Former SEC West Coach has Hogs contending for division title

It’s been a while since the Razorbacks have been contenders for an SEC Western Division title. The Hogs were highly competitive during the 2010 and 2011 seasons going a combined 21-5 (12-4 SEC) under then coach Bobby Petrino.

We are all certainly aware of what happened after that but there have been glimpses of hope since then. However, they have been few and far between.

There were a whole lot of laughs and ridicule when the Razorbacks decided to hire Sam Pittman as head hog in 2019. There were a few familiar with his work as a head assistant but held the opinion that without head coaching experience the tenure wouldn’t last long.

Well, his exceptional recruiting prowess and relationship building has set the Hogs up for a revival of sorts after falling short of expectations in 2022. That’s what they’re working toward. Looking from the outside, media members and opposing fanbases may look at a prediction of Arkansas finishing in the top half of the West and think how?

The Razorbacks faced a multitude of season altering injuries a season ago. Pitttman was determined to not let that happen again so in return he put together a top transfer class to go along with yet another top 25 high school class.

A returning KJ Jefferson and Raheim Sanders lead the way for Arkansas this fall. A retooled secondary, offensive line and coaching staff that’s shown promise so far provides hope for Hog fans. That’s probably why former Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen predicts Arkansas to finish third in the West behind LSU and Alabama.

Will the loser of the SEC championship game make the playoffs? pic.twitter.com/fxKDE6Ehyh

— Dan Mullen (@CoachDanMullen) August 26, 2023

One interesting item is his prediction of Auburn finishing dead last in the division. There’s a popular opinion that Mississippi State takes quite a few steps back with the passing of head coach Mike Leach. How will the Bulldogs respond this fall?

Do you agree with Mullen’s prediction of Arkansas finishing third in the division?

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