This is the 11th team in the SEC football preview series:
Arkansas fans are hopeful this year ends like last year started.
The Razorback began the season with a 4-1 record burt finished losing three of the last four games.
But the biggest obstacle to a fast start this year is the Hogs’ schedule.
Arkansas is favored over Florida A&M (99.6 percent chance of winning) but then they face two teams from the Lone Star State and will fall to Texas Christian (36.1) and Texas A&M (38.8).
A win over New Mexico State (94.1) puts the Razorbacks at 2-2 heading into a very tough October.
After road trips to South Carolina (33.9) and Alabama (5.7), Arkansas then entertians Auburn (17.5).
Depending on how the Ole Miss team is holding together – the Rebels were picked preseason to beat Arkansas (38.5) – this could be the most important game to make the Hogs bowl eligible.
A win over Coastal Carolina (94.4) won’t prepare Arkansas for the trip to LSU (14.5).
The Razorbacks should close out the season with wins over Mississippi State (52.9) and Missouri (58.6) and hopefully find the sixth victory somewhere along the way.
If somehow the Hogs open 4-0 with upset wins over TCU and Texas A&M, then the momentum could help build a successful season, but nine wins could still be a stretch.
Quarterback Austin Allen was strong in the first half of 2016, with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions and a 63 percent completion rate through seven games, including a 400-yard game against Alabama.
After a injury against Auburn, he finished the season with seven touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 58.8 percent rate.
Rawleigh Williams and Devwah Whaley were slated to form one of the best running back duos in the SEC. However, Williams retired after a neck injury in the spring game, leaving Whaley as the team’s No. 1 back. The sophomore is certainly capable after rushing for 602 yards and three scores last year.
The offensive line is anchored by center Frank Ragnow, but the Razorbacks must improve on their 35 sacks allowed.
Jared Cornelius is the most experienced returning receiver and is joined by junior college transfers Brandon Martin and Jonathan Nance.
After the Arkansas defense allowed an FBS-worst and school-record 39 rushing touchdowns, Paul Rhoads is now defensive coordinator.
Bijhon Jackson, Austin Capps McTelvin Agim and Armon Watts should lead the defensive front.
Randy Ramsey, Karl Roesler and Dre Greenlaw will need to step up at linebacker. The secondary includes Kevin Richardson, Josh Liddell, De’Andre Coley, Santos Ramirez and Ryan Pulley.
Bret Bielema has been Arkansas head coach for 51 games.
In his first 20 games, the Razorbacks went 7–13.
In the last 20 games, the Razorbacks have gone 13–7.
But a losing season will raise the heat under his chair for next year.
Arkansas schedule
Sept. 2 Florida A&M
Sept. 9 TCU
Sept. 23 Texas A&M
Sept. 30 New Mexico State
Oct. 7 at South Carolina
Oct. 14 at Alabama
Oct. 21 Auburn
Oct. 28 at Ole Miss
Nov. 4 Coastal Carolina
Nov. 11 at LSU
Nov. 18 Mississippi State
Nov. 25 Missouri