Arkansas Football: Best, worst, and most likely scenarios for 2021

Dec 5, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) is congratulated by running back Trelon Smith (22) after throwing a touchdown pass against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 10, 2020; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Trelon Smith (22) carries for a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Worst-case scenario

I really don’t see the worst-case scenario happening, but given the fact that the Razorbacks will be starting a new quarterback in KJ Jefferson and the entire backfield workload will be on Trelon Smith’s shoulders, there’s a chance that this team could fall short of a bowl game.

Plus, the fact that Arkansas ranked 106th nationally in total defense and 98th in scoring defense last year while returning nine starters isn’t the best sign.

Let’s say the defense doesn’t get much better and Jefferson struggles in this scenario.

Arkansas is going to beat Rice in the opener no matter what as well as Georgia Southern in Week 3. The Razorbacks will lose to Texas, Texas A&M, Georgia, Ole Miss, Auburn, LSU, and Alabama in this scenario. I see them splitting one with Mississippi State and Missouri in conference play in this worst-case scenario.

The Razorbacks will beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff obviously and they’ll finish the season 4-8 overall, missing out on a bowl and winning just one conference game.

Worst case: 4-8, 1-7 SEC

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