The tenth-ranked Arkansas football squad kicks off tonight against Missouri State at 6 p.m. ct on ESPN+. The Hogs and Bears come into the game sporting 2-0 records.
According to Hog Database, tonight will be the eighth time Arkansas football has squared off against Missouri State. The Hogs are 7-0 against the Bears dating back to 1911, when the Hogs won the first matchup 100-0.
Arkansas football heads into Saturday’s matchup as heavy favorites, but we’re all tuning in anyway. So who should we watch for?
The highlight of this matchup is Bobby Petrino’s return to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. It’s the disgraced coach who once led Arkansas football to a Sugar Bowl riding into town with his meager Missouri State team to square off against everyone’s new favorite head man, Mr. Ol’ Col’ Beer himself, Sam Pittman.
You’d think that kind of television drama would be good enough for a major television market, but the powers-that-be think the drama will end quickly after the opening kickoff. Oddsmakers clearly agree with them. The Razorbacks head into tonight’s tilt as 26.5 point favorites, per USA Today, against Petrino’s Bears.
Still, while it might be easy to overlook this week as a tuneup game with Texas A&M and Alabama awaiting on the horizon, these games can be an excellent opportunity to learn more about your team.
The following slides outline three players to pay special attention to during tonight’s game.
Before moving on, let’s give a special Honorable mention to the entire offensive line. You don’t average 259.5 yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry without that unit doing solid work. The Hogs will need it Saturday as the Bears have not given up more than 168 rushing yards in a single game.
Ok…On to the countdown!