Razorbacks’ coach Sam Pittman confident going into Notre Dame game
For first time ever, Irish will meet Arkansas anywhere, but how he feels after two shocking losses to even record before SEC gauntlet.
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 9-22-25
Tye and Colton filter through a barrage of dissapointed callers, Style and Swagger from the past weekend of football, and more!
Guests: Thomas Cole – Walker Brothers!
Hog Reaction: Arkansas Falls to Memphis 32-31
Hogs are most definitely going to Hog. Arkansas drops a heartbreaker to G5 Memphis in all the usual ways. Colton Little and the legend Matt Jones take calls from fans and try and explain the inexplicable.
Arkansas draws Texas, LSU, Missouri in SEC 2026-29 schedule model
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas’s path in the SEC’s new nine-game format has been set, and it’s a challenging one, according to a report from Chris Low with On3.
The Razorbacks will play Texas, LSU, and Missouri every season from 2026 through 2029 as the league moves to a nine-game slate with three annual opponents per team.
It’s a mix of history and intensity with Texas reigniting the old Southwest Conference rivalry, LSU representing the SEC West powerhouse Arkansas has battled since joining the league and Missouri maintaining the Battle Line Trophy.
This will be debated all across the conference for awhile. The full release will be on SEC Network on Tuesday night at 6 p.m.
Full list of SEC annual opponents (2026-29)
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Alabama: Auburn, Tennessee, Mississippi State
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Arkansas: Missouri, Texas, LSU
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Auburn: Georgia, Alabama, Vanderbilt
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Florida: Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky
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Georgia: Auburn, Florida, South Carolina
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Kentucky: South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida
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LSU: Arkansas, Ole Miss, Texas A&M
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Mississippi State: Ole Miss, Alabama, Vanderbilt
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Missouri: Arkansas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma
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Oklahoma: Texas, Ole Miss, Missouri
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Ole Miss: Mississippi State, LSU, Oklahoma
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South Carolina: Georgia, Kentucky, Florida
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Tennessee: Alabama, Vanderbilt, Kentucky
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Texas: Texas A&M, Arkansas, Oklahoma
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Texas A&M: Texas, LSU, Missouri
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Vanderbilt: Tennessee, Mississippi State, Auburn
Projected strength of schedule snapshot
Using current ESPN FPI national rankings (Sept. 2025), Kentucky projects as having the toughest baseline trio with South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. Oklahoma and Arkansas/Texas A&M also land in the upper tier. Tennessee and Vanderbilt rank toward the lighter end, though both still face Alabama annually.
Kentucky’s index is highest because its three fixed opponents are all top-15 teams in FPI right now. For Arkansas, Texas (No. 1), LSU (No. 12), and Missouri (No. 23) combine for one of the toughest yearly tests in the league.
Team-by-team cards
Alabama
Annual opponents: Auburn, Tennessee, Mississippi State
SoS index rank: 13th
Rivalry note: Iron Bowl remains locked in; Tennessee’s rise makes this slate stingier than it looks.
Arkansas
Annual opponents: Missouri, Texas, LSU
SoS index rank: 3rd
Rivalry note: Texas series is revived permanently; LSU keeps Battle for the Golden Boot intact.
Auburn
Annual opponents: Georgia, Alabama, Vanderbilt
SoS index rank: 7th
Rivalry note: Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry and Iron Bowl secured, with Vandy providing some balance.
Florida
Annual opponents: Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky
SoS index rank: 8th
Rivalry note: Cocktail Party remains annual; no Tennessee guarantee for the first time in decades.
Georgia
Annual opponents: Auburn, Florida, South Carolina
SoS index rank: 5th
Rivalry note: Auburn preserved, Florida locked in; Tennessee rotation only.
Kentucky
Annual opponents: South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida
SoS index rank: 1st
Rivalry note: Wildcats hit hardest; annual slate includes three strong programs in current FPI.
LSU
Annual opponents: Arkansas, Ole Miss, Texas A&M
SoS index rank: 6th
Rivalry note: Golden Boot, Magnolia Bowl, and A&M rivalry all preserved.
Mississippi State
Annual opponents: Ole Miss, Alabama, Vanderbilt
SoS index rank: 12th
Rivalry note: Egg Bowl secured; annual Alabama makes this trickier than it looks.
Missouri
Annual opponents: Arkansas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma
SoS index rank: 8th
Rivalry note: Renewed Oklahoma series draws headlines; Battle Line Trophy stays.
Oklahoma
Annual opponents: Texas, Ole Miss, Missouri
SoS index rank: 2nd
Rivalry note: Red River Rivalry remains annual; Ole Miss adds intrigue.
Ole Miss
Annual opponents: Mississippi State, LSU, Oklahoma
SoS index rank: 15th
Rivalry note: Egg Bowl and Magnolia Bowl secured, plus a new annual with Oklahoma.
South Carolina
Annual opponents: Georgia, Kentucky, Florida
SoS index rank: 11th
Rivalry note: Three East rivals locked in; Clemson still scheduled nonconference.
Tennessee
Annual opponents: Alabama, Vanderbilt, Kentucky
SoS index rank: 16th
Rivalry note: Alabama stays annual; Florida and Georgia rotation only, breaking decades of tradition.
Texas
Annual opponents: Texas A&M, Arkansas, Oklahoma
SoS index rank: 8th
Rivalry note: Red River Rivalry, Lone Star Showdown, and old Southwest battles with Arkansas.
Texas A&M
Annual opponents: Texas, LSU, Missouri
SoS index rank: 3rd
Rivalry note: Texas returns, LSU and Missouri provide balance.
Vanderbilt
Annual opponents: Tennessee, Mississippi State, Auburn
SoS index rank: 13th
Rivalry note: Nashville keeps in-state rivalry; Iron Bowl rotation still guaranteed.
Key takeaways
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Arkansas’ trio of Texas, LSU, and Missouri anchors one of the toughest annual opponent groups in the SEC.
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Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Arkansas/Texas A&M project the hardest annual opponent slates by FPI baseline.
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Tennessee loses guaranteed Florida and Georgia matchups, but keeps Alabama and in-state Vanderbilt as annual opponents.
Memphis overcomes Razorbacks 32-31 with late TD to stay unbeaten
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Who would have thought Arkansas would lose another game on a late fumble, then a defense that couldn’t get a first down in the last minute?
That’s exactly what happened to the Razorbacks at Simmons Bank Liberty Bowl Stadium on Saturday as Memphis slipped past the Razorbacks, 32-31.
This isn’t the way anybody wanted to head into a matchup with Notre Dame next week.
Memphis (4-0, 2-0 home) used a late explosive play to take the lead, while the Hogs (2-2, 0-2 away) saw momentum fade after halftime despite a strong first half.
Arkansas came out of the gate with a 21-10 lead after two quarters, with multiple successful drives and effective execution from quarterback Trelon Green and the Razorbacks’ running backs.
Memphis kept in range though, responding with both passing and rushing plays. Before halftime, the Tigers cut into the lead with a touchdown pass and other productive plays that set the stage for a tight second half.
In the third quarter, Memphis chipped away with a field goal and a touchdown run to close the gap. Arkansas managed a field goal of its own but failed to capitalize on some opportunities that might have extended their cushion.
Memphis’ balanced attack — mixing runs and play-action passes — along with some key defensive stops, shifted momentum. Arkansas’ offense, meanwhile, stalled at times. Penalties and third-down inefficiencies began to hurt.
Decisive moments & final drive
With less than five minutes remaining, Arkansas still held a slim lead after seeing a 28-10 advantage slowly disappear.
Memphis mounted a drive culminating in a long touchdown run, taking the lead 32-31. Arkansas had one last chance but couldn’t convert, coming up just short.
Running back Mike Washington had the ball punched out and the Tigers recovered inside the 10-yard line then a redshirt freshman quarterback ran for a first down on a third-and-8 play with the Hogs out of timeouts to seal the game.
Turnovers were few but costly. Arkansas had one turnover to Memphis’ two, which may have made the difference in such a tight finish. And the Hogs’ fumble was the most costly.
Reactions & implications
Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield wanted to talk about his team’s resilience.
“We knew it was going to be a fight,” he said. “Credit to our guys for stepping up when it mattered most.”
Arkansas coach Sam Pittman expressed disappointment.
“We had chances,” he said. “We just couldn’t sustain the momentum.”
The loss complicates Arkansas’ season, especially its non-conference resume, while Memphis continues its strong start and looks ahead to opening American Athletic Conference play.
Key takeaways
- Clutch performance by Memphis: Late in tight games, Memphis delivered — the final touchdown run changed the outcome.
- Arkansas struggles in second half execution: After a strong first half, Arkansas failed to maintain drive success and adjust.
- Balanced attack matters: Memphis mixed rushing and passing, and managed the clock well in critical moments.
Statistical notes
- Total yards were nearly even: Arkansas posted 500 yards; Memphis 489.
- First downs were also close: Memphis had slightly more than Arkansas.
- Penalties and third-down conversion differences tilted slightly in favor of Memphis.
What’s next
Memphis will begin its conference schedule in the AAC against Florida Atlantic. Success there could bolster their credentials nationally.
Arkansas returns home to host Notre Dame next week, needing to bounce back and regain momentum.
ANDY’S PICKS: Fans probably shouldn’t count on blowout for Razorbacks in Memphis
FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. — Apparently Pete hasn’t spent a whole lot of time looking at just how good Memphis is or doesn’t want to believe his lyin’ eyes.
Since he’s pulling out musical references this week, I figured to throw another one in there.
The Tigers are better than whatever Arkansas State brought to War Memorial Stadium a couple of weeks ago. Considerably better.
Now the Razorbacks just have to figure out their defense after Ole Miss sliced them up like a brisket just pulled off a smoker. Forget the comeback by the offense late because the most concerning part going forward is that defense.
If more injuries have made things even worse (and it’s doubtful it improved them), this game could end up in another shootout. Come to think of it, that’s not the best phrase to use in that area of Memphis, but I said it so there it is.
Hogs coach Sam Pittman talked about coaching them better this week. Sounds good, but probably doesn’t work as well as some folks would hope.
By the time you start playing games, you can draw up plays and schemes all you want, but at the end of the day defense comes down to finding out who’s got the ball and putting him on the ground as quickly as possible.
Former Arkansas defensive coordinator Jimmy Johnson told me that when he was head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. It still holds true.
This team has good players, but it has the same feeling to a certain point that it did in 2023 when BYU came rolling into Fayetteville and shut down the Hogs in an upset.
That started the wagon rolling to a 4-8 season.
Don’t expect this game to be a blowout at the Liberty Bowl one way or the other. It might turn out that way, but the guess is you’ll be hanging in there until the fourth quarter at least.
Oh, and don’t play the drinking game every time somebody scores a touchdown. You could be passed out by halftime. It’s tempting to pick an upset here, but too early to start wandering out on those limb. Hogs by 2
UAB at (15) Tennessee – Good Grief 1. Tennessee might have a letdown after a wild game against Georgia last week but it showed nobody may be that interested in playing defense anymore. With the exception of Ohio State and Texas. The Blazers may want to play defense, but the Vols have the better players and more of them. Volunteers by 21.
Tulane at (13) Ole Miss – The Rebels may have a quarterback better than the one Lane Kiffin thought was better in the first game. Trinidad Chambliss doesn’t seem to turn the ball over as much and the Rebels are getting confidence, which they are going to need considering their remaining conference games. It probably won’t be pretty, though. Ole Miss by 14.
(22) Auburn at (11) Oklahoma – It may be accurate to say most folks probably under-rated both of these teams in the summer. That’s exactly why I don’t make predictions. With the Tigers picking up the Sooners’ castoff quarterback and giving him some confidence, folks are finding out they have some pretty deep talent. Same thing at OU, who picked up a transfer and have suddenly found that “Sooner Magic” once again … or so they think. Sooners by 6.
North Illinois at Mississippi State – Good Grief 2. The Bulldogs’ faithful are jumping up and down happy because Dawgs coach Jeff Lebby has one more win that he had all last year. He also has a team that looks faster and better than last year, too and that probably means more. State by 18.
South Carolina at (23) Missouri – The Gamecocks are over-rated and Virginia Tech has already jettisoned their coach and Shane Beamer is the top name on their list. South Carolina folks may not discourage him much. Meanwhile, Eli Drinkwitz has quietly put together a very good team that can run the ball (Hog fans should note that for the end of the season). Mizzou by 6.
Georgia State at (20) Vanderbilt – Good Grief 3. It’s still hard to get used to doing a good grief thing on a Commodores game where they aren’t the reason it falls into that category. Don’t be surprised to see that very thing, though. ‘Dores by 22.
SLU at (3) LSU – Good Grief 4. It’s one of those directional schools in Louisiana they have for every possible one. The score on this one will be whatever Brian Kelly wants to hang up, but hopefully he won’t have to apologize who asked him a question this week that sets him off on a tirade. That was as humorous as it was confusing. It didn’t appear that bad. Tigers by 45
Sam Houston at (8) Texas – Good Grief 5. If Arch Manning just needed some experience, he’s getting plenty of that. He’ll probably end up being fine but folks were expecting him to talk on water that’s not covering the stadium. The progression will be slow, but it will probably be there. Manning may not be the only issue with this team. Texas by 25.
PETE’S PICKS: Overcoming ‘writer’s block’ to take some wild chances
Most of you have heard Marc Cohn’s 1991 hit song at some point. It starts out, “Put on my blue suede shoes, and I boarded the plane.”
Cohn then proceeds to sing about his lone journey walking through Memphis to overcome his writer’s block. Trust me, Marc,
I have been there. What’s my point? I also have writer’s block.
Regardless of my personal woes, Arkansas travels to Memphis for this Saturday’s game, still reeling from a loss at Ole Miss. The Tigers are 3-0, and they are banking on momentum carrying them through a victory over an SEC team.
Andy Hodges wrote a fantastic piece breaking down the game. If you have not read it, check it out.
On paper, this is an interesting contest by the team statistics. Arkansas averages almost 200-yards more per game on offense, while Memphis’s defense holds its opponents to almost 100-yards less than the Razorbacks. Let’s call it for what it is, and that is both teams have had somewhat soft schedules to begin 2025.
The Tigers have basically run 10 feet off of Beale over three cupcakes. Arkansas has had two cakewalks and one game against a ranked opponent.
So, a quick take: I think the Hogs are the far better team and program. I think we have been tested more than Memphis. I believe we have the more supreme coaching staff. I also feel we are far more talented, and that will be what separates us on the scoreboard.
But do I really feel the way I feel? Yes.
Chuck Barrett needs to have job duties reconsidered if at least once he does not scream “Touchdown in the land of the Delta Blues”. He should have plenty of opportunities as the Hogs will fare better in this game than many are expecting.
Arkansas 41, Memphis 24
Be certain to listen to the game Saturday at 11:00 A.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.
Random Thoughts
Lane Kiffin is an absolute troll, even on the sidelines, yet part of me likes him. A piece of me also enjoys watching Angel Reese miss layups, so I do have a bit of an evil streak.
TRIVIA QUESTION: Memphis leads the series with a 3-2 advantage. All five games were played in the 1990s. This game will be played in Memphis as it has been three times prior. In what obvious location has this game never been played?
If you are a high school volleyball coach, and you are getting so worked up in a Junior Varsity game that a fan has to yell at you to calm down and your own fan base is talking about (and apologizing for) how embarrassing you are acting after the contest, you might want to rethink your approach.
I do respect sticking up for your team, but not at the expense of a young lady who had a traumatic childhood and is just trying to obtain some sense of normalcy. No personal offense. I have lost my cool as well at ballgames. I get it.
TRIVIA ANSWER: Never has the game been played in Fayetteville. Memphis and Arkansas alternated the series between Memphis and Little Rock. Speaking of song lyrics…
Serious question: Would you walk alone in the streets of Memphis? Into even in 1991.
SEC Picks for Week 4
Andy says he has to list his picks in the same order as I do mine to make it easier for me to find my losses. I’ll do him a favor and even tell him which winners to pick to make it easier on him. After all, it is not as much fun as you might think being the rookie showing the ol’ pro how to predict ball games week after week after week after week.
Season after season after … Well, after this week, Andy will be as blue as a boy can be.
Arkansas at Memphis – The Tigers do not have a prayer in Memphis. Hogs by 28.
UAB at (15) Tennessee – The Vols hung with Georgia last week. So close, in fact, the Bulldogs needed overtime to get the win. The Blazers have historically been a pretty good team by picking up the scraps from Alabama and Auburn (also some who need their grades improved). That has changed since hiring Trent Dilfer as their head coach three years ago. Tennessee is just too strong to be upset by and AAC school. Volunteers by 31.
Tulane at (13) Ole Miss – Even with a backup quarterback, the Rebels are pretty decent. Their defense is a little shaky, but their offense overcomes it in a shootout. Tulane is no slouch this year. In fact, although I cannot remember where I heard it, there is speculation by Lane Kiffin that Green Wave head coach Jon Sumrall will be an SEC head coach very soon. If that is the case, Kiffin’s Rebels had better ensure there is no upset in Oxford this season. It will be close until midway through the third quarter. Ole Miss by 24.
PETE’S SEC GAME OF THE WEEK
(22) Auburn at (11) Oklahoma – Auburn quarterback (and Oklahoma transfer) Jackson Arnold makes his return to Norman to face his former teammates in the SEC clash. This is the only match-up between two ranked teams this week, so, naturally, it’s an easy choice for my Game of the Week.
I am still not sold on Auburn. I think they have benefited from a very soft schedule. I do not feel they should be ranked, but then again, I am uncertain as to which teams I would rank ahead of them. Nothing about them impresses me, honestly.
I must admit, I came into the season thinking OU was over ranked like they most often are. But their win over Michigan was enough to sway me in believing they do deserve a Top 25 spot at the least. Being at No. 11 may be a bit high, but time will tell.
The Sooners’ defense allows very few points, and Auburn’s offense not only does not have the strength, but it also does not match up well with OU. Add to it, the game is in Norman. Sooners by 10.
NIU at Mississippi State – Hey, the Bulldogs are not an automatic ‘W’ this year, especially for the Northern Illinois Huskies. MSU will not get ranked after this win, but they will have a blowout so the crowd can get blitzed a little earlier than normal, but this time celebrating a win instead of drowning their sorrows. State by 36.
South Carolina at (23) Missouri – Well, Shane Beamer, you have done it again. You have given the Gamecock faithful something to hope for early in a season only to have it ripped out from underneath them like a Gus Malzahn contract. Speaking of contracts, you had better start putting some “dubyas” together if you want a good dollar figure on that VA Tech contract. The Tigers do not care about your feelings, though. They have you at their place, and they now have the playoffs in their sites. Mizzou by 10.
Georgia State at (20) Vanderbilt – No, that is not a typo, the Commodores have leapt into the poll at No. 20. Head coach Clark Lea has Vandy looking pretty solid this year. They have had good early weeks in recent seasons, but this one seems different. Two decisive road wins against historically competitive schools in Virginia Tech and South Carolina have made this Vanderbilt team seem more formidable in 2025. They should have no trouble against the Panthers at home. ‘Dores by 37.
“Good Grief Game”
SLU at (3) LSU – Dang, how many football playing colleges do they have in Louisianna? Tigers by 41… at the half.
Sam Houston at (8) Texas – Same question. Different state. The Longhorns must win this one by at least 40 to avoid dropping in the rankings. Texas by 52.
I know many come on here and read sports as an escape from politics, society, and even religion, but I want to thank all of you for reaching out in regards to the passing of our beloved Annie. I also would like to extend prayers to the Besier Family for the loss of their beloved infant Adalynn Marie this past week. Our hearts ache for you.
I will neither fly nor walk to Memphis this weekend. For one, it is too close of a drive for a first-class ticket. For another, I will watch with my nail gun in one hand and a Mountain Dew in the other. We are beginning renovations on the house, and my timeline has grown short, mostly because I cannot stop watching sports, but who can blame me? I will be sure to enjoy the game via an outlet from right here on HitThatLine.com.
Go HOGS!!!
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 9-19-25
Tye is live on the ground in Memphis, he reports on BBQ Spaghetti. Previewing Arkansas vs Memphis. Biscuits and Gravy Wrasslin’ report.
Guests: The Fence Man
