Arkansas Football: 5 reasons the Razorbacks will struggle in 2017

1. Facing off against the SEC’s “Big 3”

Another reason for Bielema’s struggles is the depth of the SEC West. Although it might not be as tough as it was 10 years ago, it’s still known for being one of the most difficult divisions in college football. Arkansas hasn’t been able to beat the Aggies, but they are small potatoes compared to storied programs like Alabama, Auburn and LSU.

Since taking over the head coach position at Alabama in 2007, Nick Saban has yet to lose to Arkansas. That’s a perfect 10-0 against the Razorbacks in 10 years. The Hogs are 1-3 against Auburn in Bielema’s tenure and have somehow managed to scrap out a 2-2 record against LSU.

All three of those teams were ranked in the first edition of the major preaseason polls. Arkansas was not. It almost seems like the Arkansas way to lose to someone they shouldn’t lose to early in the season and turn around and upset a decent team once the high expectations are over and done.

Smart men wouldn’t bet on the Razorbacks to win any of these games. It might be possible for the Hogs to snag one of them, but winning even two out of these three games is out of the question. That doesn’t go for 2017 alone, and that’s the problem.

Next: Ranking the top 50 players in college football in 2017

Arkansas is going to be stuck in purgatory in the SEC West until they can figure out a way to hang with teams like Auburn and LSU that will always be a bit more talented than they are. Aspirations are high now, but in the end it’s Nick Saban’s conference and the rest of the West just plays in it.