FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas is the only SEC team whose 2014 schedule features eight conference teams who played in bowl games last season.
Throw in nonconference opponents Texas Tech and Northern Illinois, who both went bowling last season, and the Razorbacks take on 10 teams that reached the postseason last year.
No wonder Arkansas' schedule will undoubtedly be among the toughest in the country this fall.
The Razorbacks' opponents went 103-54 last season, a 65.5 percent winning rate that is the highest in the country based on the NCAA's rankings.
"Voted No. 1 toughest in the country," Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema said at SEC media days last week. "That's absolutely awesome.
"Last year we were five. We tried to move up, we got number one. That was awesome."
Phil Steele, an analyst whose toughest schedule list examines projected strength of opponents, rates Arkansas' schedule as the third toughest in the nation, behind Notre Dame and Tennessee.
Variance
Arkansas will tinker with its run play calls with top backs Jonathan Williams, Alex Collins and Korliss Marshall after studying its tendencies from last season, Bret Bielema said at SEC media days.
"Last year we kind of had certain plays where we were a little bit right-handed, left-handed, certain plays with certain running backs," Bielema said. "I think this year the diversity our running backs are going to be able to have, it's not just going to be Alex on this run, J-Will on this run, Korliss on this run.
"There's going to be certain plays they're going to be better off on, I'm sure, but I think the balance that we have from right side to left side and the ability that everybody has will have a huge effect on our game plan."
Bielema also predicted the Arkansas offensive line would be stronger.
"I think we're going to be so much better at the line of scrimmage," he said.
Fish in boat
Bret Bielema predicted early Thursday that fish would be "jumping in the boat" during his final deep sea fishing trip before returning to Fayetteville for fall practice.
He was right. Bielema posted a series of pictures later Thursday after his party, including wife Jen, had caught a mess of mahi mahi on their trip. Bielema wrote that the group had landed 36 fish before noon.
Bielema was in Key Largo on Friday, posting a picture of his group with former Razorback Jimmy Johnson at his Big Chill restaurant.
That's my coach
Defensive end Trey Flowers showed off his political skill when asked whether he believes hurry-up offenses such as Auburn's result in more injuries.
Coach Bret Bielema has received national attention for his stance that player health is a reason to slow down the game's pace.
"That's not really for me to dictate," Flowers said. "Football is football, and there's going to be injuries here and there. That could be an argument. I think that's Coach Bielema's argument, and I'm playing for Coach Bielema, so I'm going to stand behind him."
The Razorbacks open the season Aug. 30 at Auburn.
"As far as what Auburn wants to do, if that brings them success, obviously they're going to keep doing it," Flowers said. "We've just got to find a way to stop it."
Gone bowling
Offensive tackle Brey Cook won't have to come to campus for classes in the fall. Cook said he needs only one hour to complete his communications degree and that he'll be taking a bowling class.
"It's going to be exceptional for me," Cook said. "I'll be able to come in every week and focus on being in the film room, the weight room, the training room.
"We call it being an NFL intern. You're almost there. You can focus so much more on football."
Cook hopes he and the Razorbacks will go bowling this winter.
"We're excited about the opportunity to make a bowl game," Cook said. "That's something we haven't done lately and we're excited to get after it."
Boyd move
Cordale Boyd took some first-team snaps at center and guard in the spring, but now he's headed to the other side of the ball to play tackle.
Bielema said he had Boyd in his office after spring to discuss the move.
"He kind of looked like I had three heads for a minute and then he jumped into it full flow," Bielema said. "Cordale, ever since I got here, I've just been overly impressed with his work ethic, his desire, his attitude."
Back home
Trey Flowers was back in his home state for SEC media days.
"It's most definitely a blessing," said Flowers, a native of Huntsville, Ala. "Not only to be here in my home state, but to represent Arkansas, represent my family and my teammates here on this big stage."
Flowers will be back in Alabama for the Razorbacks' season opener at Auburn.
"I love talking to the media, but I love playing football just a little bit more," Flowers said. "I'm going to be back in Alabama with my team next time and we're going to try to take care of business."
Sports on 07/20/2014