SEC Power Rankings: Alabama, Missouri and a Mess After

Oct 19, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema looks on from the sidelines against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

12. Arkansas Razorbacks

Record: 3-5 (0-4)

Previous Ranking: 10

Last Week: Alabama 52, Arkansas 0

This Week: Bye

Next Week: vs Auburn

Arkansas will play their fifth ranked team in five games when they take on Auburn in two weeks. If Ole Miss finds their way back into the relm of the ranked, they will have played seven ranked teams this season by the time the season ends (LSU is the season finale). That’s simply a brutal schedule to have in a rebuilding year.

The key for Arkansas is to put all of their chips in the Mississippi State game. It is at home, MSU is a bad team, and it is a program needs to beat to prove they are not on the bottom tier of the SEC. At least you can walk into homes of recruits and pull out the “We played six/seven ranked teams, and you are the player to get us over the top” card as opposed to saying “Yeah, we lost to MSU, but…” You never what to have to say “but” during a recruiting visit.

Arkansas is building a strong identity in the running game, but need upgrades on defense and at quarterback in order to win games at the SEC-level. But having one of the three key things an SEC team needs in place is a good thing to have. Will Arkansas be able to bring in the talent to fix the other issues is the question.