AP Poll proves Arkansas’ schedule is again one of toughest in nation

Five Arkansas opponents were ranked in the preseason AP Poll and another four received votes.

Playing football in the SEC is not for the weak of heart. But Arkansas coach Sam Pittman wants his team ready for the grind.

The Razorbacks should be in 2022. Not only do the Hogs have their usual slate of SEC West powerhouses, but two ranked teams from outside the league are also on the slate.

The Associated Press Preseason Poll, which was released Monday, had five Arkansas opponents this season as ranked. Alabama was the top-ranked team in the land, while Texas A&M was sixth and Ole Miss was 21st. The Razorbacks travel to Utah to play preseason No. 25 Brigham Young on October 25 and they host Cincinnati in the season-opener September 3.

Arkansas’ strength of schedule is ranked 12th in FBS this year, per ESPN’s Football Power Index. LSU, Mississippi State, Auburn and South Carolina – all of which are on Arkansas’ schedule – picked up votes in the AP poll but were not ranked.

The only other SEC team to crack the Top 25 was from the East. Kentucky checked in at No. 20, one spot above the Hogs.

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