(Editor’s Note: Before you even ask after seeing Peter’s predictions, ESPN Arkansas does not do drug testing or sobriety checks before publishing the articles. Remember, Tye Richardson and Derek Ruscin post stuff on here, too.)
Bad first dates, Catholic weddings, and the last week of the Razorbacks Football off-season. What do these three things have in common? They drag on FOREVER.
So, what do we overly opinionated sports guys and gals do to pass the time? We make predictions. Now, do not get me wrong, a lot of the journalistic hierarchy members in the Natural State really pay attention to what is going on as they form their opinions.
They look at stat sheets. They compare position players. They study and understand the philosophies of coaches, not just across the SEC, but for all the Arkansas opponents throughout the season.
It probably goes without saying that many of our state’s elite writers can even analyze not only the aforementioned opposing key position players but those buffet busters in the trenches as well.
This leads me to one final question for you. What has two thumbs and cannot name a single offensive lineman from the Vanderbilt Commodores?
This guy.
Now it is my turn to predict each game for the 2023 Arkansas Razorbacks Football season. Since we now seem to know each other, I am feeling safe in assuming you know I make my predictions based upon my team perception, how they ended last season, and, mostly, my gut.
The very same “gut” which seems to physically swell a little more with knowledge each season. My doctor would like a word.
Two good pieces of information, though. One is I do not pick based upon who has the best mascot like a March Madness rookie. And the second, I am [I repeat “I am”] riddled with bias for the Cardinal and White.
So, well, without too much detail, here we go.
Western Carolina University (WCU) at Arkansas
[War Memorial Stadium – Little Rock]
Arkansas wins this one or we eat Crowe.
[AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas]
Back-to-back seasons against Bobby. Back-to-back wins against Bobby. A&M’s defense will falter.
Arkansas at Ole Miss
Probably the best match-up this season. Sam Pittman gets an SEC road victory.
Arkansas at Alabama
We just seem to struggle against Bama no matter how good we are or how down they are. No exception here, but we do keep it close.
Mississippi State at Arkansas
Back in the win column with a home victory and a 3 – 2 SEC record.
Arkansas at Florida
We do what we do as of late against Florida… we win. Oh, and by “as of late” I mean that one game in 2016.
Auburn at Arkansas
Hugh Freeze is good, but I do not think he can turn the Tigers around in one season. Hogs win at home.
Florida International University (FIU) at Arkansas
We have an easier schedule this season, and our last non-conference game against FIU may help us rest up for rivalry week with an easy win.
Missouri at Arkansas
It feels like we also have a lot of games in Fayetteville this season. We send the home fans down ‘The Hill’ happy at the end of the season despite Missouri’s innate ability to beat us when they should not.
So, after some simple math, that leaves us at 10 – 2 on the season with a respectable 6 – 2 SEC record.
Disclaimer: These picks will be superseded by my weekly picks throughout the season.
Secondary disclaimer: I told you I was biased, but we do have quite a bit of talent on this team, so if a season like this prediction is ever going to happen, it may be very well be in 2023.
Also, I guess it is a good thing we are not playing Vandy. Oh, and no more first dates for me, but weddings and football are unavoidable.
Enjoy the season, be cool to one another, and GO HOGS!!!
Be certain to listen to all the games Saturday 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. You can listen to the games in these markets online at HitThatLine.com
Find me on ‘Twitter’: @PeterMorganWPS
Go HOGS!!!
