Jeff Reed: Arkansas Football 2013 Preview

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Jeff Reed, veteran Arkansas sports reporter and editor of Astatenation.com, sat down with us to preview the upcoming Arkansas football season, including his thoughts on the Arkansas Razorbacks, Arkansas State Red Wolves, UCA Bears and more. Here is how Jeff sees the 2013 Arkansas football season.

Q: What’s in store for Arkansas and Bret Bielema in the coach’s first season in Fayetteville?

Jeff: I think 6-6 would be a great season. The schedule gets rugged in a hurry, and even the softies like UL-Lafayette and Southern Miss could cause problems. And we know what Rutgers did last year. I think the gameplan to run the ball and the clock is what is needed.

Question: Who will be Arkansas’ breakout player this year, and why?

Jeff: Alex Collins. If not Collins, some other running back. The ground Hogs are back!

Question: What position area is most precarious for the Hogs?

Jeff: Quarterback. And while not a position, depth would be a concern. You can’t afford to have your front-liners go down.

Question: Does Arkansas State return to a bowl for the third straight year under its fourth coach in four years, Bryan Harsin?

Jeff: Yes. Winning another conference title might be hard, but I think this team can get seven or eight wins. If one of the quarterbacks comes through and there are no major injuries on defense, then it could be a really good year. ASU has lost a lot of really good players the past two season. Is there anyone to step up? That’s the real question with this Red Wolves team.

Question: What is Harsin’s biggest challenge with the Red Wolves in year one?

Jeff: Expectations. ASU fans have gotten used to winning the past two seasons. I think the opportunity is there to win but this team is more fragile than it has been in the last two seasons. Staying healthy is a major concern on defense. And, of course, replacing that guy named Aplin is a big-time issue.

Question: Does UCA and Clint Conque continue its success in the Southland Conference and return to the NCAA playoffs?

Jeff: Yes. I think the Bears are back. Any team that would play on such a hideous field should win! Seriously, Conque and staff have done a good job of building a steady winner in one of the better I-AA (old-school term) conferences.

Question: Was UAPB’s season last year a fluke or do the Golden Lions repeat in the SWAC?

Jeff: I think the Golden Lions are becoming one of the more consistent programs in the SWAC. Don’t know if a conference title is in the works, but a winning season for sure.

Question: Who will be the top high school player in Arkansas in 2013?

Jeff: Juan Day of North Little Rock High School

Tell us your answers to these questions in the comments section below. We would love to hear what you think about the upcoming Arkansas football season.

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