Arkansas will host at least seven in-state games, including conference showdowns with Alabama, Kentucky, Ole Miss and LSU as part of the 2012 football tentative schedule released on Wednesday.

Also:

• RBN: 2012 Arkansas Razorbacks Football Schedule
• ArkansasRazorbacks.com: Jeff Long Press Conference (Video)
• SECSports.com: SEC Releases 2012 Conference Football Schedule
• Matt Jones: Hogs release partial 2012 schedule, Several unknowns hinder scheduling
• Chris Bahn: Razorbacks Release Finished Portion Of 2012 Football Schedule, Jeff Long Says No Venue Decision For LSU, Other Razorback Home Games
• Robbie Neiswanger: Arkansas’ 2012 Schedule (Most of It) Unveiled, Several Questions Remain With 2012 Schedule

With the hire of Anderson and a highly-touted incoming freshman class, the Razorbacks have been getting some respect from observers outside the program for the first time in years.  Arkansas was picked to finish 6th in the SEC at last month’s SEC Media Day.  However, no Razorbacks were selected by the media to the All-SEC Preseason teams.

As for us here at RBN, just like we did last year before basketball season, here are our predictions for both the Razorbacks and the rest of the SEC.

And finally, just like Vegas, here are a few ‘proposition bets‘ — interesting side bets that we’re making just because they’re fun to speculate about.

So that’s what we think.  What are your predictions for this season?  Will the Hogs be better than expected or will they struggle in Mike Anderson’s first year?

The Southeastern Conference Presidents and Chancellors, acting unanimously, announced today that the University of Missouri will join the Southeastern Conference effective July 1, 2012, with competition to begin in all sports for the 2012-13 academic year.

Also:

• ESPN.com: SEC accepts Missouri for 2012-13, Maisel: Conference chaos envelops Missouri
• SI.com: Staples: Questioning Missouri’s SEC jump? You’d have done the same thing, Mandel:LSU-Alabama was the pinnacle, but SEC is headed for downward slide
• St. Louis Post-Dispatch: It’s Official: Mizzou to SEC, Mizzou says move to SEC is about ‘stability’
• Kansas City Star: Missouri pulls up Midwestern sports roots for SEC stability

The Southeastern Conference Presidents and Chancellors, acting unanimously, announced today that Texas A&M University will join the Southeastern Conference effective July 1, 2012, with competition to begin in all sports for the 2012-13 academic year.

Also:

• SECSports.com: Aggie Roots: Texas A&M Joins The SEC, Texas A&M-SEC Connections: A History, Q&A with Tony Barnhardt
• AggieAthletics.com: Texas A&M To Join The Southeastern Conference
• ArkansasRazorbacks.com: Former rivals reunite in SEC
• AggieSports.com: Texas A&M officially joins the SEC
• Houston Chronicle: Aggies officially SEC’s 13th member
• Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Texas A&M officially joins SEC, league officials announce today
• ESPN.com: Texas A&M officially joins SEC, Maisel: Texas finally pushes A&M too far
• Yahoo! Sports: Hinton: For real this time: Texas A&M officially joins the SEC

When Vegas speaks, we usually listen.  Not because we are compulsive gamblers (all the time), but because it gives us some good insight on how others (specifically wise guys) perceive the Hogs.

As fans, we tend to walk around with blinders and rose-colored glasses on most of the time.  Vegas, because of the nature of their business, usually casts a more critical eye to all teams.

Here’s a team-by-team look at the over/under regular season win totals.  Max bet at the Hilton is $ 1,000 for now.  See any that catch your eye?

Alabama – 10 wins – Expected this number to be a tad higher.  Superior defensive play likely was trumped by the Tide’s inexperience at quarterback.  The over seems likely though.

LSU – 9.5 wins – Winning 10 for the Tigers means winning three of these five games: Oregon (in
Arlington), at West Virginia, at Mississippi State (on a Thursday night), at Alabama, Arkansas.  With Jordan Jefferson at the helm…take the under.

South Carolina – 9 wins – The Gamecocks dodge LSU and Alabama on the schedule this year, and with their talent at running back and wide receiver, you would think 9 wins would be a lock.  Games at Georgia, at Mississippi State, at Arkansas, and Clemson seem to be the toss ups.  They would have to be swept in all four of those not to get at least a push.

Arkansas  8.5 – Never thought the Razorbacks number would be this low.  The schedule likely has the wise guys worried.  Even if you say the Hogs drop both games at Alabama, and at LSU, it seems unlikely that they would drop two others.  A nice wager on the over might just pay for our increased RSVP payment. 

Georgia – 8.5 wins – If there is a ‘lock’ of this bunch, its Georgia and the over.  The Bulldogs escape without facing the top three teams from the West, and get Boise State at “neutral site” Atlanta on opening weekend.

Florida – 7.5 wins – New coaches, new systems usually spell growing pains.  Hog fans know this well from Petrino’s first year.  The swing games look to be Georgia (at Jacksonville) and at South Carolina.  We see good things ahead for Coach Muschamp, but like the under for 2011.

Mississippi State – 7.5 wins – Dan Mullen’s Bulldogs and quarterback Chris Relf improved every single week last year, on their way to a 9-4 record.  For the over to hit, MSU will likely need to win two of these three: at Auburn, at Georgia, South Carolina.  Tough task.

Tennessee – 6.5 wins – Despite the feel good story that was Tyler Bray at the end of the 2010 season, it may be some time before the Vols turn the corner.  Depth is still lacking, especially in the lines.  With only four ‘lock’ victories, and seeing that all three big boys from the West are on the Vols schedule, the over looks impossible.  Take the under.

Auburn – 6 wins – What do they say about paybacks?  War Eagle is about to find out.  With non-conference dates with Cincinnati and at Clemson, and games with the top three teams from the East, a six win season might make Chizik the National Coach of the Year…again.

Petrino: “I’m not afraid of high expectations. I’m excited with the fact that two years in a row now we have very high expectations.  Number one, our players have high expectations.  Certainly our coaching staff does.  Our fans in the state of Arkansas do.  Our administration does.

“It’s fun to approach the year that way, that, hey, we’re going to go out and be a contender, be a good football team, see what we can do to win ourselves a championship.  I think it motivates you throughout the off-season, throughout spring ball, throughout the summertime.”

Also:

• SECSports.com: Arkansas Player Quotes (PDF)
• ArkansasRazorbacks.com: Razorbacks at SEC Media Days
• ArkansasRazorbacks.com (Video): Bobby Petrino Press Conference, Tenarius Wright, Jarius Wright, Knile Davis
• AP: Arkansas QB has luxury of skillful players
• RBN: 2011 Razorbacks Football Media Guide Released Online
• Chris Bahn: Razorbacks Say Summer Should Alleviate Petrino’s Concerns About Leadership
• Jim Harris: Ten Minutes With Arkansas Running Back Knile Davis
• ArkansasSports360.com: League Releases Start Times For Hogs’ First 3 Games
• Robbie Neiswanger: Petrino, Razorbacks ‘Not Afraid’ Of Expectations, Receiver Says Recognition Rewarding
• Razorback Nation (Video): Bobby Petrino, Jarius Wright
• Memphis Commercial-Appeal: Arkansas Razorbacks set to let quarterback Tyler Wilson take over
• al.com: Razorbacks already looking ahead to Alabama game
• Louisville Courier-Journal: Arkansas’ Bobby Petrino high on the Hogs for SEC, national titles

When the media release their pick to win the SEC, we’re pretty sure it won’t be Arkansas.  But consider this interesting stat from Chris Low of the ESPN SEC Blog:

Since league expansion in 1992, only four times have the media gotten it right at SEC media days — 1994 and 1995 with Florida winning both times, 2007 with LSU and 2008 with Florida.

Until the media correctly picked LSU as the SEC champion in 2007, the media had whiffed on the league champion for 11 straight years.  Not only that, but none of the 11 teams picked to win the title at the media days during that span even made it to the SEC championship game.

Ouch.  So…how would you pick it any differently?

Despite having the reputation as a “smash mouth, run-first league,” the SEC has managed to put several high profile receivers into the NFL over the last few seasons.  2011 draftees A.J. Green (Cincinnati) and Julio Jones (Atlanta) joined Percy Harvin (Minnesota) as the latest playmakers to take their talents to “The League.”

The SEC is stocked again this season, with some believing that Alshon Jeffery might be the top receiver in the nation.

As you might expect, the Hogs’ prolific passing attack lands four receivers in this space.  The fact that they steal catches from each other doesn’t diminish their talent to be on the list.  Any of the four would be the #1 receiver on almost every SEC team.

1. Alshon Jeffery, Junior, South Carolina (88 Rec, 1,517 RecYds, 9 TDs in 2010) — Jeffery is a freak of nature.  His size (6-4, 233) and speed (4.4) gives him an incredible advantage against most corners.  Great hands, and can ‘go get it’ in traffic.  If there’s one thing quarterback Stephen Garcia did right in 2010, it was throw it up to Jeffery.  Almost certainly a top 5 pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

2. Greg Childs, Senior, Arkansas (46 Rec, 659 RecYds, 6 TDs in 2010) — Childs was on his way to a 1,000-yard season before injuring his patella tendon in game 8.  Of all the Razorback receivers, Childs has the NFL body (6-3, 217) that the scouts crave to go along with the penchant for making the big play.  Provided his knee has sufficiently healed, Greg should be in for a stellar 2011 season.

3. Rueben Randall, Junior, LSU (33 Rec, 544, 3 TDs in 2010) — Randall’s stat line shows just how bad LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson has been.  When you can only get one of your best playmakers the ball 33 times in a season (2.5 touches per game), you can see why LSU offensive coordinator Gary Crowton was shown the door.  Randall (6-4, 207) has all the skills and would flourish anywhere else.

4. Joe Adams, Senior, Arkansas (50 Rec, 813 RecYds, 6 TDs in 2010) — Maybe the toughest player in the SEC, Adams is electric in the open field and a perfect slot receiver in Bobby Petrino’s power spread attack.  Always fighting for the extra yard, Adams doubles as a dangerous punt return man.  Blazing speed.

5. Jarius Wright, Senior, Arkansas (42 Rec, 788 RecYds, 5 TDs in 2010) — While Wright has made a living making tough catches in traffic, last season he garnered his share of big plays, as well.  He was second on the Razorbacks in yards per catch (18.8), and seemed to step up his game after Childs went down.  Best downfield blocker on this list.  Poised for a big senior year.

6. Cobi Hamilton, Junior, Arkansas (32 Rec, 630 RecYds, 6 TDs in 2010) — Along with Childs, Hamilton proved to be a home run threat throughout the 2010 season.  His long touchdown catches vs. LSU, especially the one right before the half, will go down in Razorback lore.  At 6-3, 209, Hamilton has the NFL-type body and is a burner.  Good hands, good route runner.  Might he be gone after this season?

7. Marquis Maze, Senior, Alabama (38 Rec, 557 RecYds, 3 TDs in 2010) — Maze took a back seat to Julio Jones for the last two seasons, so 2011 is his time to shine.  Difficult to bring down in the open field, Maze has flourished in the slot.  His size (5-10, 180) keeps him from being in the top tier of this list.  Breaking in a new quarterback in the fall may also put a cap on his stat line.  Stay tuned.

8. Deonte Thompson, Senior, Florida (38 Rec, 570 RecYds, TD in 2010) — Few were hurt more than Thompson by the “John Brantley Experiment” in 2010.  Thompson’s touchdowns fell from four to one.  Tremendous speed.  Definitely has NFL potential.

9. Trovon Reed, Redshirt Freshman, Auburn (No Stats in 2010) — Reed spent his 2010 year redshirting after nagging injuries kept him out of some early fall practices.  A former Louisiana high school star quarterback, Reed probably needed a year to learn how to play wide receiver.  Explosive speed that can thrive in a Gus Malzahn offense.  Keep an eye on this future star.

10. DeAngelo Smith, Sophomore, South Carolina (1 Rec, 1 RecYd in 2010) — Playing a reserve role in 2010 behind departed wideout Tori Gurley, Smith exploded on the scene this spring for the Gamecocks.  The talented sophomore caught four passes for 118 yards and 3 TDs in the USC spring game, and looks to have locked up the #2 receiver spot opposite Jeffery.  “He has really developed into an outstanding receiver,” said Gamecock head coach Steve Spurrier.

Also considered: Tavarres King (Georgia), Chad Bumphis (Mississippi St.), Darius Hanks (Alabama), Dustin Hunter (Tennessee), Russell Shepard (LSU), Da’Rick Rogers (Tennessee), Emory Blake (Auburn).

In the most physical conference in America, to win games and keep defenses honest, running the ball is a must.  Easier said than done.

As usual, the SEC is loaded at running back in 2011.  You could make an argument for any of the top three to be at the top of this list.

1. Marcus Lattimore, Sophomore, South Carolina (1,197 RuYds, 17 TDs in 2010) — Last season’s top-rated recruit, Lattimore proved to be a beast from the get-go.  His tremendous lower body strength and vision make up for his lack of breakaway speed.  He’s a touchdown machine, and just for good measure, has added 15-20 pounds of muscle for 2011. Uh oh.

2. Knile Davis, Junior, Arkansas (1,322 RuYds, 13 TDs in 2010) — Knile’s emergence in the last 9 games of 2010 propelled the Hogs to record heights.  Had the Razorbacks not found a running game, who knows where we would have ended up — likely not in the Sugar Bowl.  Davis’ 1,322 rushing yards and staggering 6.5 yards per carry led the SEC.  Perfect for the Hogs zone blocking schemes.  Loves the edge.

3. Trent Richardson, Junior, Alabama (966 TotYds, 10 Total TDs in 2010) — Richardson is the man now after Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram left for the NFL.  A workhorse of a back, Richardson is looking to rebound from his (knee) injury-plagued 2010.  Like Lattimore, his lower body strength allows him to dole out punishment instead of take it.  Best receiver of the top three stars.

4. Vick Ballard, Senior, Mississippi State (968 RuYds, 19 TDs in 2010) — A nose for the endzone, Ballard was a bull for Dan Mullen’s spread-option attack.  Led the SEC in rushing touchdowns a year ago (19).  He has great balance and strength, and along with quarterback Chris Relf, form the 1-2 punch for the Bulldog offensive attack.

5. Tauren Poole, Senior, Tennessee (1,034 RuYds, 11 TDs in 2010) — One of the bright spots in a rebuilding 2010 season for the Vols, Poole managed some solid numbers.  Tough runner between the tackles.  The emergence of sophomore quarterback Tyler Bray, could take some of the heat off Poole to have a big season in 2011.

6. Isaiah Crowell, Freshman, Georgia (No 2010 Stats) — One of two true freshmen to make the list, Crowell appears to be the Bulldogs answer to the Gamecocks’ Marcus Lattimore.  A concensus top 5 back in the Class of 2011, Crowell reminds some of former LSU great Joseph Addai.  At 5-11, 210, he’s got the size, strength and speed to quickly become a star in the SEC.  After running back Washaun Ealey was kicked off the team this spring, the door is now open for Crowell to be a starter from the get-go.

7. Dee Hart, Freshman, Alabama (No 2010 Stats) — Hart (5-8, 190, 4.4) is the second true freshman mentioned here, and the second member of the Crimson Tide.  Great speed and elusive in space, Hart will be a perfect complement to the bruiser Trent Richardson.  Possible candidate to return kicks as well.  Hart should get ample playing time in 2011, and be the man next year after Richardson goes to the NFL.

8. Spencer Ware, Sophomore, LSU (175 RuYds, TD in 2010) — Ware blew up at the Cotton Bowl last year, rushing for 102 yards on 10 carries against Texas A&M.  He followed that up with a 2 TD, 144 total yard performance in LSU’s spring game.  The former high school quarterback is a tremendous athlete who also plays a reserve outfielder role for the Tigers.  Solid replacement for departed star Stevan Ridley.

9. Brandon Bolden, Senior, Ole Miss (976 RuYds, 14 TDs in 2010) — Despite the Rebels dismal showing in 2010, Bolden was a workhorse.  Averaging 6.0 yards per carry, Bolden also showed great hands out of the backfield, catching 32 passes for 344 yards and three more touchdowns.  Suspect quarterback play might put a damper on his stats in 2011.

10. Michael Dyer, Sophomore, Auburn (1,093 RuYds, 5 TDs in 2010) — Dyer (5-8, 210), a Little Rock Christian product, had a solid first year for War Eagle.  Muscle-bound, pinball-type backs can sometimes become injury prone.  That was the case with Dyer, as he fought through several leg injuries in 2010.  Junior running back Onterio McCalebb (810 RuYds, 9 TDs) will continue to steal some of Dyer’s thunder in 2011.

Part 3: Catching On: Ranking The SEC Wide Receivers

The SEC flexed its muscles again in 2010, capturing a fifth straight BCS National Championship.  Those five teams all had one thing in common — solid quarterback play.  Whether it was Tim Tebow, Greg McElroy, or last year’s winner Cam Newton, confident play at the position was (and is) a must.

In 2011, most SEC teams still seem to be searching at quarterback.  Only four of the twelve teams have ‘officially’ named starters, with the others carrying over quarterback battles into the fall.

As we do here at RBN each year entering the doldrums of summer, here’s our take on how the SEC’s 2011 trigger men stack up.

1. Aaron Murray, Sophomore, Georgia (3,049 PaYds, 24 TDs in 2010) – Despite the disappointing season for the Bulldogs, Murray made great strides in 2010 — his first year as a starter.  The loss of stud wide receiver A.J. Green to the NFL might put a ceiling on his 2011 numbers, but we still think Murray can make improvement, even as he breaks in a new receiving corps.

2. Tyler Wilson, Junior, Arkansas (453 PaYds, 4 TDs in 2010) – We struggled mightily on whether or not to put Wilson at the top of this list despite the fact that the junior has never started a college game.  Tyler’s performances last season subbing for Mallett vs. Auburn and Ole Miss proved he has the tools.  The superior skill position talent around him on the Hogs’ offense gives him every chance in the world to succeed.

3. Stephen Garcia, Senior, South Carolina (3,059 PaYds, 20 TDs, 14 Ints in 2010) – We know, we know…Garcia is in the dog house…again.  We have lost count of his arrests and suspensions, but it’s a given Spurrier will relent and let the troubled quarterback return as the starter.  Garcia is a turnover machine, but has thrown for 37 TDs in the last two seasons.  High risk, high reward.  Sophomore Connor Shaw, a more dual-threat playmaker, is waiting in the wings just in case.

4. A.J. McCarron, Sophomore, Alabama (389 PaYds, 3 TDs in 2010) – After spending a few seasons watching Greg McElroy lead the Tide to 25 wins, McCarron is ready for his shot.  The 6-4 sophomore from Mobile has a strong arm, and a great defense in his corner.  While Bama coaches will tell you he is still in a battle with redshirt freshman Phillip Sims, we think McCarron will emerge and be solid in 2011.

5. Tyler Bray, Sophomore, Tennessee (1,849 PaYds, 18 TDs, 10 Ints in 2010) – After Matt Simms got his shot and whiffed last season, Bray came on and started the last half of the 2010 season.  With few playmakers on the squad, Bray showed some flashes that make the UT faithful think he’s the guy.  A 5-for-30 performance in the Vols spring game gave some fans pause, though, so stay tuned.

6. John Brantley, Senior, Florida (2,061 PaYds, 9 TDs, 10 Ints in 2010) – Man, did we swing and miss on Brantley last year or what?  Brantley was a complete misfit in Urban Meyer’s spread offense.  He looked like Peyton Manning in 7-on-7 drills, but when you put the live rush on him, he folded like a cheap suit.  With the top quarterback recruit for 2011, Jeff Driskel, breathing down his neck, let’s see if new OC Charlie Weis can turn the maligned Brantley into a serviceable player in his final season.

7. Chris Relf, Junior, Mississippi State (1,789 PaYds, 713 RuYds, 18 Total TDs in 2010) – Relf continued to improve his game as the 2010 season went along.  Throwing for 200+ yards in each of his last three games shows how far the dual-threat playmaker has come.  Sophomore Tyler Russell, once thought of as the “QB of the future,” continues to hold the clipboard for Relf.

8. Jordan Jefferson, Senior, LSU (1,411 PaYds, 7 TDs, 10 Ints in 2010) – The Tigers keep looking for someone…anyone…to step in and replace the embattled, third-year starter.  If anything, Jefferson regressed under former offensive coordinator Gary Crowton.  Will new OC Steve Kragthorpe make a difference?  Georgia transfer Zach Mettenberger is still battling to be the man, so keep an eye on JJ’s progress in the fall.

9. Morgan Newton, Junior, Kentucky (265 PaYds in 2010) – After throwing for 6 TDs as a freshman, Newton played in only five games in 2010.  A solid season by senior Mike Hartline (24 TDs) kept Newton on the sideline.  Explosive in the open field, the 6-4, 230 pound strong-armed quarterback could be the breakout player of the year in the SEC.  However, key losses of wide receiver Randall Cobb and running back Derrick Locke to the NFL may put the Wildcats in a rebuilding mode in 2011.

10. Barrett Trotter, Junior OR Clint Moseley, Sophomore, Auburn – These two fought it out in the spring and neither one really emerged.  The battle to replace Cam will continue into the fall according to OC Gus Malzahn.  Trotter played in mop-up duty in 2010 (64 PaYds), but neither figure to be much more than a bridge to get to true freshman Kiehl Frazier (Shiloh Christian, Springdale, Arkansas), or top 2012 QB prospect-commit Zeke Pike.

11. Barry Brunetti, Sophomore OR Randall Mackey, Redshirt Junior OR Zack Stoudt, Junior, Ole Miss – I’m sure you’re not surprised to find the “Quarterback Killa’s” bunch near the bottom of this list.  The battle will apparently continue into the fall.  Brunetti has the most experience in Division I games going 4-for-9 passing, for 6 yards for West Virginia last season.  Mackey, who is a run-pass threat, suffers from a speech problem that, “has caused him to have difficulty calling plays in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage.”  Stoudt, originally signed by Louisville in 2008, is 6-5 and has a big arm, but limited mobility.  ”It’s pretty close,” Nutt said.  Oh, brother.

12. Larry Smith, Senior, Vanderbilt (1,262 PaYds, 6 TDs) – Not a lot of options here for the Commodores, so Larry Smith is the starter by default.  Smith has started for the past two seasons, but his career 47.6 percent completion percentage on 508 attempts is uninspiring to say the least.  Vandy signed three quarterbacks in the spring signing period, so life after Smith (in 2012) can only get better.

Part 2: Running Down A Dream: Ranking The SEC Running Backs

For those of you who are familiar with Steele’s preseason magazine, you know how easy it is to get completely overwhelmed with it.  Never has so much been put into 328 pages for the college football fan.  It is mesmerizing — something new can be found each time you pick it up.

For most magazines, once you read them, you pretty much put them aside or toss them in the recycle bin.  Phil Steele’s is a reference guide that we pour over in the summer and look at each week during the season for tidbits on weekly opponents.  It’s incredible.

A couple of nuggets really jumped off the pages to us when perusing through it this weekend:

CFP is “High on the Hogs” again in 2011 — After having the Razorbacks in the Top 20 last year (17th), this year’s Hogs come in 13th.  Truly, Steele has the Hogs 8th in his “Power Poll,” which is purely based on the strength of the team.

The reason for the disparity is the fact that the Hogs’ key games against top teams Alabama (PS#1) and LSU (PS#7) are on the road, and that the big non-conference matchup Texas A&M (PS#8) is at a neutral site.  In a sense, Steele thinks the Hogs are a better team than 13th, but may have trouble negotiating that schedule (Hogs SOS 20th).

Ironically, just like last year, Steele has the Hogs finishing third in the West and facing Texas in the Cotton Bowl.

CFP has defending champion Auburn finishing LAST in the SEC West — We certainly expected the Tigers to be in the lower tier of the West this year, but were shocked to see War Eagle at the bottom…even below Ole Miss.  Yikes!!!

After looking more closely, though, you realize just how much Auburn is rebuilding in 2011.  Only 6 starters (3 offense, 3 defense) return this season.

That combined with losing 31 lettermen including Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton and Lombardi Award winner Nick Fairley, has the Tigers ranked last (120th) in the NATION on Steele’s Returning Experience chart.  That also includes an offensive line with only 15 career starts — the third lowest total in the NCAA (more on that in the coming weeks).

“Last year, Texas went from the National Title game to 5-7 and Auburn will have to have some talented youngsters grow up quickly to avoid a similar fate.” — Phil Steele’s 2011 College Football Preview, page 42.

The Tigers’ schedule is also factoring in.  Given Auburn draws the top three teams from the East (at Georgia, at South Carolina, Florida), combined with the usual Western division “gauntlet,” Steele may be on to something here…Aubie may be cellar-bound.

The SEC scheduling gods have smiled on the Georgia Bulldogs in 2011 — Just when you thought Head Coach Mark Richt was on his way out (14-12 in the last two years), a little bit of good luck lands in his lap.

Despite opening with Top 5 Boise State in the 2011 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic, Georgia finds itself with only the 53rd toughest schedule.  Avoiding SEC West titans Alabama, LSU and Arkansas, getting South Carolina at home and having experience at quarterback with Aaron Murray, has Steele’s CFP pumping the Bulldogs as tops in the SEC East this year.

“UGA has 12 returning starters and signed some key newcomers who should have a huge impact. Georgia is one of my Most Improved Teams and is my upset pick to win the SEC East.” — Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, page 44.

Just opposite from the Hogs, Steele has Georgia higher (9th) in the rankings and lower in his power poll (11th) because of the weakness of their SEC slate.

Anyway, that’s just a sampling of what is contained in Phil Steele’s College Football Preview for 2011.  If you buy one preseason magazine, buy this one…you won’t be disappointed.  Only 82 days until kickoff!!!

Connor Harrell homered and drove in two runs and Grayson Garvin earned his 12th win of the season as No. 4 Vanderbilt defeated 20th-ranked Arkansas 3-2 on Saturday morning at Regions Park in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament.

Also:

• ArkansasRazorbacks.com: Game Stats (PDF), Game Highlights (Video), Post-game Press Conference (Video)
• SECSports.com: Vanderbilt Moves On To Title Game, Post-game Quotes (PDF), Game Highlights (Video)

Freshman Ryne Stanek turned in the best outing of his young collegiate career, allowing just one run on two hits in a career-long 7.2 innings, while Kyle Robinson homered and drove in two runs as No. 20 Arkansas defeated Alabama, 4-1, on Friday afternoon at Regions Park.

Also:

• ArkansasRazorbacks.com: Game Stats (PDF), Game Highlights (Video), Post-game Press Conference (Video)
• SECSports.com: Arkansas Shuts Down Alabama, Post-game Quotes (PDF), Game Highlights (Video)
• Matt Jones: Stanek shines as Hogs march on

Arkansas scored the first five runs of the game, including four in the first inning, and the top five batters in the Arkansas order combined to go 12-for-22 with six runs scored and four RBI as the Razorbacks cruised to a 7-2 win over Mississippi State in an elimination game at the Southeastern Conference Tournament.

Also:

• ArkansasRazorbacks.com: Game Stats (PDF), Game Highlights (Video), Post-game Press Conference (Video)
• SECSports.com: Arkansas Eliminates Mississippi State, Post-game Quotes (PDF)

Alabama scored five runs in the top of the first and Nathan Kilcrease struck out 10 in eight innings of work to lead the Crimson Tide to a 7-4 win over Arkansas on Wednesday morning at Regions Park.

Also:

• ArkansasRazorbacks.com: Game Stats (PDF), Game Highlights (Video), Post-game Press Conference (Video)
• SECSports.com: Alabama Defeats Arkansas 7-4, Post-game Quotes (PDF)

Freshman Tobias Harris scored 20 points and Tennessee recovered after blowing a 16-point lead to beat Arkansas 74-68 on Thursday night in the opening round of the Southeastern Conference tournament.

Also:

• ArkansasRazorbacks.com: Hogs ousted in first round, Game Stats (PDF)
• SECsports.com: Tennessee Holds On Against Arkansas, Tennessee Quotes (PDF), Arkansas Quotes (PDF), Game Highlights (Video)
• Robbie Neiswanger: SEC Tourney: Does Early Exit Signal End For Pelphrey?

The SEC coaches weighed in with their predictions Tuesday, picking the Hogs to finish second in the Western Division.  A fair amount of respect for Dave Van Horn’s bunch considering the guys that went pro after last season.

As the Diamond Hogs start their 2011 trek later today against Delaware State, here’s our RBN predictions for both the Razorbacks and the rest of the SEC.

So Tipster and I aren’t too far apart with the overall and conference marks.  The SEC office didn’t do the Hogs any favors by leaving Tennessee off the slate this year.  And as you can see, we are enamored with freshmen phenoms Ryne Stanek and Dominic Ficociello – two guys we think will be “franchise players” for the next three seasons.

While there seems to be little debate as to the strength of the top three teams in the East, the West is wide open for the taking.  If their young pitchers like Cade Lynch and Brandon Moore come through early, the Hogs may easily best a third-place finish.

Right now, Florida, Vanderbilt and South Carolina look like Omaha caliber teams.  Because of the Gators returing starters (8 position players, and 4 top starting pitchers) off their 2010 CWS team, we give them the overall nod.  The two outfielders — Taylor Dugas, Alabama and Jackie Bradley, Jr., South Carolina — will likely duke it out for the SEC Batting title in 2011.

As far as the props go, both Tipster and I see the Hogs making the postseason, just not quite good enough to host a regional.  (Although the Hogs have hosted as a #2-seed before, just because Baum Stadium is such a great venue.)  And here’s hoping Collin Kuhn doesn’t break the HBP record this year…that was pretty painful to watch last year. 

So, there you have it.  It should be a fun year to watch this young team get after it for 56 games.  See you at the Baum!

Expectations were high.  The team was ranked in the top 10 in most preseason polls.  The star quarterback, who had pondered going pro after the previous year, was a preseason All-American selection and expected to be a sure Heisman contender.

After a couple of nice non-conference wins, their divisional archrival came calling for a visit.  Only 20 points could be mustered, as two interceptions doomed the starting quarterback’s attempt to knock off the #2 team in the nation.  The one missing component — a running game.

As luck would have it, a running back finally emerged just before mid-season.  He would go on to rush for an incredible 1,300+ yards on the year, giving the team’s offense the balance it needed.  For his efforts, he was named to several All-SEC teams.

The rejuvenated offensive attack gave increasing confidence to an improving defense.  The team would go on to win their last six games of the regular season.

A trip to a (future) BCS bowl game vs. a (future) Big 10 team was in the offing.  A tough loss in the bowl game was a deflating way to end the season, but gave the team the confidence they needed to know they weren’t far from the mountaintop.

After the season, the star quarterback was headed to the NFL.  After patiently waiting, his two-year backup — a junior — was ready to step up and take the reins.  Most fans expected a bit of a falloff the next season.  After all, the star quarterback and several key players were gone.  The team started the next season ranked #10.

The new quarterback was solid that next year.  The defense was even better — the backbone of the team.  They were lucky, too, along the way — a component that usually follows effort.  They did not lose a game, going 13-0.  The BCS National Championship was theirs — the first national championship for the school in 47 years.

Any of this sound eerily familiar?  Who is this team you ask?

Well, the team was the 1997 Tennessee Volunteers, who went on to win the 1998 National Championship after star quarterback Peyton Manning departed for the NFL.  The running back who emerged in mid-season was Jamal Lewis.  The backup quarterback who waited his turn was Tee Martin.  The Vols’ Orange Bowl loss to Nebraska set the stage for the next year — their 1998 dream season.

Things are good, Hog fans.  Recruiting is even better.  Enjoy the ride.

In the vein of our favorite money guy Jim Cramer, here’s the RBN version of the “Lightning Round” in order of finish for 2010.

Auburn — Despite a perfect season and a slot in the BCS National Championship game, there’s a lot of questions swirling around War Eagle.  Will the NCAA go away quietly?  Even with the new contract, how long will Gus choose to stay?  We are dropping our price target on the Tigers and will SELL at an incredible high.  Perhaps we’ll look to buy back in later if Gus hangs around.

Arkansas — With the newly signed, 7-year contract fueling the fire, the sky is the limit for this program.  A new Football Operations building in the works, solid recruiting, and unprecedented momentum from their first BCS Bowl appearance gives the Hogs our highest rating.  BUY it, even ON THE MARGIN if you can, like it’s Wal-Mart in 1975.  Petrino will not disappoint.

LSU – While we typically like blue chip stocks, we’re not crazy about the CEO of this high-profile team.  Problems at the quarterback position continue to plague an otherwise solid team.  Defense is strong under the direction of John Chavis, but did Lester really “eat that grass?”  HOLD it for now, but put in a stop order just in case the antics continue.

Alabama – At the beginning of the year, who would’ve thought the Tide would finish fourth in the SEC West?  Despite the loss of senior quarterback Greg McElroy — and the potential loss of defensive coordinator Kirby Smart to Florida — we think the Tide are a bit oversold after a disappointing season.  We will BUY some small blocks, and look for an opportunity in the near future sell on a high.

Mississippi State – How good is Dan Mullen?  In just two short seasons, Mullen has the Bulldogs in the Top 25 nationally, in a January 1 bowl game, and whipping their instate rival on the field and on the recruiting trail.  The boat may have sailed, though, so if you own the Bulldogs: HOLD it.  If you don’t own it, look for a lower entry point…perhaps after the Gator Bowl appearance.

Ole Miss – Didn’t take long to run the Black Bears’ train into the ground, did it?  Don’t waste your time on this ‘dog.’  The CEO is looking for any job to jump to, but there’s no takers — and no golden parachute this time.  SELL SHORT if you can find any takers.  The complete collapse is right around the corner.

South Carolina – The Ol’ Ball Coach finally delivered for his shareholders in 2010.  Despite losing twice to Auburn and Cam Newton, the Gamecocks have made strides.  Their young offensive skill players in Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery paid dividends and make Carolina a BUY for the short term, especially given the state of the SEC East.

Florida – You would think a corporate giant like the Gators would have had a better “succession plan.”  After failing to meet earnings estimates, and stumbling to a 7-5 record in 2010, the departure of Urban Meyer is the final straw.  Given the uncertainty of a new, unproven Will Muschamp — and a lack of quarterback prospects on campus — we will SELL the Gators for now.

Georgia – Despite some lofty preseason rankings, the Bulldogs fell on hard times without star wide receiver A.J. Green.  Freshman Aaron Murray survived his first SEC campaign, but seems limited by OC Mike Bobo.  If Mark Richt doesn’t make some money (a.k.a. win some games) in 2011, a new CEO will be forthcoming.  HOLD it for now, but be wary.

Tennessee – It took Derek Dooley just one year to stabilize the Vols, who were a complete dumpster fire after Lane Kiffin left for SoCal.  Winning the last four games, Tennessee became bowl eligible at 6-6, and found their quarterback of the future.  Freshman Tyler Bray (14 TDs) is a rising star.  While there is still work to be done, UT is a strong BUY, as upward trends of future earnings are on the horizon in this weaker division.

Kentucky – While we like new CEO Joker Phillips, key employees are about to leave for greener pastures.  Stud wide receiver Randall Cobb and senior running back Derrick Locke are headed to the NFL, and we’re not sure about the depth behind these All-SEC guys.  The Wildcats are a SELL without these stars, with a return to mediocrity a probability.

Vanderbilt – Sometimes when floundering companies run out of ideas, they try to throw money at the problem in hopes of finding a solution.  If true, the recent flirtation with Gus Malzahn for a reported $3 million per season smacks of desperation.  Steer clear of this perennial bottom feeder.  And if you own it, SELL it and buy lottery tickets with the proceeds.  At least then you’ll have a shot at making something.

Needless to say…expectations for this year’s team are low once again.  The Hogs were picked to finish 4th in the Western Division at last month’s SEC Media Day.  Marshawn Powell was an All-SEC Preseason Second Team selection.

As for us here at RBN, just like we did last year before basketball season, here are our predictions for both the Razorbacks and the rest of the SEC.

And finally, just like Vegas, here are a few ‘proposition bets‘ — interesting side bets that we’re making just because they’re fun to speculate about.

So that’s what we think.  What are your predictions for this year?  Will the Hogs be better than expected or will they play another season to forget?