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On game day, I'm as nervous
as a pig in a packing plant.
Darrell Royal

2002 Overall Record:  9-5
Conference Record:  5-3
 
Returning Starters:  Offense 9, Defense 8, Kicker/Punter 1

Next Game: September 6 vs Tulsa @ Fayettville

2003 Forecast:

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The Razorbacks are defending SEC West champs.  They return 9 starters on offense and 8 on defense from a team that went 9-5 last year.  But, no one is talking them up.  Why?  Well, perhaps it was the drumming Georgia gave them in the SEC championship game.  Perhaps it was the ass-whipping Minnesota gave them in the Music City Bowl.  Not good enough reasons? 
 
It is simple.  This club is just plain ugly to watch on the offensive side of the ball.  They are one dimensional.  Whether it is the personell, the play calling, or the coaching, the Hawgs simply cannot or will not throw the football.  In this league, one dimensional offenses are OFFENSIVE.  Nutt keeps promising to upgrade the passing game.  I wonder if he will ever get serious about it.
 
Sophomore De'Arrius Howard takes over for leading rusher Fred Talley (1119 yds).  Quarterback Matt Jones (1592 psg yds), and receiver George Wilson (626 yds receiving) return.  Matt Jones saw some playing time at WR in the spring (this may give you a hint as to how clueless Nutt is concerning his QB situation).  On the defensive side, Caleb Miller (back to back 100 tackle seasons) anchors a quality unit.
 
The loss of Ken Hamlin (free safety) leaves a big hole on the defensive side of the ball.  This secondary gives up big plays as often as Dan Rather needs a prostate massage.  Senior CB Lawrence Richardson will lead the Hogs in the defensive secondary. 
 
Razorback fans will tell you that all of their players run sub 4.3 forties.  If that is the case, why is there no big play receiver in this lineup?  That may explain Jones getting a look at WR. 
 
If Jones or Ryan Sorahan can give the Hogs a throwing option, this club will challenge.
 
Hated rival Texass is on the out of conference schedule this year.  It is refreshing to see an Arkansas team finally upgrade its' OOC schedule.  The SEC schedule is favorable, with home contests against Florida and Auburn, and visits to Baton Rouge and Bama.
 
A return visit to Atlanta is not out of the question, but many questions (particularly on the offensive side of the ball) must be answered.
 
Predictions:  8-4 overall.  4-4 SEC.  The Hawgs will participate in a mid-level bowl.

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Razorback News:

CFN 2003 Arkansas Football Prview

8-21 Injured LB Gallon questionable for season opener against Tulsa

8-21 Hogs' O-Line Should Lead The Way To Big Things

8-21 Broyles says UA staying with SEC

8-20 Schaeffer's Corner - Razorback Secondary is Loaded

8-20 Razorbacks use lack of respect as motivation

8-19 Arkansas Has Too Many Unanswered Questions

8-19 Remember The Tight Ends?

8-18 Arkansas QB Jones may turn into a WR

8-9 Peebles on hold for Arkansas

8-7 Dual role for Jones will make the most of his talent

7-30 Arkansas: First, last, in between?

7-30 Razorbacks look to run rampant

7-30 Still The UnderHogs

7-30 Nutt has no problem with team being picked low

7-30 Miller Not Meek On Saturdays

7-26 Degree Program Might Be Available Soon

7-17 Two-QB system in Nutt's plans

7-17 More woes for Razorbacks

7-16 Arkansas RB leaves team

7-12 Carroll decides to let talent do the talking

7-9 Arkansas' Vaughn has a 'safety' in numbers

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SEC Sports Smack note:  This offseason was no during than most at Arkansas.  Heck, it appears that all seasons are the same there.  Poor graduation rates.  Long lines for mug shots.  Frequent trips to the Fayetville Police Department. 
 
I just do not understand the lack of discipline.  These young men are receiving a free education.  Is nothing asked in return?  Coach Nutt must, at some time, turn his attention to being a bit more selective in his recruiting. 
 
Aside from that swipe, I see Arkansas as a very competetive program in the SEC.  Defending SEC West Champions.  Much experience returning.  This team should be riding high.  Only Nutt can change that.

Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (72,000),
War Memorial Stadium (53,727)
National Championship:  1964
Alltime Record:  610-409-40
Bowl Record:  10-20-3
 

2003 Arkansas Razorback Football Schedule

Hog Message Boards:

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