Scouting Arkansas
Arkansas coach John L. Smith fields questions during Day 2 of the 2012 SEC Football Media Days at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, Ala., on Wednesday.
Doug Finger/Staff PhotographerPublished: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 2:12 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 2:12 p.m.
Arkansas
Coach: John L. Smith, first season (132-86 overall).
Last year's record: 11-2 overall, 6-2 in the SEC (3rd in the West). Defeated Kansas State 29-16 in the Cotton Bowl.
Starters returning: 16 (eight offense, six defense, two specialists).
Best case scenario: QB Tyler Wilson gets on a Heisman Trophy-like roll and the Razorbacks produce enough offense to finally get over the hump and defeat Alabama and LSU (both at home) and advance to the SEC title game. An improved defense plays a big role.
Worst case scenario: The Razorbacks never fully get over the Bobby Petrino hangover and fail to reach their potential under interim coach John L. Smith. Losses to Alabama and LSU relegate the Hogs to third place again in the West.
Quotable: “Our group has done a great job of saying a little adversity is just going to make us stronger. That's what they've done. They've had great energy, worked hard. Our players are doing a great job.” — John L. Smith
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