A good stat to reference, Jeff.  Unfortunately, the Hogs didn’t turn out to be stiff competition for the Bayou Bengals this year.  But either way…congrats on the closest pick.  Like the rest of us, I’m sure you’re ready for the Hogs to get back on the field and put that game behind us.

(Oh…by the way Jeff…we still need to get your email address.  Contact us so we can get your RBN T-Shirt out to you.)

As we prepare to make our final picks of the season, here’s how our own little predictions contest finished up:  HogBaller won 5 games, HogBlogger won 2.5 games, Sunshine won 2 games, and yours truly (TipsterHog) won 1.5 games.  Congrats HogBaller…you pretty much lapped the RazorBloggers field and ran the score up on us!

So here we go:

Walking on Sunshine:  When they defeated Missouri earlier in the season, the K-State fans laughingly mocked the Tigers by chanting “S-E-C, S-E-C” (see video).  After the Hogs keep Collin Klein in check, we’re sure the 40,000 Hog fans in attendance will serenade the Wildcats accordingly.  Wilson has a record-setting night.  Arkansas 44, Kansas State 34.

HogBaller:  This Arkansas team needs to show up on a big stage and play big.  A Cotton Bowl victory will likely mean a preseason top 5 ranking next season and prove that the Razorback program is not only on the rise, but turning into a top 10 program annually.  Both teams get off to a slow start early, but the Razorbacks have too much offense for the Wildcat defense.  The Hog receivers run wild and the Razorback D-line makes it tough on K-State.  Arkansas 31, Kansas State 14.

HogBlogger:  It’s showtime for Coach Petrino on the national stage.  Hopefully anyway.  Arkansas 42, Kansas State 31.

TipsterHog:  This Kansas State team has earned the nickname “Cardiac Cats” for their heart-pounding, tight victories this season.  But this one won’t be that close.  Arkansas 38, Kansas State 20.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “When did Bill Snyder learn how to use a cell phone?” or “Reggie Herring ain’t coaching this Cotton Bowl.  Hogs roll.”

Well…it didn’t actually take an entire half…but the Hogs did pull away, beating the Bulldogs soundly.  Nice job, HAWGFN…your RBN T-Shirt should be delivered soon.  Try not to spill any cranberry sauce on it during your Thanksgiving feast. Â

Now it’s time to go into Baton Rouge and take on the #1 Tigers.  Or…as Les Miles would say…”We certainly understand they are neighbors.  And when you are in the backyard of somebody it is important to win that battle across the fence.”

Uh…okay…we think.  So here we go:

Walking on Sunshine:  Looking at this game from a purely statistical standpoint, this looks like a mismatch.  LSU has the bulls on defense to get after Tyler Wilson.  They have the kind of power running game that has given the Hogs defense fits this season.  The one thing LSU doesn’t have is Bobby Petrino, and as long as he’s on the bus, we have a fighting chance.  Emotionally charged effort is rewarded.  Arkansas 27, LSU 24.

HogBaller:  I believe for the Hogs it’s “win and you’re in.”  And I can’t wait to see how they respond.  Arkansas 27, LSU 20.

HogBlogger:  If the Hogs can avoid turnovers, this can be done.  Arkansas 31, LSU 27.

TipsterHog:  Bobby Petrino has emphasized being the tougher, more physical team over the last three games with great success.  But this LSU team isn’t going to be pushed around by anyone.  The ‘Mad Hatter’ keeps the Tigers rolling all the way to New Orleans.  LSU 31, Arkansas 20.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “A Honey badger is neither a badger nor made of honey.  Discuss.” or “The Boot stays at home.  Hogs roll.”

Yes…the Hogs do finally seem to ‘have it together’ after back-to-back solid performances.  And since they’ve played their best games at home this season, hopefully they keep it together this week in The Rock.  Anyway…nice pick, rocksrt38…right on the money.  A spiffy new RBN T-Shirt is headed your way.  Hooah!

So here we go:

Walking on Sunshine:  Last year in an overtime thriller, the Hogs almost got caught looking ahead in advance of the LSU showdown.  I get the feeling that could happen again this week.  The Razorbacks survive a close one thanks to another raucous Little Rock crowd.  Arkansas 27, Mississippi State 20.

HogBaller:  The Hogs continue to roll in The Rock.  Arkansas 45, Mississippi State 13.

HogBlogger:  Little Rock crowd provides momentum for the Hogs.  Arkansas 35, Mississippi State 17.

TipsterHog:  As Sunshine said, this has all the makings of being a trap game.  But in the end, the defense steps up and makes sure the outcome is never in doubt.  Arkansas 28, Mississippi State 7.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “If you can’t choose between three quarterbacks…you don’t have one” or “Bulldogs play dead.  Hogs roll.”

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?

Yeah…we’re sure Georgia Bulldog fans flipped the channel over a few times from the…uh…”Game of the Century” to make sure the Hogs took care of business.  Their path is now wide open to win the SEC East.  And as Coach Petrino said after the game, if the Hogs would’ve played a little better, “It could’ve easily been 60 points on the board.”  But Little R…we know you must have factored in a few dropped TD passes with your pick just to make sure you won a RBN T-Shirt, right?  Ha…congrats.

So here we go:

Walking on Sunshine:  Once you get the stone rolling like the Hogs did against South Carolina, it’s hard to stop.  The Vols don’t have the firepower on offense to hang around.  Arkansas 41, Tennessee 19.

HogBaller:  A sellout crowd at RRS watch as the Hogs take care of the Volunteers early and send a great group of seniors out right.  Arkansas 51, Tennessee 17.

HogBlogger:  Hogs roll on Senior Day.  Arkansas 42, Tennessee 10.

TipsterHog:  Tennessee coach Derek Dooley is also a lawyer…but there’s no way he plea bargains out of this verdict.  Arkansas 45, Tennessee 14.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “Vols won’t need to bring their frat boy kicker“ or “Smokey lays down.  Hogs roll.”

That’s what we kept repeating to ourselves during the game: “Surely this can’t be happening.  Surely the Hogs will find a way to win.”  And amazingly, they did…thanks to some help from the Commodores.  Congrats on winning your RBN T-Shirt with a spot-on prediction, JT.  Now let’s just hope this week’s game is a little less nerve-racking.  (Yeah…right.)

So here we go:

Walking on Sunshine:  I think HogBaller hit it on the head in this week’s game preview: there’s no place like home.  And after two close road wins against inferior opponents, the friendly confines of Reynolds Razorback Stadium will be just what the doctor ordered.  Even if the Hogs sputter out of the gate again, the Gamecocks can’t score much.  Arkansas 23, South Carolina 15.

HogBaller:  If the Hogs stay focused and establish a running game, they will prevail over this very dangerous South Carolina team.  The late start under the lights of RRS give the Razorbacks the edge they need.  Arkansas 31, South Carolina 20.

HogBlogger:  The Hogs’ offense only put up 24 points on Vandy.  This defense is much better and I doubt we can stop their run game.  But hopefully I’m wrong or luck is on our side again.  South Carolina 31, Arkansas 17.

TipsterHog:  The easiest prediction I made this year was that Marcus Lattimore would be used up before this Gamecock team came to Fayetteville.  Without him, the South Carolina offense can’t score enough to keep up with the Razorbacks.  Arkansas 24, South Carolina 13.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “Oh wait…you say there’s another game on TV on Saturday night?” or “Visors fly.  Hogs roll.”

Yep…another week gone by…and we’re still waiting for this team to “really click.”  But one thing you can bank on: Carolina Hog.  That’s two prediction contest wins for Carolina this season after nailing the exact score in the New Mexico game earlier this year.  If this trend continues, you’ll be wearing a clean RBN T-shirt every day of the week!  Nice job, man…again.

So here we go:

Walking on Sunshine:  I’ve got a bad feeling about this one.  Vandy is better on defense than a lot of people realize.  They tackle well, cover well, and will bring a lot of pressure.  And with our recent propensity to start slow for early morning kickoffs, this one has ‘upset special’ written all over it.  Bobby Petrino, though, has not lost at Arkansas when he was favored to win.  Nothing is ever easy.  Arkansas 31, Vanderbilt 24 (OT).

HogBaller: The Hog offensive and defensive units get off to a fast start.  While the Commodores are more than capable of making this a very tough game, the Razorbacks pull away late and avoid the upset.  Arkansas 35, Vanderbilt 24.

HogBlogger:  The third slow start in an early morning game this season is a charm.  In a bad way.  Vanderbilt 28, Arkansas 24.

TipsterHog:  Wow…that’s some nervous RazorBloggers making those picks.  But as an old college football sage would say: “Not so fast, my friends.”  For once, the Hogs actually show up early to play and we crush the Commies.  Arkansas 42, Vanderbilt 17.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “A Commodore is more than a Captain but less than an Rear Admiral.  Discuss.” or “Anchor drops.  Hogs roll.”

Ha…very nice, T-towner.  And nice to get a little payback for last year’s game on The Plains, huh?  Now we hope you’ll choose to wear your new RBN T-Shirt this Saturday while you enjoy watching the Hogs dish out some more “reality” in Oxford.

So here we go:

Walking on Sunshine:  Rested Hogs should have their way in Oxford.  After the win, Bobby Petrino bounces across the field (à la Jim Harbaugh) and slap-shakes Nutt’s hand in exuberant celebration.  Well…we can dream can’t we?  Arkansas 45, Ole Miss 20.

HogBaller:  This game is still personal for most Razorback fans, and all business for Bobby Petrino and a team focused on a BCS finish.  Houston Nutt will try to work his Rebel Bears into a frenzy, while Petrino reminds his team to execute what they’ve practiced.  Emotion vs. preparation.  Is this Houston’s last stand?  Arkansas 52, ‘Mascot Confused’ 16.

HogBlogger:  Houston Dale has his back to the wall.  And the wall falls down.  Arkansas 48, Ole Miss 3.

TipsterHog:  Yes Houston Dale…there’s a light at the end of the tunnel…and it’s not a train.  It’s your career dissipation light, Coach.  Enjoy that $6,000,000 buyout and good luck at Tulane next year.  Arkansas 41, Ole Miss 10.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “Who needs a plane banner?  We’ve got banners, here!” or “Colonel Reb is still crying.  Hogs roll.”

Now…normally we might chide ILP for a little more of a prediction quote than that one.  But as we found out when we got ready to mail his new RBN T-shirt, ILP is a little busy right now…serving our country in Iraq!  He did give us a great quote in his email:  “The victory over A&M was especially sweet since my annoying boss is an Aggie!”  Ha…nice job, man.  And thank you from all of us here at RBN for your service.  Stay safe.

So here we go:

Walking on Sunshine:  After giving up an unthinkable number of yards last week to the Aggies, the Hog defense should find easier going against the Tigers.  That said, we’ve made some pretty average quarterbacks look great lately.  Aubie QB Barrett Trotter might be next in that line…we’ll see.  Arkansas 41, Auburn 31.

HogBaller:  Tyler Wilson and this team passed a huge test last Saturday.  Now the Hogs show that they are starting to come together as the running game improves and Jake Bequette returns to make an impact.  Arkansas 38, Auburn 17.

HogBlogger:  The Gus Bus doesn’t have enough weapons.  The Hogs have plenty.  Arkansas 42, Auburn 17.

TipsterHog:  Gene Chizik has a new plan for SEC domination…make one call and steal Houston Nutt’s recruits!  Brilliant!  Uh…yeah…sell, sell, sell.  Arkansas 34, Auburn 24.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “Cam Newton is not walkin’ through that door, fans.” or “War Eagle crashes.  Hogs roll.”

Honest, Abe…brutally honest.  But we know you had to go with your gut.  You weren’t alone.  And while it may take some time to get over that one…I’m sure we will someday.  Lucky for you, though, you’ve got a new RBN T-shirt as a memento to regularly remind you of the 2011 Arkansas/Alabama game!  Ah yes…every time you put it on to mow the yard or wash the car, you can remember all those missed tackles.  Ha.

Let’s move on…shall we?  Here we go:

Walking on Sunshine:  I had this one down as a loss before the year started.  Thought the Hogs would have trouble with A&M after spending a lot of emotion vs. Alabama.  But you don’t spend a lot of emotion when you take a beat down like we did last Saturday.  It feels like a rebound week to me…let’s see if the Aggies cooperate.  Arkansas 34, Texas A&M 24.

HogBaller:  I learned last week that I’m not ready to quit my day job and become an Oddsmaker for Vegas.  How the Hogs come out and respond will tell a lot about the character and makeup of this team.  A win gets the Hogs back on track and almost all of the season goals remain within reach.  Look for the energy and focus to be high for this one.  “Welcome to the SEC” 42, “Can we play in the SEC East?” 20.

HogBlogger:  It’s always hard to beat a team three times in a row.  Texas A&M 31, Arkansas 24.

TipsterHog:  Not sure some Hog fans appreciate the job Mike Sherman has done to rebuild this A&M program.  But they will after Saturday.  The Aggies show they are more than ready to compete and win in the SEC.  Texas A&M 28, Arkansas 24.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “The University of Farmers has a football team?” or “Aggies gigged.  Hogs roll.”

Nice…uvahog not only picked the closest score, he also predicted the hot topic (some would say ‘concern’) that was discussed by fans this week.  Congrats, uvahog.  Wear your new RBN T-shirt amongst all those Virginia Cavaliers with pride.

One thing is for sure…if the Hogs decide to look past another opponent this season, they probably won’t be lucky enough to win that week.  Nine straight tough games lay in front of this Razorback team.  And it doesn’t get much tougher than trying to go get a win in Tuscaloosa.

So here we go:

Walking on Sunshine:  I get the feeling that Bobby Petrino will bring the best game plan of his Arkansas career to Tuscaloosa on Saturday.  That said, I’m not sure that the offensive line has progressed as much as we would have liked.  The defense plays great, but the pass protection is the Achilles’ heel.  Alabama 19, Arkansas 17.

HogBaller:  This is the biggest game yet of the Bobby Petrino era. The Hogs pit their high-octane offense against the top-ranked ‘Bama defense.  Can the Hogs contain Trent Richardson?  Can they protect Tyler Wilson?  The Razorbacks kick the door down and prove they belong among the best in the SEC.  Arkansas 34, Alabama 24.

HogBlogger:  Alabama’s running game and secondary once again prove to be more than the Hogs can handle.  Wilson runs for his life.  Alabama 34, Arkansas 24.

TipsterHog:  The Hogs are more ready to play than the last time they were in Tuscaloosa.  But like that game in 2009, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide defense are still too much for an inexperienced quarterback and offensive line.  Alabama 27, Arkansas 17.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “Shirley Q. Liquor cheers for the alternative team” or “Tide crashes.  Hogs roll.”

Well…okay…since Carolina Hog has been one of the most prolific commenters on this site — leaving hundreds of great comments over the past five years that, quite frankly, have often been better than the blog post they were attached to — we’ll give him a pass this time.  But don’t let it happen again.    A well-earned RBN T-shirt is headed your way, Carolina.  Congrats.

So here we go:

Walking on Sunshine:  Bobby Petrino and Willy Robinson haven’t shown much in the first two weeks of the season, choosing instead to play it ‘close to the vest.’  Look for that to continue Saturday against the Trojans, as the real season starts September 24th.  Arkansas 41, Troy 14.

HogBaller:  Razorback fans get the litmus test on Saturday that they’ve anxiously awaited.  The Trojans should provide a big step up from the previous competition.  Many questions still surround this Razorback team.  Will Dennis Johnson return to give the running game a lift?  Will Greg Childs finally make an appearance?  Can Joe Adams and the Hog defense keep playing big?  Arkansas 49, Troy 9.

HogBlogger:  Things get a little more serious but the Hogs are more than up to the task.  Arkansas 45, Troy 14.

TipsterHog:  In two of their last three meetings, Troy has kept the margin of defeat under 24 points against the Razorbacks.  But not this time.  The Hogs’ offense is too much AND…the Hogs’ defense finally puts points on the board.  Arkansas 44, Troy 6.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “Hogs sack Troy more than the Greeks” or “Cowboy Troy would be better competition.  Hogs roll.”

Well…the backups did look pretty darn good.  So much so that backups Kody Walker and Brandon Mitchell stole a few of those TDs away from Wingo and Wilson.  But it’s all good.  And now a spiffy new RBN T-shirt is headed your way, Austin.  Nice job.

So here we go:

Walking on Sunshine: The Lobos stagger into Little Rock after dropping a winnable home game last week.  The focus Saturday, though, will be on the Razorbacks run game and whether it can get on track. We know that Lobo head coach Mike Locksley will ‘come out swinging‘…but the Hogs have too many weapons.  Arkansas 47, New Mexico 9.

HogBaller: The Razorbacks make quick work of the Lobos in what should be a repeat of last week’s game.  Expect another dominating performance from the Hog defense, who will put points on board for the first time this season.  And a fast start means Petrino and staff can “experiment” with player combinations and extend playing time for the backups and underclassmen.  Arkansas 61, New Mexico 6.

HogBlogger: The Hogs focus on execution, consistency and the running game while giving to Lobos a serious working over.  Arkansas 45, New Mexico 3.

TipsterHog: The Lobos — or the ‘LowBlows’ as they’re called by some in their state — have set a new low with only two wins in the last two seasons.  The Hogs hit ‘em where it hurts again on Saturday.  Arkansas 38, New Mexico 10.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “Congrats UNM…your Big 12 membership has been approved” or “Apparently ‘lobo’ is the Spanish word for ‘loser.’  Hogs roll.”

Once again this year we’ve created a limited run of RazorBloggers Network t-shirts for our weekly “grand prize” winner.  And just like last season…”We Called That Play Brotha.”  Here are the contest rules:

1. The winning entry must pick the winning team and have the smallest combined deviation from each team’s final score.  For example, if the Hogs beat their opponent 20-14, and your prediction was Hogs 21-17, your deviation would be 1 + 3 = 4.
2. Any ties will be broken by a random drawing.
3. The weekly winner will be contacted via e-mail for a shipping address and t-shirt size.  (So make sure to fill out the e-mail address box in the comment form!)

Before we begin…we need to recognize the winner of last season’s final contest.  Although I’m sure he would gladly trade his RBN t-shirt for a Sugar Bowl victory, congratulations to reader NuclearHog for the closest bowl game prediction last time of 27-21.  His quote: “I’ve picked against the Hogs like 5 games in a row on purpose because they keep winning every time I pick against them.”  Ugh…unfortunately the old reverse psychology thing didn’t quite work in the Big Easy.  (Then again…technically no one won the game…right?)

So here we go:

Walking on Sunshine: With the Bears starting quarterback riding the pine for this one, points might be hard to come by.  The Hogs’ defense is ready to shine, while the offense searches for running lanes and backs who will hit them.  Arkansas 45, Missouri State 3.

HogBaller: The big question Saturday night is not how many points the Razorbacks will score, or even how Tyler Wilson will look.  It will be whether Ronnie Wingo begins to step up and fill the void left by Knile Davis.  Look for the defense to put their stamp on the season opener and put this one away by halftime.  Arkansas 48, Missouri State 9.

HogBlogger: The Hogs treat this like an exhibition game.  Everybody plays and has fun.  Arkansas 45, Missouri State 3.

TipsterHog: The only competition of the night is whether the Hogs’ defense can outscore the offense.  Mmmmm…cupcake.  Arkansas 55, Missouri State 3.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “C’mon Hogs…Rick Reilly is counting on you!” or “Do Bears $#%^ in the woods?  Hogs roll.”

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?

And there you have it…the first RazorBlogger to ever officially predict a National Championship for the Hogs.  (And oh, by the way, an SEC Championship, too.)  To reward that kind of positivity, we think HogBaller should officially change his blog handle to “The Real Sunshine.”

And finally, just like Vegas, here are a few ‘proposition bets‘ — interesting side bets that we’re making well over a month before the ball is snapped.

A few notes:

• For Ronnie Wingo Jr., the time is now.  Wingo has developed physically and looked good in the spring.  The early season non-conference games should give him a chance to show he’s ready to help shoulder some of the load with Knile Davis.
• There’s a reason why we’re so high on DT Robert Thomas.  When you watch him on the field for the first time, you’ll see why.  The dude is huge and has a motor that won’t quit.  If he plays like he did in the spring, he will make an immediate impact.

Coming up tomorrow: Who will be the division and overall champs of the SEC?

The annual SEC Media Days event kicks off in Birmingham this week and Arkansas Head Coach Bobby Petrino is the first coach scheduled to appear on Wednesday morning along with Razorback players Knile Davis, Jarius Wright and Tenarius Wright.

For now, though, it’s time to unveil our predictions for the 2011 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 usual, 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.

A few notes:

• Bobby Petrino finally gets what he’s wanted since he arrived on The Hill…three non-conference games in a row to open the season.  Watching for signs of development from Tyler Wilson and the new offensive linemen will be the storyline.  Expect some adjustments each week as both (hopefully) improve.  Look for at least one shutout by the Razorback defense during this stretch, as well.
• Like many others, we apparently can’t decide who’s going to win the Texas A&M game.  For the first time, we’re split 50/50 right down the line on our predictions.  So is this the year the Aggies start making the Southwest Classic more…classic?
• Switching out Georgia for Tennessee is definitely a good trade.  Even though playing in Knoxville next year will be a challenge, Derek Dooley will still be in the middle of his rebuilding project when the Vols travel to Northwest Arkansas this season.
• Home wins versus South Carolina in Fayetteville and Mississippi State in Little Rock will be critical.  While there are winnable road games on the schedule, nothing is ever easy in the SEC.  Raucous home crowds will be a necessity with both the Gamecocks and Bulldogs expected to be even better this season.

Coming up tomorrow: Will the Hogs win their bowl game and who will be the breakout player of the year?

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!

What an unbelievable season we’ve all been privileged to witness.  And now, 11 wins and a year-end ranking in the top 5 are within reach.

This is why you play in the SEC…to have a chance every year to play in a BCS bowl.  Win 10 games in the Big 12 and you go to the Alamo Bowl.  The slugfest that is the SEC regular season should have this team more than prepared to face anyone in the country.

Sunshine and I are headed to the Gulf Coast ourselves for the big game in the ‘Big Easy.’  We’ll be posting updates on our Twitter feed throughout the trip and, of course, from the game.

So here we go:

Walking on Sunshine: Most of the time, bowl games are decided in large part on ‘who wants to be there.’  (See the 2008 Cotton Bowl disaster for recent reference.)  This time the shoe is on the other foot, with OSU wondering what their 2011 team (and coach?) might look like post-suspensions.  The prepared, interested Hogs should be there to take advantage, and Bourbon Street will belong to the 50,000 victors.  Hail to the Victors.  Arkansas 31, Ohio State 19.

HogBaller: The Hogs make a historic trip to New Orleans to play in the school’s first BCS bowl.  On offense, Arkansas needs to run the ball and provide protection for Mallett.  On defense, the Razorbacks need to stop Dan Herron and Terrelle Pryor.  This matchup comes down to who is hungrier, and who controls the line of scrimmage.  Arkansas 35, Ohio State 17.

HogBlogger: Coach Petrino has had a lot of time to prepare the game plan.  This will be interesting to watch.  Arkansas 34, Ohio State 17.

TipsterHog: The Razorbacks recent bowl record against Big 10 teams (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin) hasn’t been so good.  But this team has proven more than once this season that they can compete against the best in the country and win.  A hard-fought, sweet victory in New Orleans.  Arkansas 28, Ohio State 24.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “After the game, Tressel takes off sweater vest and runs down to Bourbon Street to get an 0-10 tattoo” or “Legends…Leaders…Losers.  Hogs roll.”

Yep…it’s still rolling.  Nice job, Hog Fan In TN.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and to all of our readers.  How about we all celebrate by eating a turkey leg and kicking some LSU ass in The Rock on Saturday, shall we?  Here we go:

Walking on Sunshine: One of my favorite Les quotes: “Comfortable is a word that I don’t recognize as something I’m in.”  I’m pretty sure the Little Rock crowd is not going to make it comfortable for Les and the Tigers Saturday.  No ‘miracle’ finish this time.  Arkansas 40, LSU 24.

HogBaller: With a BCS bid and a possible Sugar Bowl trip on the line, the atmosphere will be incredible in War Memorial.  Can the Hogs contain Jordan Jefferson?  Can Mallett and company score against the LSU defense?  Can Bobby Petrino outcoach Les Miles?  The answer to all of those is an emphatic YES!  The Hogs finish the season with a win and take home ‘The Boot’ and a BCS bowl spot.  Arkansas 41, LSU 24.

HogBlogger: The Hogs have a chance to end the year as the second best team in the SEC.  This is serious business time.  Arkansas 31, LSU 28.

TipsterHog: The combined score in this matchup for the last three years:  111-111 with 4 overtimes.  But this one isn’t even close.  Ryan Mallett’s final home game is a memorable big win.  Arkansas 35, LSU 21.

Leave a comment with your name, e-mail address and pick.  And feel free to add your own take like “Les Miles eats the artificial turf rubber pellets and passes out” or “The boot is given.  Hogs roll.”