, even if you don’t have Mallet. If Mallet has learned more touch and how to throw to a tight end, all kinds of records could be broken.
Here is my further flawed rationale on an unblemished record:
- Of the teams we lost to (UGA, Bama, FL, LSU, Ole Piss), one is no longer on the schedule and the others have lost key players with no real proven replacements. I have to assume that with all of our threats returning and a marginally proven defense (fingers and toes crossed) we should win these games.
- I may be the only one not worried about UGA – heck, they have no QB experience, it’s a big SEC game on a national spotlight. The Hogs should have beat them last year, and if our defense has improved marginally it will be a W.
- Bama lost almost all of their defense. See above comments on marginally improved D and offensive weapons. Add to that it’s at home and it may be ESPN game of the week – it may be impossible for a Bama win in that environment.
- Spurrier has always been given more credit than he’s due at SC. he has driven poor Garcia’s confidence into the ground I don’t see how he can be effective. this is a risky game for sure, but Arkansas will be far through the season and will be firing on all cylinders for this one.
- I think our biggest risk is Auburn. They scare the hell outta me. I tend to think with an unproven SEC QB they may not be as good as I think they will be, but since it is at their house it’s doesn’t give me warm and fuzzies.
I do think we have a great few years ahead, but our special year is now. With all the offensive weapons and a more experienced defense, it’s gonna be fun to watch. I’ve already got my room reserved in Atlanta, and will book a room in Arizona this week.
Be sure and get the room overlooking the pool if you are booking this early.
I think it is too early for Georgia to protect a young QB and score enough points to beat Arkansas but, all of the road games are tough. Superior has Tenn before us and Florida after, otherwise I think our game would be circled on his calendar. Auburn may or may not be for real. Let’s hope not. And, I think if we get to Miss. St. intact we will come away with the win. It really all rides on Georgia/Alabama. If you manage to win those two back to back Bobby will handle the rest. I believe that.
As tough as our schedule is, almost every team on it has distractions we don’t face except for Georgia/Bama. Alabama has to have one eye on Florida. Georgia comes off a tough game against South Carolina. Ole Miss and Miss St. come off road trips to Alabama, Auburn is the only team we face with the luxury to circle us on the schedule. And, of course, LSU in the Rock. That could be HUGE!
Better take a closer look at TAMU before you book that Arizona room. They will be no pushover. I don’t think even a one-loss SEC champion get the benefit of the doubt this year. I like our chances with the O and an improved D. 10-2 best case; 8-4 worst case.
The SEC has won the last 5 national titles. The SEC championship game is officially the National Title play-in game until that streak ends.
Agreed. TAMU will be a tough one for sure, but contain the QB and you’re golden. They will still be one dimensional with an average defense. A team will have to have an outstanding defense to keep us out of the end zone.
Golf, I’m with you….a one loss SEC Champion is in the title game period.
TAMU? Really? I didn’t see anything on the field last year that would make me think TAMU will be able to improve enough to catch up with the Hogs’ talent in one year. I thought they looked at least two years away. They are definitely improving under Sherman.
I think I need to do some more research on the Aggies. Maybe I’m selling them short.
Trap game between Alabama and Auburn. aTm is in a dangerous spot on the schedule. Not saying a loss….just sayin’.
SEC has won 5 of the last 7 and the last four in a row
LSU (*2003, 2007), Florida (2006, 2008), Alabama (2009)
Texas (2005)
USC (2004)
* LSU did share this one with USC
I knew someone would correct that. Thanks. I think the point remains.
Interesting Schedule Note: Ole Miss sets up very, very, easy early. They go to Alabama after an off week and catch ‘Bama after 4 weeks of 3 road games including Arkansas and South Carolina and Florida in Tuscaloosa. Ole Nutty could have them set up for the kill if he can get his kids high enough for the big unexpected upset, his specialty. That would mean he would come to Fayetteville ranked and undefeated. Not likely, but possible.
I think we will go 9 and 3. I think we will be in every game and not lose by more than 6 points. We’ve still got holes to fill but our coaching staff is slowly getting it done.
10-2 with losses to Alabama and either SC or Mississippi State.
I’ve changed our losses somewhat in my 9-3 prediction.
Before, I had ‘Bama, at Auburn and at SC as our losses, but the more I debate in my mind over this years up and coming competition, the more dangerous Georgia becomes.
I still see them as a very dangerous power running game/short passing game/ solid STS kind of team early on.
Mark Richt is no dummy, and he knows his young QB will be limited with certain things.
First of all, playing in front of the home town fans will help calm his young QB.
Secondly, If their defense is solid enough to stop the Arkansas running game, but on the other hand, we’re not able to slow down their running game consistantly enough, it’s almost certain we’ll get beat again on the road.
Georgia wins at home, 24-21.
The SC game is starting to look a little bit more like a win, IMO.
Like Soup said earlier, there’s way too many issues between Spurrier and Garcia for some reason.
He should be ready for a breakout season, but for some reason, I just don’t see that happening.
I also don’t believe the Gamecocks will field a defense as good as they did last season.
Combine that with an even more explosive offensive attack by the Hogs this season, and I think we take that one in Columbia.
Overall though, I still see a 9-3 season.
If there’s one game I fear will come back and haunt me, it’s got to be Texas A&M. Those guys were really wanting in the SEC just a few short weeks ago. If anyone is motivated to play the Hogs this season, you know it’s them, especially after the way we spanked them last time.
I am worried about the A $ M game, too. They have a dangerous offense and are getting better under Sherman. No one is talking about that game, but I think it will be a close one. It is sandwiched between Alabama and Auburn and since it is not a SEC game, we may be ripe for being upset.
Tipster, I’m shocked you picked a win at Georgia knowing yours truly will be in Athens. Obviously, Sunshine and HogBaller obviously took that into account.