FAYETTEVILLE – The start of Arkansas’ 2018 season is under two weeks away, and it’s time to take a stab at the game-by-game predictions for the upcoming year.
It’s no secret that most aren’t expecting much from this year’s Razorbacks, and I’m in the same boat as those who think any bowl game would have to be considered a success in Chad Morris’ first season in Fayetteville.
This year’s schedule is probably the most favorable that Arkansas has seen in many years, but it’s countered by the Hogs going through a complete transformation and lacking quality depth in a few critical areas.
Let’s get straight to the predictions.
The season opener against Eastern Illinois may not be quite as lopsided as some fans would like, but it should be far more comfortable than Bobby Petrino’s first game as Arkansas’ head coach in 2008. Coincidentally, that was a 28-24 come-from-behind win over Western Illinois.
Arkansas will pull away in the second half. Arkansas 45, Eastern Illinois 13.
Colorado State returns a total of nine starters and will be without its expected starting quarterback this fall, but Mike Bobo will find a way to score points. This will be a tough trip for the Hogs, but the Rams are college football’s least experienced team entering the 2018 season and Arkansas should be able to handle things in Fort Collins. Arkansas 33, Colorado State 24.
North Texas returns a 4,000-yard passer behind four returning offensive line starters, all three leading receivers from 2016, and five of its top seven defensive players from a year ago. One could make a case that North Texas is Arkansas’ toughest non-conference opponent, but the Hogs should handle business. Arkansas 42, North Texas 20.
Auburn has out-scored Arkansas by a combined 108-23 over the last two years. The Razorbacks simply aren’t ready to overcome one of the SEC’s top four teams. It will be closer than some expect, however. Auburn 38, Arkansas 24.
The Razorbacks have lost six straight to Texas A&M. It’s time for things to finally go Arkansas’ way in what has quickly become one of the SEC’s best annual meetings, but Arkansas may have to take one more heartbreaking loss before things turn. Texas A&M 34, Arkansas 31.
Ryan Mallett was a senior in high school the last time Arkansas beat Alabama. Look for the game to hit 12 games straight this year. Alabama 38, Arkansas 14.
Arkansas’ game against Ole Miss in Little Rock is where things could begin to turn. For whatever reason, the Hogs just have the Rebels’ number as of late. If there’s a potential overtime game on the schedule, this is it. Arkansas 41, Ole Miss 38.
Tulsa will be much better than the 2-10 mark it posted last fall, but homecoming day should go well for the Razorbacks. Arkansas 45, Tulsa 17.
Vanderbilt will always be a tough out under Derek Mason, but the game is in Fayetteville and the Hogs could be finding its second wind, by now. Arkansas 28, Vanderbilt 17.
You never know what to expect out of LSU a week after its game with Alabama, but Arkansas’ last two meetings haven’t been close. LSU is down, but still has enough to handle the Hogs. LSU 27, Arkansas 23.
I’ve got Mississippi State coming in second in the SEC West this year. The Bulldogs have question marks, but quarterback Nick Fitzgerald and one of the league’s toughest defensive lines make it tough. Mississippi State 38, Arkansas 34.
It’s hard to explain, but Missouri just seems to have Arkansas’ number in close games. Drew Lock throws just enough to get another win for the Tiger and send the Hogs to the Birmingham Bowl at 6-6. Missouri 34, Arkansas 31.