I know it's still early, but with a new season coming up when we will be looking at a new coach and (likely) a whole new look to the Razorbacks, I can't help but go ahead an make my early season predictions.

Now keep in mind that these predictions in the past have been notoriously incorrect (think the Chicago Tribune headline-Dewey defeats Truman). Nevertheless, like an habitual gambler, I keep coming back for more so here goes:

Aug. 30--Arkansas 56, Western Ill. 17--A nice opening to show the new regime. Hogs throw for an unprecedented 502 yards to unveil the Air Hogs. Record 0-0, 1-0

Sept. 6 --Arkansas 51, Louisiana Monroe 21--More of Air Hogs, but the running game is more in the mix this time with 415 yards in the air and 251 on the ground. Record 0-0, 2-0.

Sept. 13--Texas 41, Arkansas 38--The first real test proves to be a loss, but at least the Hogs show what they're made of and how they will be a team to contend with this season. The close loss gets them some mention in the national polls. Record 0-0, 2-1.

Sept. 20--Arkansas 36, Alabama 21--True to Petrino's past, Arkansas takes what Bama gives them. As a result, Air Hogs win with the run this game as the Michael Smith/Brandon Barnett team make fans momentarily forget the McFadden/Jones tandem. Together they shock the Crimson Tide with 418 ground yards to go along with 384 yards through the air. The Hogs now lead the country in total offense. They're 25th in the polls. Record 1-0, 3-1.

Oct. 4--Florida 38, Arkansas 35--The bye week helps the Hogs, but not enough as undefeated Tebow and company answer every Hog threat and take it in the last two minutes breaking a 35-all tie with a 48 yard field goal. Even with the loss the Hogs move up two to 23rd in the polls. Record 1-1, 3-2.

Oct. 11--Arkansas 44, Auburn 20--The game is more of a blowout than the score indicates as Casey Dick throws for five TDs and 482 yards to lead the Hogs over the previously undefeated and 5th ranked Tigers. Hogs do fly as they out soar the War Eagles and jump to 16th in the polls. Record 2-1, 4-2.

Oct. 18--Arkansas 28, Kentucky 21--Defense takes the day as the Cats hold the Hogs to only 422 yards total offense. It's enough, though, as Arkansas gets closer to becoming bowl eligible. The polls drop Arkansas one to 17th with the close win. Record 3-1, 5-2.

Oct. 25--Arkansas 55, Ole Miss 38--Houston returns to town and Casey Dick shows his former coach what he was capable of if someone had only been looking, throwing and running for eight touchdowns and 702 multi-purpose yards. Hogs move to 15th in the polls and their record rises to 4-1, 6-2.

Nov. 1--Arkansas 51, Tulsa 45--The defenses stay home as the air forces for both schools take over. The two teams nearly break the NCAA record throwing for 1122 yards between them. Hogs scoring offense leads the nation as they rise to 12th in the polls. Record 4-1, 7-2.

Nov. 8--Arkansas 41, S. Carolina 31--The "Ole Coach" has some tricks up his sleeve, but "New Coach" Petrino counters every one in the Hogs fifth conference win of the season and give themselves a good chance to get to a New Year's Day bowl. The Hogs are rewarded with a #9 position in the polls, but more importantly a #8 position in the BCS. Record 5-1, 8-2.

Nov. 22--Arkansas 45, Miss. St. 7--The defense comes alive for the Hogs as they hold the Bullies to less than 200 yards total offense to silence the cowbells at Starkville and set up a showdown for the SEC western division title the day after Thanksgiving. Polls-9th, BCS-6th. Record-6-1, 9-2.

Nov. 29--LSU 42, Arkansas 41--It's only two overtimes this year as the Tigers claw out a win by one when the Hogs go for two on their turn, but Dick's pass sails just over the head of a wide open London Crawford. The win puts LSU in the SEC Championship, but the Hogs get a chance for 10 wins when they are selected to play in a rematch against Missouri in the Fiesta Bowl. Record 6-2, 9-3

Jan. 5--Fiesta Bowl--Arkansas 36, Missouri 31--Hogs finish 6-2, 10-3 overall with a #6 poll finish after defeating #4 Missouri in a rematch of the Cotton Bowl.

Well, that's my early predictions. If they come true, remember you heard it here first. If not, well, there's always next year.

But, as always, that's my opinion this week, for what it's worth.