We’ve made it to the finish line. The Arkansas football season starts tomorrow against Arkansas Pine Bluff.
The Hogs will most likely be without their starting left guard, Patrick Kutas. However, the rest of the team is healthy and ready to take the field. It'll be the first time Razorback fans have seen Bobby Petrino‘s offense on the home sideline in Fayetteville in over a decade. It’s also the first time seeing Taylen Green in a Razorback jersey.
The defense will be as aggressive as last year's, with defensive coordinator Travis Williams returning. Arkansas has many key pieces returning, like Landon Jackson and Jaylin Braxton, but they also have exciting newcomers like Xavian Sorey and Anton Juncaj to watch.
The last time Arkansas and UAPB met, the game wasn’t much of a competition. Arkansas won 45-3 without scoring a point in the second half. If the hogs play smart football, they should walk away tomorrow with a win just as easily.
UAPB vs Arkansas: keys to the game
Turnover margin
Last season, Arkansas led the nation in turnover margin after beating Western Carolina in game one. The Razorbacks recovered one fumble and a whopping four interceptions against the Catamounts. Arkansas doesn’t necessarily need to force as many turnovers, but keeping the scales toward the Hogs should keep the game out of reach.
Against UAPB in 2021, the turnover margin was dead even, with two a piece. However, the Razorbacks don’t need to give the Golden Lions any breaks, either. Turnovers flip the momentum and give the opponent an extra possession.
Giveaways haven’t been much of a problem in fall camp. However, interceptions seem to happen more often than in years past, especially when they had eight in one day.
If Arkansas can keep turnovers to a minimum, or at least force more turnovers than it gives away, then the Razorbacks can have a lot of success tomorrow.
Stay healthy
Quality depth has been an issue for Arkansas as long as they’ve been in the SEC. And with Kutas out, the offensive line especially can’t take much more loss, but neither can the rest of the team. If they can't stay healthy at key positions, UAPB can make things interesting.
More importantly, Arkansas needs as many healthy starters for next week's game against Oklahoma State. The Cowboys are the No. 17 ranked team in the nation, with arguably the best running back in the country. There’s no reason to risk injury trying to get the extra yard against UAPB when you have OSU around the corner.
Take care of business
With all due respect, UAPB doesn’t have nearly as much talent as Arkansas. The Razorbacks should be able to impose their will through all 60 minutes of tomorrow’s game. The Razorbacks shouldn't play down to the competition. They need to walk into War Memorial Stadium and play like the better team because they are.
That doesn't mean they should disrespect UAPB but on the contrary. Arkansas needs to play UAPB like it's the No. 1 team in the nation.