College Football: Way Too Early SEC Bowl Predictions for ’15

Dec 29, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Keon Hatcher (4) celebrates his touchdown catch with wide receiver Drew Morgan (80) during the first half in the 2014 Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Citrus Bowl: Arkansas

May I present to you, 2015’s SEC dark horse darling… the Razorbacks of Arkansas. Southbound and Down agrees with the rest of America: we think the Hogs will be dangerous one reason: their starters on offense.

For starters, it’s quite the compliment that former Central Michigan headman Dan Enos left his head coaching position to coach this offense and you couldn’t blame him.

Brandon Allen, who had just 2,285 yards and 20 passing touchdowns in ‘14, leads the Pigs at quarterback. Don’t forget about the Jonathan Williams-Alex Collins tandem at running back, who rushed for a combined 2,290 yards last fall.

The Hogs return four starters on the O-Line, and they’re big and scary. And don’t worry, there is a host of receivers returning as well. Second-year coordinator Robb Smith has created a mammoth on defense, a once depleted unit that rose to 10th nationally by the end of ’14.

Seven starters will be back, including all-conference tackle Darius Philon. The front seven must be partially recreated, but the secondary is loaded and experienced.

When its all said and done, we expect Arkansas to compete with the Alabama schools for the Atlanta prize. It all depends on how to Pigs handle the hype.

Next: Peach Bowl