But Petrino does give them their best chance. And if Mallett(sp?) stays another season they will make it very tough in the west.
Everybody was saying they would contend for the West this year as well. Didn't happen. I think they have shown that even though they have Mallett, they don't have much else there. They have some serviceable guys there, sure. A few guys that get it done. But as far as absolute go-to playmakers? Nothing really that makes you worry. When you look at their 2010 recruiting class, its perplexing.
We are one month from signing day, and they have 16 commits, with only one 4* committed (who had 3 offers). There are only 4-5 4* guys left on Arky's board that are uncommitted, however, only one has Arky in their top 3. Ironically enough, he is from Arkansas. But according to boartitz, they don't need their in-state talent, and they don't rely on it. Especially 5* elite running backs, because they're loaded already. Vanderbilt is up to 22 commitments with only two 2* guys, and no 4* guys. All of the rest are 3* talent. Kentucky's class is pretty much done too with 24 commitments, and their class is better than Arkansas'. Iowa State's class is done, and is ranked better than Arky. And so on, and so on. If you're wanting to compete for the West, you're going to have to recruit better than on par with Kentucky and Vanderbilt to do it. Especially when you're getting your lunch money taken two years straight by some of the big boys in the SEC.
Sure, you might find some luck a game or two and beat somebody you're not supposed to. But you're not going to be a contender. But then again, I'm not so sure that most Arky fans know the difference at this point.