SEC Football: Predicting the 2023 SEC standings and final rankings

2023 SEC Football Standings No. 10 (and 6th in the SEC West):
Arkansas Razorbacks

Sam Pittman’s Arkansas squad started off the 2022 season looking like they’d taken a big step up in the hierarchy of the SEC West and could be poised to challenge Alabama and LSU in the not-too-distant future. Instead, after a few injuries, things fell apart for the Hogs, and the Pitt Boss’ team finished a disappointing 6-6.

Since then, the Razorbacks have had to replace several offensive coaches, including offensive coordinator Kendal Briles (TCU) and his likely replacement Dowell Loggains (South Carolina).

Returning one of the best rushing duos in the conference in quarterback KJ Jefferson and running back Rocket Sanders should help ease the transition for coordinator Dan Enos who returns to Arkansas as OC after not being retained by Arkansas after Bret Bielema was fired after the 2017 season.

While the offense should be fine, the defense in Fayetteville was abysmal in 2022, especially against the pass. Arky gave up over 450 yards of offense per game to opponents last season, including almost 300 through the air. If that repeats this fall, the Razorbacks will be fighting an uphill battle back to bowl eligibility in a tough SEC West.

The Hogs have a tough schedule even outside of their typical SEC West slate. Arkansas has to play in Gainesville against a Florida team that will be desperate for wins, and they welcome to Donald W. Reynolds Stadium the Cougars of BYU.

Year 4 of the Pittman era will be pivotal for the future of the Razorbacks. Can he re-harness the momentum the program had after a 9-win 2021 campaign, or is mediocrity the destiny of the favorite team of the Arky faithful?

PREDICTION

Overall: 6-6; SEC Football: 2-6
Western Carolina (W), Kent State (W), BYU (W), @LSU (L), Texas A&M in Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington (L), @Ole Miss (L), @Alabama (L), Mississippi State (L), @Florida (L), Auburn (W), FIU (W), Missouri (W)