SEC Power Rankings: Alabama, Texas A&M, Florida, South Carolina and Georgia All in the Title Hunt

Nov 3, 2012; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive end Chris Smith (42) celebrates with linebacker

(39) after a play by Smith against the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Tulsa 19-15. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

11. Arkansas Razorbacks

Last Season: 4-8 (2-6)

Key Addition: Brett Bielema

Key Word: Sanity

Outlook:

Take a deep breath: John L. Smith is gone. There were no more motorcycle accidents. Everything is okay(ish).

“Ish” because Brett Bielema is now in towns as the new Arkansas coach. Bielema had a good run at Wisconsin (68-26 record) and has led the Badgers to three-straight Rose Bowls. He’s a very good coach, who should get Arkansas close to where it was pretty quickly.

A problem for Bielema has been recruiting, which was starting to catch up with him at Wisconsin. He has combated this problem at Arkansas by hiring assistant coaches who have strong histories in recruiting. Given what Arkansas has to work with in terms of facilities and in the SEC, the Bielema experience should work out in Arkansas.

This year might be a rough one though. Arkansas has a four-week stretch where they play Texas A&M, at Florida, South Carolina, and at Alabama. Not to mention that they’ll end the season at LSU. Arkansas does have a soft non-conference schedule and they should be able to pick off a couple of games against Auburn and Mississippi State.

The Razorbacks will also have to replace quarterback Tyler Wilson and receiver Cobi Hamilton, plus find a new starting running back.

There’s a lot of change happening in Fayetteville.