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2022 Arkansas Razorbacks Football Predictions and Betting Odds

by Cameron McQuade - 7/26/2022

Arkansas Razorbacks football predictions KJ Jefferson

For a program that hasn’t won more than eight games since 2011, the Razorbacks had a solid year in 2021, winning nine games behind great line play, defense, and high IQ football. After winning only three games in 2020, last year looked like a step in the right direction. Being an SEC team without a Hollywood head coach and no national superstar, Arkansas got the job done. They look to continue that momentum going into the 2022 season.

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Offense / Defense

Leading the SEC in rushing yards last season wasn’t a fluke. Having four players rushing for more than 500 yards also wasn’t a fluke. KJ Jefferson being amongst the four is a great sign. The mobile QB lead the team with 664 rushing yards, while completing 67.3% of his passes, going for 2,676 yards with 21 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. Finding a trustworthy wide receiver was an emphasis this spring, and adding transfer Jadon Haselwood, Warren Thompson and Ketron Jackson Jr. gives Jefferson tall, fast targets. The offensive line is solid and will hold up well for the run game this year. The pass protection needs to be better, though, after allowing too many tackles for losses last season. Center Ricky Stromberg and guard Brady Latham will be the staples of the line.

On the defensive end, the Razorbacks need to have a better pass rush. Losing some key pieces this year hurts. However, on the flip side, Arkansas landed some strong names from the transfer portal, including Latavious Brini coming in from Georgia and Dwight McGlothern stepping in from LSU. With most of this group staying intact after having 13 interceptions last season, the Razorbacks look to limit opposing teams using their 4-2-6 alignment.

Keys to the 2022 Season

Third down conversations. Converting on only 37% of 3rd downs is not good enough in the SEC West. With a stronger offense than last year due to added WR depth and experience in the run game, Arkansas should be able to move the chains keeping opposing defenses on their heels.

This team won its fair share of “toss-up” games in 2021. If they can prepare to do the same this year and win majority of those “pick’em” games, they could strive to win nine games again. The talent is there, but a difficult road schedule makes Arkansas’ third down conversions and pass rush keys that much more important. Limiting penalties for losses will be huge to minimize for the Razorbacks in 2022.

Key 2021 Stats

– Arkansas points allowed: 1st quarter: 34. 2nd quarter: 105
– Penalties: Arkansas 103 for 820 yards – Opponents 64 for 615 yards
– Fumbles: Arkansas 22 (lost 6) – Opponents 12 (lost 3)

2022 Betting Odds and Trends

The Arkansas Razorback Over/Under this season is at 7.5 wins. Their odds to win the 2023 College Football Championship are at +15000. Their odds to win the SEC are +6000. They are 7-point favorites against the Cincinnati Bearcats on September 3, 2022. The Over/Under total is 54.0 points.

Predictions

With too many difficult games in 2022, it’s hard to see the Razorbacks repeating their nine-win 2021 season. Even though the high-powered offense should take a step forward this year, while the defense also improves, the bad luck Arkansas drew with its schedule -- plus being in the SEC -- is cruel. I don’t see them winning more than eight games this year, regardless of the great roster and coaching staff they have.

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