Why ESPN GameDay Host's warning about Memphis rings true

Arkansas did itself no favors with its nonconference schedule. Apart from the first match-up against Alabama A&M, every game could be a potential loss.

Obviously, some are more likely than others. The Hogs presumably walk out of their game against Arkansas State with a win, largely due to the talent discrepancy. However, the fact remains that it's the first time the programs have ever met, and the Red Wolves want that game badly. Notre Dame, on the other hand, is the reigning National Champion runner-up and is looking for another run in the College Football Playoffs. So, the Razorbacks' chances to win aren't great.

Arkansas' game against Memphis splits the middle. The talent favors the Razorbacks, but the Tigers have won double-digit games the past two seasons, are a borderline top 25 squad, and have the luxury of playing the game in Memphis.

The game will by no means be easy, and according to ESPN's College GameDay host, Rece Davis, it's the most pivotal one on the schedule.

Arkansas' football season hinges on beating Memphis

Arkansas' nonconference is, of course, one of the biggest red flags that pops off the paper. However, the Hogs will face the usual gauntlet of the SEC as well. If Arkansas doesn't do well in the first half of the season, it could have a tough road ahead of it.

"I really think the whole thing [is you] cannot lose that game at Memphis," said Daivs on Friday's episode of the Chuck & Bo Show. "Everybody's new coming in for Memphis. ... If you can pull the upset at Old Miss, great. If you can knock off Notre Dame at home, great. [Arkansas] cannot lose the Memphis game."

In the first five games of the schedule, two games (Ole Miss and Notre Dame) are likely losses, while two (Alabama A&M and Arkansas State) are considered likely wins. The only coin flip game is Memphis, and winning that game could mean the difference between heading into Knoxville with a 3-2 record and a 2-3 record.

"If you can get to Tennessee at with no more than two losses... Maybe you get through Tennessee, you're 4-2, and maybe you get a little something going there," Davis said. "And as you build confidence, maybe you play better."

Heading into the back half of Arkansas’s schedule with just two losses would be a massive morale boost for both the locker room and the fan base. Suddenly, the next stretch doesn’t feel nearly as daunting. Texas A&M, Auburn, and perhaps the softest conference matchup in Mississippi State all come to Razorback Stadium, and all three are beatable. Even at 3-3 with a loss to Tennessee, the outlook wouldn’t be bleak, especially with every defeat coming against top-25 opponents.

While beating Memphis won't guarantee a great season for the Razorbacks, it's obvious the season would likely spiral if Arkansas can't come out with a win against the Tigers.