Arkansas (10-3, 6-2) finished tied for second place in the SEC West in 2010 and with 15 returning starters, the Razorbacks are expecting another successful run this season.

They will have to do it without the arm of Ryan Mallett but Arkansas does have All-SEC running back Knile Davis (1,322 yards , 13 TDs) along with talented receivers Joe Adams, Greg Childs, Cobi Hamilton and Jarius Wright, who combined for 170 receptions last season for 2,870 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Enter quarterback Tyler Wilson behind a young offensive line – time will tell if the Arkansas offense is razor sharp.

Returning starting center Travis Swanson, starting guards Alvin Bailey and Grant Cook anchor the line.

The Arkansas defense may need to lead the way early in the season to keep the Razorbacks in the hunt for a BCS bowl and possibly a run at the SEC West title.

Starting defensive ends Jake Bequette and Tenarius Wright combined for 13 sacks and eight quarterback hurries in 2010. Junior college transfer Robert Thomas will also help from his tackle spot.

Senior linebackers Jerry Franklin and Jerico Nelson will make it tough for the opponents to run the ball up the middle. Franklin had 100 stops in 2010, including 13 for minus 60 yards with 6.5 sacks.

The secondary is experienced, led by senior free safety Tramain Thomas (83 tackles, four interceptions in 2010) Isaac Madison, Elton Ford and Eric Bennett.

The Razorbacks open the season at home against Missouri State (5-6),New Mexico (1-11) and Troy (8-5).

After road trips to Alabama (10-3) and Texas A&M (9-4), Arkansas hosts the 2010 BCS champion, Auburn (14-0).

The Razorbacks then visit Ole Miss (4-8) and Vanderbilt (2-10) before home tests against South Carolina (9-5) and Tennessee (6-7).

Arkansas closes the regular season against Mississippi State (9-4) and at LSU (11-2).

A 10-win season will be hard to repeat for the Razorbacks, especially with road games against Alabama and LSU and if they allow an upset or two along the way.

If Arkansas finishes behind Alabama, LSU, Mississippi State and/or Auburn in the SEC West, the bowl game will not be as special as the Hogs would want.

But if they can stun the Tide, Tigers and Bulldogs then the West is theirs.



NEXT: Mississippi State