Arkansas football is fresh off a disappointing 2022 season but the Razorbacks bring back some big names to a roster that could make some noise in the SEC.
Sure, they also lose some key players, but KJ Jefferson and Rocket Sanders return.
Need I say more?
Here’s why you should go out on a limb and buy some stock in the Razorbacks ahead of the 2023 campaign.
3. Rocket Sanders and the run game
Although there are only two starters returning on the offensive line, Rocket Sanders is good enough to put up numbers regardless of who’s blocking for him.
I do think the offensive line will be solid anyway.
Sanders is going to put up some video game-like numbers this season after breaking out for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 222 carries a year ago. He’s going to approach the 2,000-yard mark if he continues to improve like he has and being one of the best backs in the SEC will make this offense even more dangerous.
Arkansas already has a quarterback who can run and keep defenses on their toes, but having an elite running back and a solid backup like AJ Green will be scary for the rest of the conference.
This offense is going to be incredibly balanced.
2. Favorable schedule
When you look at Arkansas’ 2023 schedule, one thing stands out: the Razorbacks could legitimately win every single one of their home games.
Arkansas begins the season with Western Carolina in Little Rock, Kent State, and BYU. None of those games are on the road. The first road game will be at LSU in Week 4 and then the following week with be Texas A&M at AT&T Stadium. There’s a very good chance the Razorbacks will begin the season 4-1. That depends on the growth of Texas A&M.
They’ll then go to Ole Miss and Alabama. Those could both be losses, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Razorbacks steal one from the Rebels.
After that tough two-game road stretch, Arkansas could realistically win out or go 4-1 in the final five games with a lone loss coming on the road against Florida. There’s only one road game on Arkansas’ schedule from Oct. 21 through the end of the year.
At worst, I think Arkansas should go 8-4 with this schedule. I think this team is good enough to win nine games, but eight wins should be expected.
1. KJ Jefferson could be an All-American
Heading into the season, KJ Jefferson is projected as the top quarterback in the SEC. In fact, Athlon Sports even has him as their first-team All-SEC selection at quarterback.
And that’s not even controversial.
The SEC lost a ton of good quarterbacks last year and the only two that I could see pushing Jefferson for the top spot are Will Rogers of Mississippi State or Jayden Daniels from LSU.
Jefferson, in my opinion, is the best the SEC has to offer because of his dual-threat abilities. He’s one of the best running quarterbacks in the country as well as a really solid passer, throwing for 2,648 yards and 24 touchdowns with five picks on 68 percent completions. He had a career year and he’s only getting better.
With a manageable schedule, elite run game, and some solid targets, the offense should be able to put up some big-time