Arkansas Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for
By John Buhler
1. How hot is Bret Bielema’s seat?
It’s been four years since Bret Bielema took the Arkansas job. What has he honestly had to show for it? Arkansas has been nothing more than a sub-par team in the SEC West since Bielema arrived on campus.
Yes, the SEC West is absolutely brutal. However, Arkansas and Texas A&M are the only two teams in that division to have not won at least 10 games once since 2013. Kevin Sumlin did win over 10 games in his first year with the Aggies back in 2012. He continues to recruit at a high level, but his job is on the line this year as well.
It’s hard to say what exactly would constitute a satisfactory season for Arkansas football. 10 wins might be a tough ask. However, a 9-4 (5-3) record is not out of the realm of possibility. For that to happen, Arkansas will have to dominate at home and only drop road games to strong SEC foes. That isn’t out of question.
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What Arkansas can’t have happen is another 6-6 or 7-5 regular season from Bielema. Anything less than a 4-4 mark in SEC play should not be acceptable as this solid southern program. Arkansas may not have the in-state talent of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana or Texas, but the Razorbacks should be an eight-win program annually. Bielema faces immense pressure in 2017. Can he handle the heat or will he be roasted alive?