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Razorbackers Staff Predictions- Arkansas's talent vs Oklahoma State's experience

By Austin Farmer

Aug 29, 2024; Little Rock, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) rushes for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Pine Bluff Golden Lions at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Aug 29, 2024; Little Rock, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) rushes for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Pine Bluff Golden Lions at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images / Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
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For the first time in 44 years, Arkansas is playing Oklahoma State. The Hogs led the series 29-14-1, but that was long ago.

The Cowboys are one of the most experienced teams in the country. They returned nearly everyone from their 10-4 team last season. Arkansas, in comparison, only returns 50 percent of its production on offense and 41 percent on defense.

So, will Arkansas find a way to beat that experience, or will it crumble under the pressure?

Austin

There's no denying Oklahoma State's a dangerous team. They have the most experienced offensive line, blocking for the best running back in the country, Ollie Gordon. They also have a quarterback who's been in college longer than Van Wilder, who can make teams pay with deep shots if they sell out to stop Gordon.

But let's be honest, Arkansas is the most talented team — on paper — the Pokes will play all season. The defensive line starts three potential 2025 draft picks and a former five-star recruit, Xavian Sorey, at middle linebacker, who was an integral part of Georgia's championship-caliber team. The Razorbacks' offense is going to score. With Bobby Petrino, that's a given. So, OK State's offense and Arkansas's defense is the matchup to watch today. Experience is important, but give me talent every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Arkansas 35 – Oklahoma State 31

Matthew

Needless to say, Arkansas will take a major step up in competition this week by traveling to Stillwater to face the Cowboys. This game will tell us if last week’s dominate win over a bad FCS team was a sign of true improvement or more of an indication of how bad UAPB is. Oklahoma State returns almost all of its firepower from last season’s 10-win team. That includes the best RB in the country, Ollie Gordon II and maybe the most well-rounded receiving corps in the Big 12.

It will be essential for Bobby Petrino’s offense to be ready to hold its own because OSU will likely put up plenty of points after topping 30 points in half of their games last season and in their opener this year. In the end, it is hard to pick Arkansas to win this game until the Hogs prove they can win tough road tests like this with some consistency.

Oklahoma State 38 – Arkansas 27

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