Jalen Catalon
Arkansas
2020 Results: 3-7, 3-7 (SEC)
2021 Projection: 4-8
There is new hope at Arkansas where Sam Pittman enters his second year at the helm of the Razorbacks. Although they only won three games in 2020, Arkansas lost several close contests and had chances to win a few of them.
The Razorbacks return 17 starters from last year but must initiate a new quarterback, KJ Jefferson. Jefferson has the luxury of having almost his entire offense back around him, but he must still learn the ropes of being a starting quarterback in the SEC.
While Arkansas brings back the whole offensive line, their depth and size is a cause of concern against the massive defensive fronts they will face game in and out.
The Razorbacks’ defensive front also faces the size issues and last season it had major problems generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Arkansas plans to switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme, hoping to free up some space to get more pressure and hopefully utilize returning linebackers Grant Morgan and Bumper Pool, who each had 100+ tackle seasons in 2020.
Arkansas’ schedule doesn’t do it any favors with games against Texas and Georgia Southern early as well as a road trip to SEC East power Georgia on tap. Not to mention the typical SEC West gauntlet the Razorbacks face every year.
Arkansas hasn’t been to a bowl since 2016 and to get back to a bowl this season, they will need to pick up a few upset wins. If the offense can gel with Jefferson at quarterback, the Hogs might be able to pull out enough wins to reach that level and then can focus on trying to get to the middle of the SEC West standings.
