“Arkansas is a dark horse SEC West Contender.”
“Arkansas vs. Tennessee is a possible matchup of the year.”
“Arkansas will come into the Tennessee game undefeated, and leave that way at 5-0”
How many times did we hear those predictions among many others this offseason? Very, very often. Yet here we stand, 1-3 and
Sep 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Alex Collins (3) runs with the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
fighting for everything. What many believed to be a huge SEC matchup, has now turned into a passing thought, at least in the eyes of the media. Both teams have underachieved and are both coming off heartbreaking losses last weekend. Tennessee gave away a win against Florida after some late game miscues, and the Razorbacks lost to the Aggies in overtime after giving away the lead with 5 minutes to go. The Razorbacks and the Vols have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
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But allow me to make a bold prediction for you Razorbacks fans right now… The Arkansas Razorbacks WILL MAKE IT TO A BOWL GAME. Yes, I said it! Let us look at the remaining schedule, and hear me out.
Sat, Oct 3 @ Tennessee: The Razorbacks have nothing to lose, as I have said. Arkansas is the more talented team. It’s a matter of limiting mistakes and scoring in the red zone when the Hogs are down there. Also, this is the first true road game of the year, and it’s against a hungry Tennessee team. RESULT: ARKANSAS wins 24-17 (2-3)
Sat, Oct 10 @ Alabama: After beating Tennessee, the Razorbacks travel to Tuscaloosa. Unless by some God-forsaken miracle, this is a loss. RESULT: ARKANSAS loses 31-14 (2-4)
Sat, Oct 24 vs Auburn: The Razorbacks return home against a team that’s under achieved, as well; The Auburn Tigers. The Tigers are in a quarterback dilemma of their own, and defensivley got torched by Leonard Fornette and LSU. While the Hogs don’t have Fornette, they do have a stable of running backs and could cause trouble for Auburn in Fayetteville. RESULT: ARKANSAS wins 28-14 (3-4)
Sat, Oct 31 vs Tenn. Martin: If Ole Miss can hang 76 on UTM, surely Arkansas can steamroll UTM. But we said the same against Toledo.. Nevertheless, RESULT: ARKANSAS wins 45-7 (4-4) 2 wins away from a bowl game
Sat, Nov 7 @ Ole Miss: A very, very tough matchup on the road. Who knows if Ole Miss will be as good as they are, but offensively they are stacked. Too much for the Hog defense to handle. RESULT: ARKANSAS loses 42-21 (4-5)
Sat, Nov 14 @ LSU: Regardless of the season and all the mishaps, Arkansas and LSU always have a good matchup. Remember Bielema’s first season; a 3-7 Razorback team almost beat LSU at their house. Arkansas then beat LSU the next year 17-0 in
Sep 19, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Drew Morgan (80) celebrates after a touchdown against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Fayetteville, which could be the starting point for all the expectations. LSU is a different team this year, with Heisman front-runner Leonard Fornette leading a dominant rushing attack. Arkansas needs a 2 big road wins. I think they will get one at Tennessee, and they will get the 2nd win at LSU. RESULT: ARKANSAS wins 28-24 (5-5)
Sat, Nov 21 vs Mississippi State: This is a tricky game. In the preseason, I would’ve said this is a win. But Mississippi State beat Auburn, and have a fantastic quarterback leading the way in Dak Prescott. And it always seems that the Arkansas defense can’t contain a dual-threat quarterback. Dak Prescott is the best dual threat they will face all year. RESULT: ARKANSAS loses 31-17 (5-6)
Fri, Nov 27 vs Missouri: Obviously, this is a must win for the Razorbacks. But Arkansas let the game slip away last year in Columbia. The “Borderline Rivalry” returns to Fayetteville, and Arkansas has to win to go to a bowl game, and Arkansas will rise up and win against Missouri. RESULT: ARKANSAS wins 38-28 and advances to bowl game (6-6)
There you have it. Call me crazy, but it very well could happen. Offensively, Arkansas has out-gained the last two teams they have played. The Hogs just haven’t converted on opportunities and have failed on defense when it mattered most. Now, a lot can happen between the Tennessee game and the last game of the year against Missouri. But the Razorbacks are good enough to get to a bowl game. Whether it happens or not, remains to be seen. But for now, ARKANSAS WILL BE GOING BOWLING.
WPS.