Arkansas Razorbacks Football Tickets

Prior to 2004, Arkansas went to six consecutive bowl games matching a school record set by Lou Holtz (77-82) and Ken Hatfield ('84-'89). The Hogs are 41-13 SU at home under Houston Nutt. In 2002 Arkansas was pegged for 5th in the SEC West preseason poll but I called for them to win the crown and they did just that getting to the SEC Title game. The defending SEC West champs had 17 starters back in 2003 but finished 4th in a tough division. They beat #6 Texas and moved as high as
#7, their best ranking in 14 years at 4-0. They suffered 3 straight tough losses but went 5-1 to finish 9-4. Nutt almost took the job at Nebraska but opted to stay in what was clearly a rebuilding season for the Hogs. They had the fewest amount of returning starters in the country (4) as five juniors left early for the NFL and benefitted from +11 in turnovers in '03 (see page 312). I said if Nutt got 2004's team above .500 it would be one of his best coaching feats yet. He nearly did so but came up just short at 5-6 despite playing Texas to the wire. The Hogs were outgained by 68.5 ypg in SEC play. Last year they had to replace QB Matt Jones but still were a more veteran team. Unfortunately for just the 3rd time in 61 years ('52-'53 and '96-'97), they suffered back-to-back losing seasons (see Hardcore). Despite their 2-6 record in SEC play, they outgained conf foes by 31.3 ypg and outscored them by a total of 4 points! The Hogs were -4 in the net close game category (see pg 299). This year they have the most returning starters in the league (19) and last year Ark used the most true frosh in the nation with 18 seeing action. On offense they are going to a more pass based style which is a concern but have 10 starters back on that side of the ball. They are extremely deep with starting experience and should easily outdo last year's 25.7 ppg. The Hogs are an even more veteran group than the 9 players show returning on defense and taking away the USC game, only allowed 20.1 ppg. I will call for them to have their best D since at least 1999 when they allowed just 17.8 ppg. Three of my 7 sets of power ratings call Arkansas the best team in the SEC. Ark's schedule is manageable so after 2 straight losing seasons, the Hogs are an SEC contender.

Arkansas Razorbacks Football 2006 Schedule