Hogs, Red Wolves finally clash— Razorbackers staff predict the historic showdown

No matter the outcome, the 2025 season will be one for the history books.

In week five, Arkansas will take on Notre Dame for the first time, but Saturday, the Hogs will finally play an opponent much closer to home. It looks like Little Brother from the northeast corner of the state has pestered the powers that be long enough to make this showdown happen.

On Saturday, Arkansas finally faces in-state rival Arkansas State, and it likely also signals the end of Razorback games at War Memorial Stadium.

The Razorbackers staff has you covered with a full preview and our score predictions for tomorrow’s game.

Arkansas vs Arkansas State: Razorbackers staff predictions

Antonio

Although a 42-24 victory for the Arkansas State Red Wolves last Saturday seems convincing, it’s not when one realizes it was against the Southeast Missouri State (SEMO) Redhawks, and that it was only one poor quarter, the second quarter, for SEMO that led to its undoing. If SEMO can score 24 points against Arkansas State’s defense, it’s reasonable to expect the Hogs’ offense to at least double the Redhawks’ offensive output, especially on the scoreboard.

With a trip to Oxford, Mississippi, ahead next week to battle the No. 20 Ole Miss Rebels, the Razorbacks will strive to play the type of football necessary to win games against such stiff competition as they will face next week and every week after tackling Lane Kiffin’s squad. 

Unfortunately for the Red Wolves, Arkansas’ offense is too explosive for them, and the team’s defense is solid. Given this, Arkansas State will realize that begging to play the Razorbacks isn’t such a wise idea after all, as the final score will reflect the significant disparities in speed, talent, power, and athleticism.

Arkansas 48–Arkansas State 17

Pat

The Arkansas State Red Wolves began an 8-5 season in 2024 with a historic win at Jonesboro over another intra-Arkansas program in the Central Arkansas Bears. No doubt coach Butch Johnson hopes to build on that success by winning ASU’s first game in War Memorial Stadium in nearly 20 years when they face your Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday.

The matchup is historical in that ASU and its big cousins from Northwest Arkansas have never met on the gridiron before. The game is also historic in that it’s slated to be the last time folks from Fayetteville must suffer the indignities of having to travel to Little Rock and share the Razorbacks with the rest of the state.

Sam Pittman made it clear this week that he tows the NWA company line that the Razorbacks should not be put upon going forward. Razorbackers across the state can only hope his team will end the long-standing—but neglected of late—relationship with an effort honoring War Memorial Stadium and loyal fans outside of the great northwest.

The Red Wolves should amount to sacrificial lambs for the occasion.

Let’s hope Pittman’s Hogs aren’t looking ahead to redeeming themselves from last year’s slaughter in Fayetteville to Ole Miss. 

Arkansas 44–Arkansas State 17

Jackson

I see this game as another “easy” win for Arkansas. This is going to be a little more of a challenge for the Razorbacks than last week’s 52-7 victory over the Alabama A&M Bulldogs. Arkansas State is a solid team out of the Sun Belt Conference, but the Hogs have more talent on each side of the ball. This is going to be another game where the Razorbacks need to prepare for a tough slate coming up.

Just like last week, this will be a game where Arkansas must answer the questions on offense and defense. The biggest question right now is how the secondary is going forward.

Arkansas 41–Arkansas State 13

Austin

I would be lying if I didn't have some reservations about the Razorbacks' game against Arkansas State. It's the first time in history the two have ever met after years of the folks in Jonesboro asking for this game. Make no mistake—they want this win more than Arkansas or its fans.

Combine last week’s sluggish start against Alabama A&M with the lingering questions on defense, and you’ve got the makings of a potential upset.

However, Arkansas has the advantage across the depth chart and looked uber-efficient on offense, and the Red Wolves unfortunately lost their Swiss Army Knife on offense for the season. I think the Hogs will struggle early again, but pull away going into the second half.

Arkansas 38–Arkansas State 17

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