What questions are left from fall camp and spring practice ahead of tonight’s game with UAPB in Little Rock.
Touchdown Radio’s Brett Dolan on first full weekend of college football
Looking at Georgia-Clemson game in Atlanta he will be calling plus an overview of the national picture and Razorbacks.
ESPN’s Jay Alter on Sam Pittman coming into big year as coach
What announcer on ESPNU tonight thinks heading into game with UAPB at 6:30 as coach needs to get strong start.
Eastside Liquor Halftime Podcast: 8-29-24
Halftime was live from Red River Credit Union to support Heart to Heart Pregnancy’s Battle for the Golden Bottle. The fellas talk to some experts and give in-depth analysis on a real Razorback football game happening tonight!
Guests: Bob Holt and Brett Dolan.
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 8-29-24
YOUR ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS PLAY ACTUAL AMERICAN FOOTBALL TODAY! Tommy and Tye predict scores for the night, take calls from animated guests, and bring you everything Arkansas football.
Guests: Jay Alter
ANDY’S PICKS: Hogs’ opener should let people get over it early
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Time flies when you’re having fun, they say, and apparently there is some truth to that. When Pete Morgan sent his picks in, I looked it up and this is now the seventh straight year of our little contest.
He may have won one time. Usually it’s over before the mid-point of the season and nobody really keeps meticulous records. Arkansas’ season-opener with UAPB down in Little Rock at War Memorial Stadium will mark the beginning of the eighth year of HitThatLine with ESPN Arkansas.
I have no idea if this is the highlight of the year for anybody other than Pete, who usually gets down in this thing early, then starts having to gamble on some picks before Halloween and the whole thing ends up in a gigantic wreck. But he gets another shot starting this week.
This week, there are some really good games around the SEC. The Razorbacks hosting the Golden Lions in a stadium that’s three-quarters of a century old ain’t one of them.
No, I’m not going to throw UAPB under the bus. They are coached by a fellow Lumberjack in Alonzo Hampton and we might argue in private, nobody else is allowed to jump into the fight. He’s doing the best he can with what he’s got, but he doesn’t have the same number of scholarships or types of players the Hogs have.
The last time these two teams played was 2021 and the coaches agreed at halftime to just let the clock run like the mercy rule in high school sports for the second half of a 45-3 blowout. It was 45-0 at halftime.
Unfortunately, this one may be about the same way or there will be questions. Heading into a game with Oklahoma State next weekend.
Everybody has certain things they are looking to see, just keep in mind they have probably faced better competition in the scrimmages in fall camp than they will see on the field tonight. Personally, I’m just hoping nobody gets injured in this game they will need next week over in Stillwater. That’s when we will find out a whole lot more.
We can only discover a lot of things that need to be fixed. That’s not good, but it does count as a win and that will probably be needed when we get to November and trying to get in a bowl game.
Arkansas 45, UAPB 7
Now we get around to the rest of the SEC. Some teams are scheduling rent-a-wins while others are really challenging their teams. Some may be interesting, but most will only be newsmakers if something bad happens.
Murray State at (11) Missouri: The Tigers are looking for a big season and Eli Drinkwitz has them riding high on the radar. We won’t know a whole lot after this one with the Racers, who don’t have the same players. Missouri 48, Murray State 7
Temple at (16) Oklahoma: Now we get to another newcomer to the SEC and the Sooners are my sleeper team in the league. They should be much better than most people give them credit for having right now. They also have a tradition of winning. We’re not going into how they won, the record is what it is. Razorback fans would take it. Oklahoma 56, Temple 10
Virginia Tech at Vanderbilt: Oh, good grief. Virginia Tech 35, Vanderbilt 10
(14) Clemson at (1) Georgia: This might be a better game for November than opening, but we’ll find out this year if Dabo Sweeney has the Tigers back ready for prime time or if he might start checking where he wants to live full time. We know what Kirby Smart will have with the Bulldogs. Georgia 24, Clemson 21
Chattanooga at (15) Tennessee: Nobody in the Volunteer State is wanting to open the season with a big game, apparently. Tennessee 63, Chattanooga 13
Colorado State at (4) Texas: After a mild panic for the Longhorns’ faithful that didn’t notice the State at the end, this one should be fairly easy. There might be a touchdown difference if Deion Sanders was coming to town, but he’s at a different school in that state. We probably won’t know if Texas is back from this one. Texas 59, Colorado State 17
(19) Miami at Florida: We know it’s a slim week when this may be the most intriguing game on the SEC schedule. Billy Napier is widely thought to be on his way out the door and the Hurricane are supposed to be on the verge of racing to the top. This one may give us an indication both ways, but something nagging at me the Gators may not be that terrible. Florida 20, Miami 17
Old Dominion at South Carolina: Easy one for the Gamecocks. South Carolina 42, Old Dominion 7
Eastern Kentucky at Mississippi State: Jeff Lebby should get off to a hot start, but let’s not make a lot of firm judgements after it. Mississippi State 45, Eastern Kentucky 10
WKU at (5) Alabama: Apparently the whole state of Kentucky wants to come to the South for a payday in the opener. It helps the budget the rest of the year. Alabama 52, Western Kentucky 13
Furman at (6) Ole Miss: Rebels have no problem with this one and we may have a shutout. Ole Miss 56, Furman 3
Alabama A&M at Auburn: This one may be as bad as the Hogs playing a team out of the SWAC. Auburn 42, Alabama A&M 6
(7) Notre Dame at (20) Texas A&M: While a lot of people are dismissing this, I don’t think it’s going to be as wide as many are thinking. The Aggies may pull out a win in Mike Elko’s opener, but I’m not ready to go out on that limb yet. Notre Dame 21, Texas A&M 20
Southern Miss at Kentucky: This one may be interesting for a half or so. If the Wildcats don’t run away in the second half, well, we have an indicator of a problem. Kentucky 27, Southern Miss 14
(23) Southern California at (13) LSU: There was a time the coach of the Trojans was supposed to be headed to Baton Rouge before making a sudden turn and ending up in Los Angeles. If USC gets a win here, there will be more questions at LSU than anywhere else. But, remember, a loss in the opener doesn’t kill the rest of the season with 12 teams in the playoffs now. LSU 35, USC 27
PETE’S PICKS: How Razorbacks handle opening of new season
I wanted to chase the guy down. I really did. Those who know me well are aware I often travel for business, quite frequently out of state. It’s not uncommon for me to run into fellow Arkansans when I am away, whether it be in Missouri, Florida, New York, or even in Mexico.
In a hotel parking lot, six-and-a-half hours from home, it felt different this time. I first noticed the maroon truck with the Natural State tags backed up to the spot opposite of mine. Unlike the majority of vehicles surrounding the hotel, the truck was obviously not a rental of any sort, and the look of the truck had Johnson County written all over it.
When you are on the road a lot, you often cling to any reminders of home, much like an Arkansas fan grasps onto new hope in the final weeks of the football preseason. I felt as though I was mixing the two.
Anyone can tell you I am passionate about Arkansas sports, almost unrelenting in my ability to watch even the biggest blowout we may be suffering, overly optimistic at the beginning of each season, and eager to discuss football with anyone who will banter back-and-forth with me.
Finally, it happened. After a long day of meetings, I rolled into the parking lot and noticed the same truck parked in a spot it had frequented over the past few days. But this time, the passenger door was open, and I noticed a man leaning in to gather his belongings before heading inside. As I pulled into a nearby spot, I wondered if he would notice the red decals indication my passion for all things Arkansas.
As he stepped back to shut his door, I noticed his black cap, red bill, and a bright white Hog cutting its path across the crown of the hat. I must speak to this man I immediately thought. Even if not for more than a passing, “How ‘bout those Hogs?”
Surely with all the hope for the upcoming year created by the changes in the offseason would have this man’s fervor flying high as well. I had to speak to him, but as I grabbed my keys, wallet, and laptop bag out of the truck, the fellow fan had already shut his door and gained about a fifty-step advantage over me. Surely he is a die-hard and would love a short conversation. After all, it is the first game week, we are still undefeated, and he is, like me, on that upcoming game high, right?
Should I shout something across the parking lot? Should I run in an effort to catch up to him just to uncork a small saying for which he may not even reciprocate? Or should I just be a man instead of acting like a 90’s girl spotting her favorite boy band in the distance.
I chose the latter, but I did glance around the lobby as I entered to ensure he was nowhere to be found.
Our anticipation reaches its pinnacle this week as Arkansas hosts UAPB in War Memorial Stadium this Thursday. Sam Pittman should have the boys ready.
Arkansas, 44 – 10
Random Thoughts
I was mistaken in my last piece when I stated Arkansas has not played UAPB in football. How my mind is forgetting things so quickly as I age is incredible.
TRIVIA QUESTION: When did Arkansas and UAPB last face each other on the football field?
For success this season, we will need more than a few gamechangers.
TRIVIA ANSWER: In 2021, the Razorbacks defeated the Golden Lions in Little Rock, 45 – 3.
Yes, I was tempted to leave a note declaring “Go HOGS” on his windshield.
Be certain to listen to the game Thursday at 7:30 P.M. via HitThatLine.com and on the air at ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs, and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
SEC Picks for Week 1
There are sixteen SEC games this weekend, which is unprecedented. The majority are early season warm-ups hosting teams that will simply use the opening week as a pay day. But there are a few on the slate which will have national attention in gauging how traditional powerhouses will be able to take the first step to the CFB Playoffs. It is also the first time Oklahoma and Texas will be as full-fledged members of the dominant football conference.
I have not looked at Andy’s predictions for this week, but I am curious to see if he picks the opening week’s games based upon the obvious favorites, or if the guru sees a possible upset early in the SEC.
UAPB at Arkansas – It’s a shorter trip for UAPB to get to Little Rock than it is for the Razorbacks. It will be a longer trip home for the Golden Lions if they come into War Memorial with their hearts set on an upset. Arkansas by 34.
Murray State at (11) Missouri – Eli Drinkwitz looks to rebuild off his Tigers’ successful campaign in 2023. Missouri by 44.
Temple at (16) Oklahoma – The Sooners come in at a more suitable ranking than their traditional Top Ten which seems to curse them with an early season loss. Mad props to Oklahoma for the planned Toby Keith tributes by playing one of his songs after the 3rd quarter at each home game this year. Sooners by 38.
Virginia Tech at Vanderbilt – This may be a good game, but not good enough for Vandy. Hokies by 11.
(14) Clemson at (1) Georgia – GOTW Honorable Mention: If you walk up to a stranger in New York City and ask them, “Clemson vs Georgia?”, they will probably look at you with a confused expression. If you walk up to anyone not donning pink hair in the South, you can ask them, “Dabo or Kirby?” Most will immediately respond, “Kirby by 17.”
Chattanooga at (15) Tennessee – Pardon me, boy… This game will be over by verse two. Tennessee by 42.
Colorado State at (4) Texas – Hey, since Texas is now in the SEC, if they make it to the CFP Championship, will you root for them? I bet the Rams are thinking about their last victory over an SEC team. No fake punt will save them this time. Longhorns by 32.
(19) Miami at Florida – It sure is funny how time changes things. Two traditional powerhouses have both had their highs and lows as of late. The Hurricanes are currently on a high. Miami by 10.
Old Dominion at South Carolina – The Gamecocks will get the Beamer Ball rolling with a $1.5-million paycheck for the Monarchs. Crimson Tide by 14.
EKU at Mississippi State – The Bulldogs have invited the Colonels into Starkville for new head coach Jeff Lebby’s first game. Can he turn around a struggling, low-scoring Mississippi State program? We will see him win Step One Saturday. Bulldogs by 28.
WKU at (5) Alabama – Four years ago, if I had asked you who Kalen DeBoer is, could you have correctly answered? Me neither. Would you have guessed his salary would soon be $10-million a year replacing Nick Saban at Alabama? His quick rise has been impressive, but it also seems to have made the guy look like a quickly aging 49-year-old, but when you make more in one week than I paid for my house, who cares? Crimson Tide by 40.
Furman at (6) Ole Miss – I occasionally enjoy taking a jab at Lane Kiffin; however, with the recent passing of his father, I will simply point out he has tremendous coaching skills, and Furman had better be asking more than his assistants make as a payout for this game. Rebels by 44.
Alabama A&M at Auburn – No problems for Hugh Freeze. Tigers by 35.
(7) Notre Dame at (20) Texas A&M – I am not sold that the Aggies are a Top 25 team, and that is why this is not the GOTW. Maybe I am wrong, but I just would not put that much stock this soon in Mike Elko as he rebuilds Jimbo’s mess. Playing this at Kyle Field may keep this close, not to mention Notre Dame seems to frequently enter a new season overrated as well. I am torn. Fighting Irish by 10.
Southern Miss at Kentucky – This could end up being a fun game to watch, at least through three quarters. Wildcats by 14.
(23) Southern California at (13) LSU – GAME OF THE WEEK: The GOTW honors originally went to Clemson at Georgia, but after more thought, this one seems to be the more exciting matchup. LSU most likely learned their lesson about poor decision making in last year’s season opening loss to Florida State. This one will be a night game, but it will be in a neutral site, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas instead of Baton Rouge. Can you imagine Death Valley on a Sunday before Labor Day? You could bet there would have been plenty of “juiced up” Tigers fan to help with the homefield advantage. This one will be closer than most Tigers fans will find comfortable. LSU by 4.
And that is your opening week, folks. A new season awaits. Keep hope alive, and enjoy the season.
Here is to a Razorbacks victory and a home fire burning.
Wound Wrap Episode 6: w/ Dr. Kevin Haney
Dr. Doug chats with Dr. Haney who practices at Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center in Rogers.
WoundWrap.com coming soon!
DQ tells us what Arkansas’ record will be in 2024
DQ gives us her season prediction for the Hogs! Plus she is very upset with motorcyclists. Ruscin tells us about the most positively energetic in Razorback history and more talk about the big game against UAPB.
PETE MORGAN: Taking stab at Razorbacks’ season … plus bowl
We say seasons change. We debate on whether or not people can change. And, we hope (and possibly pray), a team in Fayetteville, Ark., has changed.
It was a dismal season for the Razorbacks in 2023. Going 4 – 8 overall, with only one win in SEC play, not to mention dismissing our offensive coordinator with a few weeks to go.
Then the offseason gave us a carousel of valued personnel saying goodbye, a good handful of talent emerging out of the transfer portal, some NFL level talent riding out the rough waters, and a historical savior returning to a controversial hero’s welcome.
In summary, KJ Jefferson is out. Taylen Green and Larry Worth are in. Landon Jackson has cemented himself in what will be Arkansas lore. And Bobby Petrino is back to run his offense for Sam Pittman.
In fact, there are quite a few returning and new faces with enough talent to make one wonder if the Hogs can be contenders in the SEC this season.
Can they? Let’s take a look.
Week 1: UAPB (Little Rock): Arkansas has not played another in-state school since 1944, and they have never taken the field against UAPB. This game may be fun for fans; however, it will do nothing to show us how much the Razorbacks have improved.
Winnable? Yes
Result: Win
Week 2: at Oklahoma State: A tough, non-conference game against a successful Power 4 team is probably not the best chaser for the rent-a-win in Week 1. OSU Coach Mike Gundy had the Cowboys in the Big 12 Conference Championship last season. They may even be their conference’s flag ship program since Oklahoma and Texas have now officially bounced like bad checks for the SEC. This is a tough match-up for Arkansas too quickly.
Winnable? Yes.
Result: Loss
Week 3: University of Alabama-Birmingham: It will be Family Weekend at the U of A as they host parents and the UAB Blazers for the first home game in Fayetteville. Trent Dilfer will look to have his team ready to knock down an SEC team, yet I just feel even suiting up their beloved Blaze would give them enough firepower to pull off the upset.
Winnable? Yes
Result: Win
Week 4: at Auburn: We should have beaten the Tigers on The Hill last year, but we found ourselves getting drilled like a bad tooth instead. This year might be different, but for all of his personal flaws, Hugh Freeze is a fantastic coach, and his second year in Auburn may reflect his brilliance.
Winnable? Yes
Result: Loss
Week 5: Texas A&M (Arlington, Texas): This is the last year of the contract with Jerry Jones, right? As I get older, I get forgetful. Honestly, I hate to lose the contract. I love the trip to Arlington, and I am a huge fan of Jones. He has always been cool to me. Oh, right, the game. Long story short, I do not know enough about new Aggies coach Mike Elko to know if he can turn around the disappointment the program experienced under Jimbo Fisher. I do know Bobby Petrino might have a touch more fire in his belly against his former team. Unless the Razorbacks are down from the loss at Auburn, this could be an easy victory.
Winnable? Yes
Result: Win
Week 6: Tennessee: The Vols are firing on a good number of cylinders over the past few seasons under Josh Heupel… but they are not firing on all cylinders. In fact, they seem to be over-hyped a lot since coming under the leadership of (dare I say it) “Hypel”. Yes, I know he had some success in 2022, but, hey, who didn’t, right, Sam? This game may come down to how many fans pack Donald W Reynolds Razorback Stadium as well as if it ends up being an afternoon or a night game.
Winnable? Yes
Result? Win
Week 8: LSU: Speaking of night games, here is one the fans will love if the Hogs are at least two games over .500 after a bye week. The Tigers will most likely acquire a Top 10 ranking by mid-October if they can handle their business against two of California’s finest and fend off Ole Miss at home. They may be too strong for Arkansas to beat, even on campus.
Winnable? For certain
Result? Loss
Week 9: Mississippi State: Unless something drastic happened in Starkville during the offseason, this may be the best shot the Hogs have at winning an SEC road game.
Winnable? Yes
Result? Win
Week 10: Ole Miss: For the past five seasons, this game seems to favor to the home team. Lane Kiffin brings his Rebels to Fayetteville after barely holding us off in Oxford 27 – 20 last season. Ole Miss may have added too much talent to beat them even within our friendly confines.
Winnable: Yes
Result? Loss
Week 12: Texas: Time to welcome Texas to the SEC after a bye week. We got them last time they came to The Hill. I will admit, the banter between Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and Arkansas coach Sam Pittman was pretty comical and respectful. There might have been a mild slight from Sark, but who cares? This one should be fun.
Winnable? Yes
Result? Win
Week 13: Louisiana Tech: A late season softball? Let’s not forget no team out of Louisiana should ever be overlooked. Depending upon team morale at this point, it should be a cakewalk for the Razorbacks.
Winnable? Without a doubt.
Result: Win
Week 14: Missouri: Can we officially say our native son Eli Drinkwitz is a traitor? He and his Tigers were successful last year, but I feel they are overrated this year. Regardless, Eli’s ego hopefully gets the better of him in the week leading up to the game. This might inspire some late season motivation for a Razorbacks team on the cusp of a decent bowl game.
Winnable? Yes
Result: Loss
Non-conference: 3 – 1
SEC: 4 – 4
Overall: 7 – 5
Bowl Projection: TransPerfect Music City Bowl
Anyone want to place bets now? Each game this season is winnable for Sam Pittman’s Razorbacks. It is not as brutal as what we have experienced in the recent history. Maybe this will keep the team inspired to play their best and to not check-out early in the same manner they did in 2023. I have a good feeling about the comradery in this group which will translate to more victories.
Also, isn’t it just the Arkansas way to have Nick Saban finally retire, and we do not have Alabama on the schedule for the first time since 1992, the first year Arkansas played in the SEC?
Two things to remember. One, things can always change. Two, there is always next year. Well, this is “next year”, and for Sam Pittman, as much as I love the guy, he probably knows it had better be “the year”, or Arkansas will be seeing a whole lot of change before 2025. Let’s not forget, there were a lot of close ballgames against some of the top-ranked opponents in the SEC. There were also some gamedays where even the most loyal Hogs fans found other things to do. Perhaps the reports of locker room drama and the instigators no longer being on the roster will provide a spark to prove me wrong on some of the predicted losses above.
Prayers out to Sandy.
