2010 Arkansas Razorbacks football team

The 2010 Arkansas Razorbacks football team represented the University of Arkansas in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team played five home games at Razorback Stadium and two home games at War Memorial Stadium. Coach Bobby Petrino was in his third year with the Razorbacks. They were members of the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference. The Razorbacks finished the season 10–2, 6–2 in SEC play and earned a berth in the Sugar Bowl, their first major bowl appearance since playing in the 1990 Cotton Bowl Classic, where they were defeated by Ohio State by a 31–26 score.

2010 Arkansas Razorbacks football
Sugar Bowl, L 26–31 vs. Ohio State
ConferenceSoutheastern Conference
DivisionWestern Division
Ranking
CoachesNo. 12
APNo. 12
Record10–3 (6–2 SEC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorGarrick McGee (1st season)
Offensive schemeMultiple
Defensive coordinatorWilly Robinson (3rd season)
Base defense4–3
Home stadiumDonald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
(Capacity: 72,000)
War Memorial Stadium
(Capacity: 53,955)
2010 Southeastern Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
Eastern Division
No. 22 South Carolina x  5 3   9 5  
Florida  4 4   8 5  
Georgia  3 5   6 7  
Tennessee  3 5   6 7  
Kentucky  2 6   6 7  
Vanderbilt  1 7   2 10  
Western Division
No. 1 Auburn x$#  8 0   14 0  
No. 12 Arkansas %  6 2   10 3  
No. 8 LSU  6 2   11 2  
No. 10 Alabama  5 3   10 3  
No. 15 Mississippi State  4 4   9 4  
Ole Miss*  1 7   4 8  
Championship: Auburn 56, South Carolina 17
  • # BCS National Champion
  • $ BCS representative as conference champion
  • % BCS at-large representative
  • x Division champion/co-champions
  • * Ole Miss vacated all wins due to NCAA violations.
Rankings from AP Poll

Before the season

Players

Quarterback Ryan Mallett had successful offseason surgery on a broken left foot.[1] The injury occurred during a conditioning drill, and will keep the Texarkana native out of spring drills.[2] Sophomore defensive backs David Gordon and Hunter Miller were arrested on April 26 for possession of drugs.[3] Offensive tackle DeMarcus Love was named to the Outland Trophy watchlist, and Ryan Mallett was named the frontrunner for the Davey O'Brien Award by The Sporting News.[4][5] Mallett and tight end D. J. Williams also have been named to numerous preseason All-American teams.[6] Earning All-SEC honors include Joe Adams, Greg Childs, Wade Grayson, DeMarcus Love, Jerry Franklin, Jake Bequette, DeQuinta Jones, and Jerico Nelson.[6] Coach Bobby Petrino, Mallett, Williams, and back-up quarterback Tyler Wilson all appeared on ESPN's College Football Live.[7][8][9][10] Wide receiver Carlton Salters left the football team on July 12 in order to pursue his professional baseball career.[11]

Recruits

US college sports recruiting information for 2010 recruits
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40 Commit date
Calvin Barnett
DT
Tulsa, Oklahoma Booker T. Washington High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 318 lb (144 kg) 5.1 Feb 3, 2010 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Jatashun Beachum
ATH
Dallas, Texas A. Maceo Smith High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 270 lb (120 kg) 4.65 Jan 17, 2010 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Eric Bennett
ATH
Tulsa, Oklahoma Booker T. Washington High School 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 230 lb (100 kg) 4.29 Oct 18, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
LaCraig Brown
DT
Monroe, Louisiana Richwood HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 268 lb (122 kg) 4.92 Jan 4, 2010 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 40
Eduardo Camara
K
Cedar Hill, Texas Cedar Hill HS 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) 157 lb (71 kg) N/A Jul 8, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Daunte Carr
DB
Gainesville, Georgia Gainesville HS 6 ft 2.5 in (1.89 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 4.57 Jan 17, 2010 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Luke Charpentier
OL
River Ridge, Louisiana John Curtis HS 6 ft 4.5 in (1.94 m) 298 lb (135 kg) 5.1 Nov 10, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 73
Cam Feldt
OL
Pilot Point, Texas Pilot Point HS 6 ft 4.5 in (1.94 m) 293 lb (133 kg) 5.30 Jul 24, 2008 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 81
Courtney Gaston
LB
Fort Gibson, Oklahoma Fort Gibson HS 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 4.5 Sep 29, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
Brad Hefley
ATH
Joplin, Missouri Joplin HS 6 ft 4.5 in (1.94 m) 253 lb (115 kg) 4.75 Jun 16, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
Javontee Herndon
WR
Jacksonville, Florida Bolles School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 178 lb (81 kg) 4.5 Feb 3, 2010 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 40
Zach Hocker
K
Russellville, Arkansas Russellville HS 5 ft 11.5 in (1.82 m) 168 lb (76 kg) N/A Feb 1, 2010 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
Julian Horton
ATH
Norcross, Georgia Greater Atlanta Christian 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 182 lb (83 kg) 4.50 Jan 17, 2010 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Maudrecus Humphrey
WR
Hoover, Alabama Hoover HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 4.5 Jan 24, 2010 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Jeremiah Jackson
DT
Hoover, Alabama Spain Park HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 263 lb (119 kg) N/A Jun 13, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Byran Jones
DT
Junction City, Arkansas Junction City HS 6 ft 2.5 in (1.89 m) 304 lb (138 kg) 5.10 Feb 3, 2010 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Jarrett Lake
ATH
Jenks, Oklahoma Jenks HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 205 lb (93 kg) N/A Feb 3, 2010 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Braylon Mitchell
ATH
Heber Springs, Arkansas Heber Springs HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 212 lb (96 kg) N/A Jul 8, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Denton Simek
OL
Prague, Oklahoma Prague HS 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 265 lb (120 kg) 4.9 Feb 3, 2010 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Chris Smith
DE
Mount Ulla, North Carolina West Rowan HS 6 ft 1.5 in (1.87 m) 225 lb (102 kg) 4.61 Jun 6, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Darrell Smith
DB
Port Saint Joe, Florida Point Saint Joe HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 4.5 Sep 14, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
Alan Turner
ATH
Junction City, Arkansas Junction City HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 183 lb (83 kg) 4.5 Feb 3, 2010 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 60
Garrett Uekman
TE
Little Rock, Arkansas LR Catholic 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 235 lb (107 kg) 4.68 Jun 10, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Marquel Wade
WR
Jacksonville, Florida Andrew Jackson HS 5 ft 10.5 in (1.79 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 4.49 Nov 1, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 74
Jacoby Walker
QB
Spring, Texas Westfield HS 6 ft 1.5 in (1.87 m) 204 lb (93 kg) 4.65 Dec 21, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Montaque Mack
OLB
Jacksonville, Florida Andrew Jackson HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 190 lb (86 kg) N/A Nov 1, 2009 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 35   Rivals: 49
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Scout.com Football Recruiting: Arkansas". Scout.com. Retrieved April 25, 2010.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved April 25, 2010.
  • "2010 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved April 25, 2010.

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 46:00 PMTennessee Tech*No. 17PPVW 44–369,596[12]
September 116:00 PMLouisiana–Monroe*No. 14SECRNW 31–755,705[13]
September 1811:00 AMat GeorgiaNo. 12ESPNW 31–2492,746[14]
September 252:30 PMNo. 1 AlabamaNo. 10
  • Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
  • Fayetteville, AR
CBSL 20–2476,808‡[15]
October 92:30 PMvs. Texas A&M*No. 11ABCW 24–1765,622[16]
October 162:30 PMat No. 7 AuburnNo. 12CBSL 43–6587,451[17]
October 2311:21 AMOle MissNo. 21
  • Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
  • Fayetteville, AR (rivalry)
SECNW 38–2473,619[18]
October 307:00 PMVanderbiltdaggerNo. 19
  • Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
  • Fayetteville, AR
SECRNW 49–1470,430[19]
November 66:00 PMat No. 18 South CarolinaNo. 17ESPNW 41–2075,136[20]
November 136:00 PMUTEP*No. 14
  • Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
  • Fayetteville, AR
ESPNUW 58–2167,330[21]
November 206:00 PMat No. 22 Mississippi StateNo. 13ESPNW 38–31 2OT56,406[22]
November 272:30 PMNo. 6 LSUNo. 12
CBSW 31–2355,808[23]
January 48:00 PMvs. No. 6 Ohio State*No. 8ESPNL 26–3173,879[24]
  • *Non-conference game
  • daggerHomecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Central time
  • ‡ New Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Attendance Record

NOTE: Ohio State's Sugar Bowl win was vacated after Ohio State's 2010 season was vacated, due to several violations of NCAA rules and regulations by numerous Buckeye players, and OSU head coach Jim Tressel's lack of institutional control. Arkansas' loss in the Sugar Bowl remains a loss in the records.

Personnel

Coaching staff

2010 Arkansas Razorbacks coaching staff

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

  • Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks – Garrick McGee
  • Running backs – Tim Horton
  • Tight ends – Chip Long
  • Wide receivers – Kris Cinkovich
  • Offensive line – Chris Klenakis

Defensive coaches

  • Defensive coordinator/secondary – Willy Robinson
  • Inside linebackers – Reggie Johnson
  • Defensive tackles – Bobby Allen
  • Defensive ends – Steve Caldwell
  • Graduate assistant – Marty Biagi
 

Special teams

Administrative staff

  • Athletic director (AD) – Jeff Long
  • Director of high school relations – Dean Campbell
  • Director of on-campus recruiting/eligibility coordinator – Dann Kabala
  • Director of football operations – Mark Robinson
  • Strength and conditioning – Jason Veltkamp
  • Recruiting coordinator – Tim Horton

Roster

2010 Arkansas Razorbacks roster
2010 Roster from the University of Arkansas Razorbacks Athletics

Quarterbacks

Tailbacks

  • 7 Knile Davissophomore
  • 10 Braylon Mitchell – freshman
  • 20 Ronnie Wingo, Jr. – sophomore
  • 24 Larry Ward, Jr.- "Freshman"
  • 29 Broderick Green – junior
  • 33 Dennis Johnson – junior
  • -- Ronald Watkins – Redshirt sophomore

Fullbacks

  • 44 Van Stumon – Redshirt senior
  • -- Brandon Pyle – sophomore

Wide receivers

  • 1 Marquel Wade – freshman
  • 2 Julian Horton – freshman
  • 3 Joe Adamsjunior
  • 4 Jarius Wrightjunior
  • 11 Cobi Hamiltonsophomore
  • 19 Javontee Herndon – freshman
  • 23 De'Anthony Curtis – junior
  • 83 Lance Ray – Redshirt freshman
  • 84 Price Holmes – sophomore
  • 85 Greg Childsjunior
  • 89 Austin Tucker – Redshirt junior
  • -- Alvin Chambers – sophomore
  • -- Ryan Farr – sophomore
  • -- Telvin Griffin – sophomore
  • -- Alex Nerney – junior
  • -- William Seranno – sophomore
  • -- Justin Wortman – sophomore
 

Tight ends

  • 45 D.J. Williams – senior
  • 48 Brad Hefley – freshman
  • 80 Chris Graggsophomore
  • 86 Ben Cleveland – Redshirt senior
  • 87 Austin Tate – freshman
  • 88 Garrett Uekman – Freshman

Offensive line

  • 63 Colby Berna – Redshirt freshman
  • 66 Denton Simek – freshman
  • 67 Alvin BaileyRedshirt freshman
  • -- Blake Gunderson – sophomore

Offensive tackles

  • 65 DeMarcus Love – Redshirt senior
  • 73 Ray Dominguez – Redshirt senior
  • 75 Luke Charpentier – freshman
  • 76 Tyler Deacon – Redshirt sophomore
  • 78 Anthony Oden – sophomore
  • 79 Grant Freeman – Redshirt junior

Offensive guards

  • 70 Zhamal Thomas – senior
  • 71 Wade Grayson – senior
  • 72 Grant Cook – Redshirt junior
  • 74 Cam Feldt – freshman

Centers

  • 60 Seth Oxner – Redshirt junior
  • 64 Travis SwansonRedshirt freshman
  • 68 Clay Bemberg – Redshirt senior

Defensive ends

  • 83 Darrick Sullivan – freshman
  • 43 Tenarius Wright – Redshirt sophomore
  • 58 Damario Ambrose – senior
  • 90 Colton Miles-Nash – sophomore
  • 91 Jake Bequette – Redshirt junior
  • 97 Ryan Calendar – Redshirt freshman
  • 98 Caleb Evans – senior
  • -- Will Coleman – sophomore
  • -- Brooks Reimer – freshman
 

Defensive tackles

  • 51 Alfred Davis – Redshirt sophomore
  • 54 Byran Jones – freshman
  • 61 Zach Stadther – junior
  • 92 DeQuinta Jones – sophomore
  • 95 Patrick Jones – senior
  • 96 Jeremiah Jackson – freshman
  • -- Jared Green – junior

Linebackers

  • 1 Anthony Leon – senior
  • 31 Jerico Nelson – sophomore
  • 25 Chris Milam
sophomore
  • 32 Bret Harris – Redshirt junior
  • 34 Jerry FranklinRedshirt junior
  • 41 Ryan Powers – Redshirt senior
  • 46 Freddy Burton – senior
  • 50 Stephen Barnett – junior
  • 53 Jermaine Love – senior
  • 55 Austin Moss – sophomore

Cornerbacks

  • 4 Rudell Crim – senior
  • 6 Isaac Madison – junior
  • 13 Seth Armbrust – Redshirt senior
  • 21 Darius Winston – sophomore
  • 26 Ramon Broadway – Redshirt senior
  • 28 Greg Gatson – sophomore
  • 36 Andru Stewart – junior

Safeties

  • 5 Tramain Thomas – junior
  • 9 Elton Ford – junior
  • 24 Daunte Carr – freshman
  • 35 Ross Rasner – freshman
  • 38 Jerry Mitchell – Redshirt freshman
  • -- Dustin Cain – senior
 

Athletes

  • 14 Eric Bennett – freshman
  • 22 Darrell Smith – freshman
  • 27 Alan Turner – freshman
  • 39 Jarrett Lake – freshman
  • 49 Jatashun Beachum – freshman

Punters/Kickers

  • 2 Alex Tejada – senior
  • 14 Dylan Breeding – sophomore
  • 18 Zach Hocker – freshman
  • 40 Eduardo Camara – freshman
  • -- Cameron Bryan – Redshirt sophomore

Long snappers

  • 59 Rhett Richardson – Redshirt junior
  • 62 Nick Brewer – junior
  • -- Robby Cox – Redshirt sophomore
  • -- Derrell Hartwick – Redshirt junior

Terms:

  • Freshman – A player in his first year.
  • Sophomore – A player in his second year.
  • Junior – A player in his third year.
  • Senior – A player in his fourth year.
  • Redshirt Redshirt – A player who sat out a
    previous season.

Statistics

Team

TeamOpp
Scoring474304
  Points per Game36.523.4
First Downs291236
  Rushing105118
  Passing173102
  Penalty1316
Total Offense62734523
  Avg per Play7.15.2
  Avg per Game482.5347.9
Fumbles-Lost23–927–14
Penalties-Yards108–83192–678
  Avg per Game63.952.2
TeamOpp
Punts-Yards54-225572-3034
  Avg per Punt41.842.1
Time of Possession/Game30:2229:38
3rd Down Conversions68/16562/185
4th Down Conversions9/1914/21
Touchdowns Scored6037
Field Goals-Attempts-Long16–1915–19
PAT-Attempts56–5837–37
Attendance413591311739
  Games/Avg per Game6/689324/77935
  Neutral Games/Avg per Game3/65069

Scores by quarter

1 2 3 4OT Total
Opponents 87 75 39 1030 304
Razorbacks 121 145 103 987 474

Rushing

NameGP-GSAttGainLossNetAvgTDLongAvg/G
Knile Davis13–820413624013226.51371101.7
Broderick Green13–2104389243653.532328.1
Ronnie Wingo Jr.13–54126072536.213219.5
Dennis Johnson2–09852839.214941.5
Joe Adams12–46320325.30122.7
Jarius Wright13–1319099.0090.7
Ronald Watkins2–015055.0052.5
Brandon Mitchell4–0256−1−0.505−0.2
Austin Tucker13–0106−6−6.000−0.5
Dylan Breeding13–01512−7−7.000−0.5
TEAM8–03022−22−7.300−2.8
Tyler Wilson6–04024−24−6.000−4.0
Ryan Mallett13–134459133−74−1.7414−5.7
Total13421221127619354.62271148.8
Opponents13522252841421144.02154162.6

Passing

NameGP-GSEfficAtt-Cmp-IntPctYdsTDLngAvg/G
Total

Receiving

NameGP-GSNo.YdsAvgTDLongAvg/G
Total

Defense

Name GP Tackles Sacks Pass Defense Interceptions Fumbles Blkd
Kick
SoloAstTotalTFL-YdsNo-YdsBrUpQBHNo.-YdsAvgTDLongRcv-YdsFF
Total

Special teams

Name Punting Kickoffs
No.YdsAvgLongTBFCI20Blkd No.YdsAvgTBOB
Total
Name Punt Returns Kick Returns
No.YdsAvgTDLongNo.YdsAvgTDLong
Total

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking.
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
AP171412101511122119171413128812
Coaches Poll191513111513132118191413128812
HarrisNot released1320181714131288Not released
BCSNot released23191815131278Not released

Game summaries

Tennessee Tech

1 2 3 4 Total
Golden Eagles 3 0 0 0 3
#17 Razorbacks 0 23 21 0 44

Arkansas met Tennessee Tech for the first time on the gridiron to open the 2010 season of lofty expectations. The Hogs started slowly, with TTU taking a 3–0 lead into the second quarter, but Arkansas was driving to close the first quarter, and running back Dennis Johnson scored from seven yards out for the Hogs' first touchdown of the season. The Arkansas defense recorded a safety on the ensuing TTU possession. Arkansas running back Broderick Green leaped in for another Razorbacks score, making the lead 16–3 for Arkansas. The Razorbacks added an 85-yard scoring pass from quarterback Ryan Mallett to Joe Adams before halftime.[25] The Hogs came out strong in the second half, with Ronnie Wingo scoring another Razorbacks touchdown on the ground. Mallett began to click with his receivers at this point, finding Cobi Hamilton and Joe Adams for passing touchdowns. Arkansas did not punt in the contest, and won easily 44–3. This was the first time under Bobby Petrino that the Hogs kept an opponent without a touchdown.[26]

Louisiana–Monroe

1 2 3 4 Total
#14 Razorbacks 7 0 7 17 31
Warhawks 0 0 0 7 7

Ryan Mallett threw for four hundred yards for the third time in his career, and Greg Childs had twelve catches as Arkansas' offense rallied in the second half to finish the Warhawks.[27] The Razorbacks offense looked lethargic in the first half, but the Arkansas defense was stout. The first score of the game came in the first quarter, Greg Childs hauling in a 19-yard touchdown pass From Ryan Mallett. Neither team scored again until the third quarter, when Mallett took a quarterback sneak one yard to paydirt. Rudell Crim of Arkansas intercepted a pass, and the Hogs drove for five minutes resulting Zach Hocker's first career field goal as a Razorback.[28] Childs again caught a Mallett touchdown pass, diving into the end zone to make the score 24–0. At this point, Louisiana-Monroe strung a drive together and connected on a Luther Ambrose 25 yard touchdown reception from Kolton Browning. Razorback sophomore Ronnie Wingo scored on a screen pass to stretch the final margin to 31–7.[29] Arkansas' offense had three turnovers in the contest, but the defense played well; limiting ULM to under 200 yards of total offense.[27]

Georgia

1 2 3 4 Total
#12 Razorbacks 7 10 7 7 31
Bulldogs 7 0 3 14 24

The Razorbacks began the SEC season by meeting Georgia in Athens, Georgia. The Hogs looked to answer critics that believe the Razorbacks cannot win an SEC game on the road. Georgia was victorious in Razorback Stadium in 2009 shootout.[30] The Hogs had to play without the services of top running back Dennis Johnson, who suffered a season-ending injury the week previous. The Bulldogs were playing without impact receiver A. J. Green, who was suspended for selling his jersey to an agent.

The Hogs scored first only minutes into the game on a Mallett pass to Chris Gragg for a 57-yard score. Georgia freshman QB Aaron Murray scored on the ground to even the score. The Hogs responded with a Knile Davis rushing score, and a Zach Hocker field goal to take a 17–7 lead into half. After the break, Georgia kicker Blair Walsh recorded a field goal, but Mallett found Ronnie Wingo to reply. Behind by fourteen points, Georgia stormed back with Tavarres King and Washaun Ealey both scoring touchdowns to knot the game in the fourth quarter. Georgia had a chance to win the game, but a sack by Jake Bequette that tore Murry's helmet off ended the drive and forced UGA to punt.[31] Given a chance to win the game, Mallett completed two passes to D. J. Williams to move the Hogs to the UGA 40. Childs caught a perfect pass from Mallett along the left side, and after breaking a tackle, dashed 40 yards for the game-winning score with fifteen seconds remaining.[32] Mallett was 3 of 3 for 73 yards on the final game-winning drive, confirming his status as a Heisman Trophy contender.[33]

Alabama

Mallett takes a snap in the shotgun in the third quarter.
1 2 3 4 Total
#1 Crimson Tide 7 0 7 10 24
#10 Razorbacks 10 7 3 0 20

Texas A&M, Southwest Classic

1 2 3 4 Total
#11 Razorbacks 14 7 3 0 24
Aggies 7 7 3 0 17

The Arkansas offense exploded in the first half by racking up 317 yards in the second annual Southwest Classic. The Hogs were hurt on the scoreboard by penalties and missed kicks, however. Arkansas marched the ball down the field on the opening possession, running well and capping the drive with a Joe Adams touchdown reception. The Hogs defense forced a punt on the following Aggie drive, but Ryan Mallett threw a long interception on the Razorbacks' first play. Texas A&M returned the interception to the 2-yard line, but couldn't score until fourth down. The ensuing Razorbacks possession ended when Mallett threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Cobi Hamilton, following a very successful play action fake. Arkansas had the potential for six more points, but a Zach Hocker miss and a botched fake attempts cost the Razorbacks more points. Mallett led a 63-second drive before halftime which ended in a Ben Cleveland touchdown reception, but Texas A&M responded with a quick score to make it a 21–14 lead for the Hogs at half.

The game became a defensive affair in the second half. Arkansas sealed the game in the fourth quarter with two run-heavy possessions that ate the clock. Texas A&M had a chance to tie the game with little time left, but failed and instead turned the ball over for the fourth time. The win gave the Hogs a 2–0 edge in Southwest Classic games.

Auburn

1 2 3 4 Total
#12 Razorbacks 7 14 14 8 43
#7 Tigers 7 20 10 28 65

Arkansas traveled to Auburn, Alabama for an SEC shootout between Ryan Mallett and Auburn's Cameron Newton. Entering the game, Arkansas and Auburn were the SEC's top two offenses, respectively, with the Razorbacks also ranking third nationally in passing offense.[34] The game provided plenty of points as promised, but changed complexion dramatically when Mallett left the game with a concussion in the second quarter. Razorbacks junior Tyler Wilson came in and threw for over 300 yards and 4 touchdowns, but also throw two costly interceptions late.

The game was also marred by many questionable calls by officials that hindered Arkansas. The primary calls were Mario Fannin's fumble prior crossing the goal line and a fumble by Broderick Green despite being down. A statement by Arkansas' athletic director Jeff Long indicates that the University has "registered our concerns regarding several officiating calls and review decisions made by replay officials".[35]

Arkansas began the scoring on a Mallett pass to Van Stumon, who caught just his second career pass for a seven-yard score. After Auburn responded, Arkansas engineered a twelve play drive that ended with a Broderick Green TD run. On the ensuing Auburn possession, Mario Fannin fumbled the football prior to crossing the plane of the goal line. The call was reviewed but upheld as a touchdown. This was the first of many questionable calls to hurt Arkansas.[35] This call was later explained by the SEC offices that an on-field official had signaled touchdown, despite indisputable video evidence that no official ever indicated touchdown.[36] Auburn also blocked a punt. Tyler Wilson relieved an injured Mallett in the second quarter, throwing a touchdown pass to Greg Childs on his second drive. This made the score 21–27 in favor of Auburn at the half.

Wilson hit Childs for another TD in the second half, but Auburn returned the subsequent kickoff 99 yards to negate the score. Wilson replied with by completing a long flea flicker pass to Childs, followed by two passes to Joe Adams to hit paydirt. Wilson and the Razorbacks drove again, scoring on another Childs touchdown reception and two-point conversion reception. This scoring frenzy gave Arkansas a 43–37 lead. Auburn responded with a passing TD, and controversy ensued on Arkansas' next possession. Running back Broderick Green fumbled the football after being tackled. After a long review period, the play was not overturned and Auburn took possession. This call was heavily questioned by Bobby Petrino and the Razorback coaching staff. Auburn continued to a 65–43 victory.

A positive for the Razorbacks was receiver Greg Childs, who caught nine passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns.

Ole Miss

1 2 3 4 Total
Rebels 0 3 7 14 24
#21 Razorbacks 14 7 3 14 38

Vanderbilt

Knile Davis scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter to make the score 42–14 in favor of Arkansas.
1 2 3 4 Total
Commodores 14 0 0 0 14
#19 Razorbacks 6 26 3 14 49

South Carolina

1 2 3 4 Total
#17 Razorbacks 7 17 10 7 41
#18 Gamecocks 7 3 0 10 20

UTEP

Ronnie Wingo (20) stands behind Mallett in the pistol formation against the Miners.
1 2 3 4 Total
Miners 14 0 0 7 21
#14 Razorbacks 21 14 14 9 58

Mississippi State

1 2 3 4OT2OT Total
#13 Razorbacks 14 3 7 707 38
#22 Bulldogs 7 14 0 1000 31

LSU, Battle for the Golden Boot

1 2 3 4 Total
#6 Tigers 0 14 6 3 23
#12 Razorbacks 7 14 0 10 31
Mallett kneels down on the one-yard line to finish the game. The win is the Hogs' third in four years against their rivals.

Arkansas met LSU in Little Rock, and the Hogs earned a season-defining 31–23 victory.[37] Arkansas' second-ranked offense met the Tigers' top-ranked defense, but the Hogs recorded 464 yards of total offense against the Tigers.[38] Arkansas's sophomore running back Knile Davis rushed for 152 yards, including nine straight rushes on the final Arkansas drive, and Ryan Mallett broke the school record with 60 touchdown passes in the contest.[39] Cobi Hamilton of Arkansas had three catches for 164 yards and two touchdowns of 80+ yards, including a long score with six seconds remaining before halftime. Stevan Ridley had two rushing scores for LSU, and Jordan Jefferson completed 16 of 27 passes for 184 yards. Arkansas and LSU both closed the regular season at 10–2, with Arkansas finishing second in the SEC West behind Auburn. This was the team's last win over LSU until the 2014 season.

On December 5, the Razorbacks were invited to the 2011 Sugar Bowl. This was Arkansas' first ever BCS berth.

2011 Sugar Bowl – Ohio State

#6 Ohio State at #8 Arkansas
1 234Total
#6 Ohio State 14 1430 31
#8 Arkansas 7 3115 26

The Ohio State Buckeyes headed to the Superdome to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Buckeyes came into the game 0–9 against the SEC in bowl games. The Buckeyes struck first, with Dane Sanzenbacher recovering a fumble in the end zone after Terrelle Pryor fumbled on the 3 yard line. Arkansas struck back with Ryan Mallett connecting with Joe Adams on a 17-yard pass. Dan Herron added a 9-yard run, and Sanzenbacher and DeVier Posey caught touchdown passes of 15 and 43 yards respectively to give the Buckeyes a big lead. Zach Hocker hit a 20-yard field goal as time expired and the Razorbacks were down 28–10 at the half.

In the third quarter, the momentum shifted Arkansas' direction. Hocker and Devin Barclay traded field goals, then Mallett connected with Jarius Wright for a touchdown, then made the two-point conversion on a pass to D. J. Williams to pull within ten. The Razorbacks closed the gap further in the fourth, on a safety by Jake Bequette and another field goal by Hocker. With just over a minute left, Arkansas blocked Ohio State's punt and recovered on the 18 yard line. However, Mallett's second pass attempt was intercepted and the Buckeyes ran out the clock and won, 31–26. Initially Ohio State's first bowl win over an SEC opponent, Ohio State's win was subsequently vacated when Ohio State later vacated their entire 2010 football season because of NCAA violations involving improper benefits to some of their players.

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