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The Gimme the HAWGS Chuck Podcast E8: Arkansas wins 38-27
Chuck recaps the Razorbacks’ win over Missouri State!
Presented by Weichert Realtors – The Griffin Company
Where Razorbacks rank in latest AP, coaches’ polls
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The SEC stays the big dog on college football for another week.
With the latest polls released Sunday, the SEC has 40% of the teams in the Top 10 with the Razorbacks staying where they were last week.
This week’s opponent, Texas A&M, is No. 23 in the media poll and 20th in the coaches’ poll. The Hogs moved into the coaches’ Top 10 this week after ranking 11th.
In the Associated Press Poll, the SEC has four teams in the first 10 and eight in the Top 25.. Georgia (1), Alabama (2), Kentucky (8), Tennessee (11), Ole Miss (16), Florida (20) and Texas A&M (23) are the other SEC schools.
Brigham Young, an October opponent for the Hogs, is No. 19.
In last week’s USA Today Coaches Poll the Hogs were No. 11, but they moved to No. 10 following a 38-27 win over Missouri State.
Georgia and Alabama swapped places with the Bulldogs now No. 1 and the Tide at 2. Kentucky is No. 9.
Tennessee is at No. 12, Ole Miss (13), Texas A&M (20) and Florida (22). Despite a loss to Oregon, Brigham Young stayed in the poll at No. 23. They were No. 14 last week. Click here for the Top 25 in the Coaches Poll.
Hogs’ coach Sam Pittman on closer-than-expected win over Missouri State
Pittman says later former Hogs coach Bobby Petrino “prepared his team better,” but felt fortunate to come away with win.
Hogs’ offensive players after overcoming slow start against Missouri State
Razorbacks’ punt returner Bryce Stephens, quarterback KJ Jefferson and running back Dominique Johnson recapping 38-27 win.
Hogs’ defensive players after pulling out win over Missouri State
Razorbacks defensive lineman Jordan Domineck, linebacker Drew Sanders and defensive back Simeon Blair recapping 38-27 win.
LIVE BLOG: Hogs have to fight for 38-27 win over Bears
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Bobby Petrino is back on the field at Razorback Stadium for the first time in over a decade.
The reaction wasn’t particularly noticeable in pregame warmups with both teams on the field as he and Arkansas coach Sam Pittman met on the 45-yard line and chatted for a few minutes.
It is 90 degrees just a half-hour before kickoff as the Razorbacks host Missouri State, starting just after 6 p.m.
The will be broadcast on ESPN+ and SECN+. You can here the game here and on ESPN Arkansas radio stations 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
Follow along as we will have the key points during the game.
First Quarter
1Q 2:47: Missouri State is out-playing Arkansas, who is making mistakes with costly holding penalties and a fumble that killed a drive. The Bears drove 64 yards in 12 plays with running back Jarcardia Wright getting the final yard around right end for an early lead. Missouri State 7, Hogs 0
After Raheim “Rocket” Sanders fumbled going into the end zone, Missouri State ends the opening period driving and facing a key third-and-5 on their own 25-yard line.
The Bears are out-playing the Hogs, who keep shooting themselves in the foot and quarterbck Jason Shelley is showing he’s the real deal and playing like a typical Petrino quarterback, running just enough and hitting key passes.
Second Quarter
2Q 13:29: A 45-yard pass from quarterback Jason Shelley to wide receiver Naveon Mitchell set up the Bears who ended up settling for a 28-yard field goal by Jose Pizano. Missouri State 10, Hogs 0
2Q 10:36: The Razorbacks can’t get a handle on Shelley, who twisted Bumper Pool into knots in high school and did it again on a 24-yard touchdown scamper where he left the Hogs’ linebacker clutching air. Arkansas did get down to Rice in last year’s opening game by 17-0, which is the same position they are now. Missouri State 17, Hogs 0
2Q 8:25: After some straight talk from Pittman between possessions, the offense looked different. They drove 75 yards starting with a 20-yard pass from KJ Jefferson to Matt Landers, then Raheim Sanders ripped off 55 yards on 5 carries, getting the final three on the left side. The offensive line looked to be in a different gear that drive. Missouri State 17, Hogs 7
2Q 1:04: The Hogs keep things in high gear stopping Missouri State and needing just two plays for Kefferson to connect with wide receiver Jadon Haselwood for a 38-yard scoring strike and making this tight at halftime. Missouri State 17, Hogs 14
Third Quarter
3Q 4:28: Hogs can’t get into end zone, but tie the game on a 27-yard field goal by Cam Little. Hogs 17, Missouri State 17
4Q 3:28: Missouri State didn’t take long to answer and on a fourth-and-inches Petrino pulled one out of the archives similar to the throw-and-catch against LSU in 2010 with the Hogs as Shelley found a wide open Ty Scott for a 47-yard touchdown. Missouri State 24, Hogs 17
The third quarter ends with the Bears driving into Razorback territory as their offense continues to eat up chunks of yardage.
Fourth Quarter
4Q 12:04: Bears drive into Razorback territory before the defense stiffens and they have to settle for a 31-yard field goal from Pizano.
4Q 11:38: Jefferson under-hands a shovel pass to Sanders, who breaks through a hole in the middle and rips off a 73-yard scoring play that will go down as a passing play but is more of a running play. Never mind that because it got the Hogs close again. Missouri State 27, Hogs 24
4Q 9:16: After the defense shut down Shelley and the Missouri State offense, Bryce Stephens, who had been getting close to breaking a big return all night finally got one. He brought a booming 57-yard punt back 82 yards to finally give the Hogs a lead. Hogs 31, Missouri State 27
ANDY’S PICKS: A game that might not make folks happy
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas will beat former coach Bobby Petrino’s team Saturday.
The Bears just don’t have enough players to hang in with the Razorbacks for four quarters and come out on top. Sorry, but that’s playing the normal path.
The guess is this game is not going to make the coaches, players or fans happy with how it looks because all too often the speed and depth of the SEC causes some of these top teams to relax and not adapt to a slower team.
No matter how hard coaches try to instill respect, the players know exactly who they are playing. They get a littel over-confident and the result is you have a game that gets a little entertaining much later than anybody originally expected.
We could go into a million different analyses of this matchup, but the bottom line is Missouri State can’t win unless the Hogs help them. That could be in the form of penalties, turnovers or lack of interest.
All of that is why this game may be a little higher-scoring that some will like but you can expect the Bears to try and take advantage of the game of musical chairs going on in the Hogs’ secondary.
All of that makes this one much closer than anyone really wants.
Hogs 48, Missouri State 41
SEC Picks for Week 3
These early-season picks let folks like Pete Morgan pile up some wins that occasionally over-inflate their records, pull a rabbit out of the hat and some team falls apart, then you have a mess of upsets and everything blows up. Like last season.
But not right now.
(1) Georgia (-25) at South Carolin: If the Gamecocks had consistent problems with Arkansas’ pass rush, what’s going to happen against the best team in college football? Bulldogs 42, Gamecocks 14.
Youngstown State at (9) Kentucky (NL): This one won’t really be close. Kentucky went to the Swamp last week and came away with a win over a Florida team that just might have been a little cocky. Wildcats 41, Youngstown State 7.
Abilene Christian at Missouri (NL): Another one that probably won’t be close and Missouri should get at least one win as Eli Drinkwitz is struggling to get some wins or he’s going to be on the hot seat in Columbia. Tigers 31, Abilene Christian 6.
(20) Ole Miss (-17) at Georgia Tech: There might be just a few too many points being laid by some in this spread, but we’ll know a little more about Ole Miss’ quarterback situation this weekend. Ole Miss 34, Georgia Tech 21.
(22) Penn State (-2.5) at Auburn: This may be a strong nail in Bryan Harsin’s tenure, the Tigers have to come away with a win … any win. But the problems at quarterback might just be too much to overcome. Nittany Lions 28, Auburn 24.
Vanderbilt at Northern Illinois (-2.5): The Commodores go on the road into one of the toughest places on the road in college football that nobody really knows about. Northern Illinois 24, Vanderbilt 21.
Louisiana-Monroe at (2) Alabama (-49.5): This game was the worst in Nick Saban’s first year back in 2007 and you can bet he hasn’t forgotten, plus a win over Texas last week everybody thinks has the Crimson Tide coming back to the field. I’m just laughing because we’ve seen this movie before. Crimson Tide 56, Warhawks 6.
Mississippi State (-3) at LSU: If LSU doesn’t win this game, we’ll know the Tigers are the program that is on the downhil slide much more than Alabama. Mississippi State historically has blown this game when they should win easily, but maybe not this year. Bulldogs 28, LSU 27.
Akron at (15) Tennessee (-47.5): Expect to hear Rocky Top a lot in this one and it won’t be close. Vols 63, Arkron 13.
South Florida @ Florida (-24): After tripping and falling flat on their face against Kentucky last week, Billy Napier got the Gators’ attention in a quality loss. That probably won’t happen this week. Gators 35, South Florida 10.
(13) Miami at (24) Texas A&M (-6.5): If the Aggies can’t get a win here, the big matchup with Arkansas next Saturday at AT&T Stadium sort of loses a lot of the buildup people were trying to get for it. Next week won’t be the Top 10 matchup a lot of folks hoped for, but it may be shaping up as a landmine for the Hogs. Hurricanes 24, Aggies 21.
PETE’S PICKS: Lots of drama, but Bobby Petrino doesn’t play players
“Hey, what are we doing this weekend?”
“We are having a get-together on Saturday. Remember, that one guy is coming?”
“Who?”
“You know, the who came down from Atlanta about ten years ago.”
“What? I do not recall.”
“You know, the one with the motorcycle.”
“It’s not ringing a bell.”
“Yes, how could you forget? The guy who crashed and ruined the party.”
And that is all I have to say about that.
Arkansas welcomes the FCS No. 5-ranked Missouri State Bears to Fayetteville on Saturday, and while some may see this as an easy win against a lower division opponent, we must not forget they are a powerhouse in their respectable FCS endeavors.
Their head coach is known for developing great quarterbacks and throwing for big numbers offensively, and, unfortunately, Arkansas’s defensive secondary is not at the top of its game right now. So, oddly enough, if we have a glaring weakness there, it could very easily be the Bears who expose it to the fullest.
Arkansas defensive coordinator Barry Odom might have a word to say though. Despite injuries in his secondary, he has had a couple of weeks of games to provide development through gametime experience, study, and scheming in preparation for Missouri State.
On the offensive side of the ball, KJ Jefferson and the mixture of power and speed we have in the backfield should be able to easily move the sticks all game long into what will be a cool Arkansas evening.
The wide receivers could also be set up for a big game should Arkansas Offensive Coordinator Kendall Briles decide to air it out, perhaps even to show those curious along the other sideline of the field they are not the only ones who can drop bombs and put up big yardage.
Arkansas, 45-17.
Random Thoughts
Razorback coach Sam Pittman is a genuine guy, and I honestly feel his remarks on the game are his true thoughts, yet one can also imagine he will not be meeting anyone from the Bears’ sideline for “some old cold beer”.
If Arkansas can, they really need to run up the score early here. Whether or not we put stock in the polls, it is something for which we place a lot of pride when we are ranked, and being in the Top Ten is making us beam across the Razorback State right now.
A few weeks ago we asked the student section to prepare and to step up their game this week. The eyes of Generation X are upon you, and we are still expecting big things from you, Gen Z.
TRIVIA QUESTION: What do you get when you cross a state policeman, a volleyball player, and a motorcycle?
I wonder if there are any open positions within the Arkansas Athletic Program?
The game has been a sell-out for a while. I cannot fathom as to why.
We cannot take this Missouri State team lightly. Texas A&M took Appalachia State lightly, and we all see how that worked out.
Speaking of Texas A&M, did you happen to see their “yell practice” leading up to the game against the Mountaineers? Rumor has it the Aggie admins have tried to get the video banned, yet it is too widespread at this point. In other words, do not take the risk of missing out by downloading your copy today.
TRIVIA ANSWER: You get the “Hammer Down”.
I often wonder what happened to the bike.
Be certain to listen to the game Saturday at 6 p.m. here at 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 3
Week 3 has the promise of a handful of good games which will make this week’s picks more interesting. There are also going to be a few cakewalks for our SEC friends. Andy no doubt has his choices in tip-top shape once again. Will I cave under the pressure?
(1) Georgia at South Carolina: This could be a good game giving how it is in Columbia. It could also serve as a measuring stick for how great Arkansas really is this season. Georgia comes in as the new number one and will leave the same. Bulldogs by 19.
Youngstown St at (9) Kentucky: I had to Google if Youngstown was really a state… And if you have no idea what that means you need to step up your enjoyment of the full Aggies experience last week. Wildcats by 30.
Abilene Christian at Missouri: If the Wildcats somehow pull out a victory here, I will finally understand about what George Hamilton the IV was so adamant. Tigers by 32.
(20) Ole Miss at Georgia Tech: Could this possibly shape up to a better game than expected? Maybe. Rebels by 14.
(22) Penn State at Auburn: Do you know what is hotter than an Arkansas summer? Give up? Brian Harsin’s seat after this loss. Nittany Lions by 7.
Vanderbilt at Northern Illinois: I wonder if either set of fans consider this game to be a cupcake win? Vandy is improving. Commodores by 11.
UL Monroe at (2) Alabama: I just had the weirdest thing happen when making these pics… Eh, it is not important, at least when compared to the magnitude of this game. Crimson Tide by 32.
Mississippi State at LSU – GAME OF THE WEEK: Why GOTW honors? Because this one looks to be the best match-up. I know the Hurricanes play the Aggies, but Mississippi State has looked impressive in their two previous wins, and LSU, despite their flub against Florida State, has not looked completely incapable. Not to mention, they will be playing the game in Death Valley as the Sun slowly starts to fade. Bulldogs by 6.
Missouri State at Arkansas: This one may be closer than I originally picked. You may need to “brace” yourself for a good game. Hogs by 28.
Akron at (15) Tennessee: Tennessee’s baseball fans are actually paying attention to football. Suddenly those upward steps out of their Mom’s basements do not seem quite so unmanageable. Vols by 28.
South Florida @ Florida: I bet the Buffalo Boys will be in Gainesville tonight. They will not be at the game, but they will definitely be around campus. Gators by 24.
(13) Miami at (24) Texas A&M: Write this down: LOL. Great game last week, Aggies. You made Chad Morris jump out of his chair and scream, “See, it can happen to anybody, right, Dabo?!!! Right?…” A&M, can you perhaps represent our conference a little better this week? This game is the most intriguing on this weekend’s slate and MIGHT actually affect the national picture. Aggies by 3.
Soller Opposites
Welcome once again to what my mind refers to as “EGAT” (Eric’s Gambling Addiction Therapy). If you are new, this is where we help those of you who seem to be struggling pick a winner actually make the correct decision before placing your bet. I would now state you could also pick the opposite of his advice since he is often mistaken in a majority of his choices (including but not limited to) once asking a potential love interest if she could go for a parlay.
Oregon -3½ vs BYU O-U 58: On paper, this is the most watchable of the games to bet this week, but the half-point hook makes picking the game as treacherous as riding in a side car with Oregon’s motorcycle riding mascot. Oregon laid an egg offensively against Georgia, but Hog fans recognize the anomaly of an early season encounter with the Dawgs.
With a warm and sunny day anticipated in Eugene, I expect a high scoring affair (particularly early) and ending with a late field goal. By which team, I know not. Take over 58 total.
Back to Missouri State at Arkansas; check in during the game for all the highlights and updates from Saturday’s contest.
I often get asked how many games I attend in person. The answer is mixed. I will state this weekend I will not be in attendance; however, I will be enjoying the game like a lot of you: kicked back, relaxed, and with my favorite Mountain Dew.
Find me on ‘Twitter’: @PeterMorganWPS
Go HOGS!!!
The Gimme the HAWGS Chuck Podcast E7: Featuring ESPN.com CFB writer Chris Low
Chuck sits down with ESPN college football writer Chris Low and chat about his latest piece on Bobby Petrino.
Presented by Weichert Realtors – The Griffin Company
WATCH-LISTEN: It’s going to be different for Hogs-Missouri State
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In case you haven’t been paying attention, Bobby Petrino is coming back to town.
Over a decade after coaching Arkansas, he brings his Missouri State team for a night game that will only be available online.
Razorback fans are thinking up all sorts of silly things, which is a great storyline for the talking heads on sports radio for a week.
You can watch on ESPN+ or and fuboTV. If you have a log-in from your television provider you do not have to pay a fee to view the game as it will be available on SECN+.
Listen to the game online at HitThatLine.com or on the radio 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.
There will also be a live blog to follow along during the game with commentary plus analysis after the game here at allHOGS.com.
• No. 10 Arkansas hosts FCS opponent Missouri State, led by former Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino (2008-11), under the lights on Saturday, Sept. 17, inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Kickoff between the Hogs and Bears is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN+ and SEC Network+.
• For the first time in more than a decade, the Hogs will suit up as a top-10 team in Fayetteville. Arkansas last played a game inside Razorback Stadium as a top-10 program in the 2012 season opener against FCS foe Jacksonville State.
• Under coach Sam Pittman, the Razorbacks are a perfect 6-0 against non-conference opponents. With a win against Missouri State, Pittman would become the first Arkansas head coach since Lou Holtz (1977-78) to win his first seven games against non-conference foes.
• Quarterback KJ Jefferson continues to display why he is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. Jefferson has completed 36-of-47 passes (76.6%) for 385 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 129 yards and two scores through the first two games of the season. He ranks third in the SEC and ninth nationally in completion percentage and boasts the league’s third-best passing efficiency (173.5).
• Running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders is the Razorbacks’ leading ball carrier through two games, totalling 273 rushing yards on 44 carries (6.2 avg) with a pair of touchdowns. Sanders, who posted his second consecutive 100-yard rushing effort in the win over South Carolina, leads the SEC and ranks sixth nationally in rushing yards this season. He ranks fourth in the nation in rushing yards per game (136.5).
• Wide receiver Jadon Haselwood paces Arkansas’ receiving corps through the first two games of the season with eight catches for 72 yards (9.0 avg) and a touchdown. Haselwood, a transfer from Oklahoma, caught a team-leading five passes for 30 yards against South Carolina in Saturday’s win to help the Razorbacks start 1-0 in SEC play in back-toback seasons for the first time since 2003-04.
• Linebacker Bumper Pool leads the Hogs in tackles this season with 20 total stops, including 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack. Pool, who was Arkansas’ leading tackler in 2021, has posted two consecutive seasons with 100+ total tackles and boasts the second-most stops (340) among all FBS defenders since 2019. He has racked up 369 tackles in 46 career games, which is good for sixth-most all-time at Arkansas.
GAME INFORMATION
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Missouri State Bears
Current Records: Arkansas (2-0, 1-0 SEC) vs. Missouri State (2-0, 0-0 MVC)
Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m.
Where: Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Ark.
TV/Streaming: ESPN+, SECN+
Radio: Online at HitThatLine.com or on the radio 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.
