FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Bobby Petrino believes Arkansas will be ready to compete for Southeastern Conference and national championships again next season.
The Razorbacks coach, speaking for the first time since a season-ending victory over Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl, says Arkansas is poised to build on its first top-five finish since 1977. The school finished 11-2 this season, tying the school record for wins, and its only losses were to No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 LSU.
Fueling Petrino’s optimism is the growth of the program in his four seasons and the return of quarterback Tyler Wilson and running back Knile Davis. Both decided to bypass the NFL Draft and chose to return for next season.
Arkansas has improved its win total in each of four seasons under Petrino. It won five games his first season in 2008, eight in 2009 and 10 in 2010.
