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How high did Hogs jump? Sunday’s polls make Aggies’ game a big one
Arkansas has equaled last year’s three wins to start this season and now the biggest game in years sets up this Saturday at AT&T Stadium.
The Razorbacks jumped to No. 16 in the Associated Press poll released Sunday and No. 18 in the USA TODAY Coaches’ poll.
The Texas Aggies are 7th in the AP, 5th with the coaches.
A&M has the better players, if you go by recruiting rankings, but Hogs coach Sam Pittman said after a 45-10 win over Georgia Southern on Saturday that’s not what he really thinks about.
“We don’t have to have the best players,” he said. “We just have to have the best team.”
Saturday will be the first time the Hogs have had a Top 25 matchup since 2016 when they played four games.
Move that to the side, though. It didn’t work out particularly well for Arkansas, losing all four matchups by a combined score of 67-188 (Texas A&M, Auburn, Alabama and LSU).
The Hogs are one of seven SEC teams ranked in the Top 25 right now and have five of them on the schedule, starting with the Aggies this week.
For the next month, every Razorback opponent will offer an opportunity to climb heights in the polls nobody gave them a chance to reach in the preseason.
All but Auburn (23) are ranked ahead of the Hogs in the polls.
Arkansas has not cracked the Top 15 in any of the polls since 2012, where they started high and slid out of the rankings completely in the one forgettable year of the John L. Smith circus act.
Kickoff Saturday is at 2:30 p.m. and it will be on CBS.
Huddle Up Episode 4: Hudson Clark joins us!
Tye & John David on the 45-10 win, looking ahead to A&M plus Hudson Clark in studio!
HOG REACTION: Arkansas beats Georgia Southern 45-10
Derek and Drew react to the win and take your calls!
Pittman after Hogs’ dominate Georgia Southern on Saturday evening
Arkansas coach Sam Pittman didn’t have many negative things after rolling over Eagles; Texas A&M next week.
Burks on big touchdown run; Jefferson’s big day throwing in 45-10 win
Treylon Burks and KJ Jefferson after the win over the Eagles on the Razorbacks’ dominating offensive output.
Williams, Catalon on defense’s play shutting down Georgia Southern
Arkansas’ defense pitched a shutout in the second half against the Eagles behind Tre Williams, Jalen Catalon.
GAMEDAY LIVE: Keep up with Hogs-Georgia Southern updatess
4Q 8:22: Malik Hornsby shows his speed on a simple 6-yard scoring run around the right side where he broke containment and turned on the jets to run between defenders and this game is officially over … but the score may not be final yet. Hogs 45, GSU 10
3Q 11:18: Hogs breaking game open as Treylon Burks takes a pass from KJ Jefferson for 91 yards down the left sideline, which is the second longest pass receptions in school history. It’s getting close to finish up time. Hogs 38, GSU 10
3Q 13:26: Arkansas opens the second half getting on the board in the first 1:27 with a four-play, 80-yard drive. The touchdown came on a 60-yard scoring pass from KJ Jefferson Warren Thompson, who created space behind the Georgia Southern defender without drawing a flat. Hogs 31, GSU 10
2Q 0:00: Alex Raynor kicks a 32-yard field just before halftime after Georgia Southern drives 60 yards in 12 plays make it a two-score game at the break. Hogs 24, GSU 10
2Q 2:23: The Hogs’ offense starts clicking including a 44-yard pass to De’Vion Warren and a 12-yarder to Treylon Burks. They squandered a touchdown pass to Ketron Jackson when Beaux Limmer was flagged for being too far downfield, then settled for a 25-yard field goal by Cam Little. Hogs 24, GSU 7
2Q 7:22: The Eagles finally get some offense when quarterback Justin Tomlin found a crease in the Hogs’ defense on an option and raced untouched 76 yards for a score. Hogs 21, GSU 7
2Q 8:42: Georgia Southern backed the Hogs to their own 1-yard line with a punt, but it wasn’t a problem. KJ Jefferson directed a 99-yard scoring drive that took 1:56 and just seven plays with a 14-yard pass to Tyson Morris. Hogs 21, GSU 0
1Q 3:31: Arkansas takes advantage of a Georgia Southern mistake on a punt to retain position, then take 6:30 off the clock and drive 94 yards in 15 plays with Dominique Johnson getting the final 11. Hogs 14, GSU 0
1Q 12:07: After holding Georgia Southern to 1 yard after the opening kickoff, quarterback KJ Jefferson found Tyson Morris running wide open on a deep slant and hit him for a 47-yard game. Three straight running plays by Trelon Smith (the final 13 for the score) put the ball into the end zone. Hogs 7, GSU 0
Avoiding a letdown is the main goal for Arkansas today against Georgia Southern as a slow-arriving crowd begins to filter into Razorback Stadium that doesn’t have the same electricity as last week’s game against Texas.
That’s not surprising and was expected.
Look for the Eagles to stack the box against the Hogs and make quarterback KJ Jefferson have to pass to take control of the game. They know they can’t stop him running.
But don’t be surprised to see him break some runs, which happens when the defensive front can’t get the pressure they want and the well-laid plan goes sideways when the ball is snapped.
Game: No. 20 Arkansas (2-0) hosts Georgia Southern (1-1) at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville
Betting line: Arkansas is favored by 23 points. Money line an hour from kickoff is Hogs -2,400, the over-under is 52.5 and ESPN’s Power Index gives the Hogs a 98.5% chance of winning the game.
Weather: A bright, sunny day in Fayetteville with temperatures in the high 80’s and just a few lazy clouds floating around.
PETE’S PICKS: Good luck figuring out how he thinks Hogs win big
(Editor’s Note: We are not responsible for errors on minor typos in this or logic explanations. We haven’t figured it out, either)
Have you ever had writer’s block or even wondered the rationale behind its root cause?
Perhaps induced from pounding on the keypad about a spectacular occurence one day and then being required to put a bevy of thought into something far less engaging the next?
Perchance, in this case, the excitement and build-up of Arkansas hosting and upsetting a ranked Texas Longhorns team drained every last piece of usable vernacular in my brain. [Insert your best witty retort here.]
Chasing a discussion about the Texas versus Arkansas game with prose entailing our next opponent, Georgia Southern, seems like it should not be a daunting task.
Unfortunately, my thought processes are treating it like playing the Longhorns was similar to having the server at your favorite fine restaurant explain how the chef painstakingly prepares the duck à l’orange and closes the descriptive steps with an al bacio.
By comparison, facing the GSU Eagles this weekend equates to the young person taking your order at your favorite fast food restaurant explaining how Zachariah “is as cute as Denzel but still salts the fries better than Old McDonald himself” before wiping a speck of drool off their chin.
Enough of this hunger-inducing diatribe, and onward with a shortened assessment of this Saturday’s contest in Fayetteville.
Why Arkansas will win:
Confidence. The Razorbacks have blown the stigma of losing wide open. Can we keep that motivation going? Absolutely.
The running game. If you think Texas had a hard time stopping our offensive line, and thus our backfield, just wait until you see how Georgia Southern fairs against our rushing attack.
Defense. This seems like a reoccurring theme from week to week dating back to last season; however, enough cannot be said about how greatly Barry Odom has turned around (through work ethic and scheme) the defense following the regime change subsequent to the dismissal of Chad Morris and … well, whichever terminology you want to use in reference to Morris’s strategy.
Why Georgia Southern will win:
Chad Lunsford. The head coach for the Eagles is a proven winner. He has led them to three straight bowl games coming into 2021. Two of those appearances ended in victory.
The running game. Yes, just as I mentioned it being a key for Arkansas, GSU we’ll have to rely upon their powerful rushing attack. How well their offensive line squares up against our defense at the line of scrimmage will be critical.
Play big and pull off the upset. GSU does have a history of playing strong against good competition. No doubt they will be amped up to come into Fayetteville hopeful to fulfill the roll of the victorious underdog against a No. 20 ranked team in Arkansas.
Final Thoughts:
As mentioned, Arkansas is ranked in the Top 25 at No. 20 in the most major polls. Is anyone surprised it happened this early? Too soon perhaps?
The Eagles used to be a tough match-up for a lot of major Division 1 teams. Let’s hope it’s not a trap game for Arkansas as we have Texas A&M on the horizon.
My COVID diet has basically equated to my supersizing everything I order from Zachariah and the red, white, and yellow clown. Long live Bulkamania, Ronald.
I may end up regretting this: I feel like the Eagles will be no match for the Razorbacks on Saturday. There, despite trying to piece something unbiased together, I said it. This must be what Nick Saban felt like on Mercer week.
That last point said, I also once stated no singular athlete could ruin an entire football program. Unfortunately, I never considered the possibility of said hypothetical athlete being a volleyball player on the back of a motorcycle.
Arkansas, 44 – 10.
Be certain to listen to the game Saturday at 3 p.m. via HitThatLine.com and on the air at ESPN Arkansas 99.5 and 95.3 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
I have not disclosed this to Andy Hodges yet, but I am only going to check the tally every four weeks. I would tell you why, but in the twisted mind that is AH, he might find a way to use it against me.
By the way, did anyone not pick up on his prediction last week and how it relates to the Razorbacks’ history versus Texas?
Well played old timer.
(Editor’s Note: Andy Hodges checks the tally every week so the author will know … one way or the other.)
New Mexico at (7) Texas A&M: Even with their start quarterback Haynes King out until at least October, the Aggies will make short work of the Lobos… maybe. One thought in my mind is it will not be stiff competition for redshirt sophomore Zach Calzada, therefore he will not be as prepped for the Hogs the following weekend. A&M by 17.
Chattanooga at Kentucky: Pardon me, Cats…. but you should have made this homecoming. Yes, yes. Kentucky by 34.
Southeast Missouri State at Missouri: I bet the Tigers are glad to see one of their little brothers coming over for some backyard ball this week. Tigers by 28.
Tennessee Tech at Tennessee: Only the Vols can possibly screw this up. They will not, but I am not putting a dollar on this game. Rocky Top by 35.
(1) Alabama at (11) Florida – GAME OF THE WEEK: I wish I could remember which one of the talk show talents on our local ESPN radio affiliate made the comment so I could give him full props as I follow suit. “I am not picking against Alabama until someone beats Alabama.” Tide by 24.
Georgia Southern at Arkansas: The Razorbacks have more talent, more confidence, and are better coached. Hogs by 34.
Mississippi State at Memphis: Could this be an “upset” by the Tigers as some are predicting? Leach does not seem to have the Bulldogs playing their best ball. It is a tough choice (or perhaps I am overthinking). MSU by 7.
South Carolina at (2) Georgia: For the sake of not irritating my family in the Gamecock State [That is an acceptable nickname, correct?], I will keep this simple. Bulldogs by 29.
Central Michigan at LSU: Ah, good for you, Tigers. Good for you! No other comment is necessary. Enigmas are fun. Tigers by 30.
Tulane at (17) Ole Miss: UPSET (POSSIBILITY) ALERT: I am not saying it will happen, but I do not believe any of us will be surprised if it does. The Green Wave played Oklahoma close and made the Morgan State coaching staff inquire about early retirement. Ole Miss finds a way to walk through the Grove alive. Rebels by 3.
Stanford at Vanderbilt: What time does this game start? 8:00 PM Central? It might as well be 10:30 PM, because not many non-tree fans will be watching. Cardinal by 20.
That’s it! Have a safe and fun weekend everyone!
Let’s hope for the sake of Arkansas being Arkansas they do find the fact their opponent this weekend is Georgia Southern to be at least mildly engaging; otherwise, it will be the dollar menu for all Razorbacks fans again.
Find me on ‘Twitter’: @PeterMorganWPS
Go HOGS!!!
ANDY’S PICKS: Georgia Southern easy win, unless it’s a trap
The trap game many have been pointing towards is here with Georgia Southern in town.
A lot of Arkansas fans haven’t noticed. They still have hangovers from the 40-21 win over Texas last Saturday.
With the Eagles missing one of their top defensive backs, you can pretty much bet they are going to put everybody short of a couple of analysts in the box to slow down the Razorbacks’ ground game.
It’s their only option, really. It was Bear Bryant back in the 1960’s that said when you have an out-manned defense you make the other team pass because they could drop it, throw it to your team or somebody shoot the quarterback from the stands.
The Hogs are going to have to pass. If they can hit those plays it should be an easy win. Look like the Longhorns’ passing game with drops and wide open receivers completely missed it could get interesting.
A lot of fans think the Hogs’ stumbling start against Rice was due to first-game jitters. Whatever it was didn’t look good in a variety of areas.
Repeating that against Georgia Southern could make the game interesting. If this game is within 30 points at halftime, Hog fans may need to take notice.
It probably won’t be.
Hogs (-26.5) 56, Georgia Southern 6
Pete and I are tied after the second week of the season which is primarily so I have some entertainment close by until I get bored. We are both 24-4 with some unexplainable losses neither of us expected and I sorta threw one last week to help the Hogs beat Texas.
Week 3 of the college football season may provide a little more clarity to handicapping the rest of the season. The first two weeks of the season always lie to us. Nothing is as good or as bad as it seems.
The only time to worry is if you’re one of the only six teams to be in contention for four playoff spots in November. A September loss can de-rail that at the end.
Clemson is the only team in that group with a loss and it’s a good one, falling to a pretty good Georgia team that is one of the other six teams. It won’t hurt the Tigers if they run the table the rest of the way.
New Mexico at Texas A&M: Either the Aggies aren’t as good as we thought or they just didn’t have a whole lot of interest in the game. The major storyline out of the game was they lost their quarterback with a broken leg. Hog fans have hope … at least until they see what this new guy is. No problem this week. Texas A&M 52, New Mexico 10
Chattanooga at Kentucky: The only way this can be interesting is if it’s still close in the second quarter. Kentucky 63, Chattanooga 7
Southeast Missouri State at Missouri: Now if this was Missouri State and Bobby Petrino going to Columbia, things might be a little more interesting. But it’s not. The Tigers get an easy win. Missouri 42, Southeast Missouri State 6
Tennessee Tech at Tennessee: Okay, the Vols screwed up last week’s prediction but they shouldn’t have any problems this week. If it’s close, Josh Heupel is going to have a problem. Tennessee 63, Tennessee Tech 14
Alabama (-14.5) at Florida: Every year Alabama seems to lose one game, but I don’t pick against Nick Saban … ever. This week is no different, but I will say the Gators making this game much closer than anyone thinks would not be completely shocking. Dan Mullen hasn’t beaten Saban, even when he had a team (2014) and quarterback (Dak Prescott) that should have won the game. The Crimson Tide’s defense this year may be as good as anything Saban has had. Alabama 35, Florida 10
Mississippi State (-3.5) at Memphis: Mike Leach’s Air Raid is sorta stalling on the runway in Starkville. Going on the road to the Liberty Bowl should be an easy win, but the Tigers have somehow managed to keep the games against the Mississippi schools close for over four decades. This one might not be any different. Mississippi State 35, Memphis 31
South Carolina at Georgia (-31.5): The Bulldogs will win this game by whatever score Kirby Smart wants, but I don’t think he’s going to risk any injuries after he gets things comfortable. The Gamecocks aren’t ready to do much about it, either. Georgia 48, South Carolina 6
Auburn at Penn State (-5): We find out if Bryan Harsin has things at a big-time level or not quickly when they go to another one of those white-out things they do in Happy Valley. It’s a night game, the fans are crazy and an SEC team is coming to town. James Franklin will want to make a statement with the Nittany Lions. Penn State 31, Auburn 21
Central Michigan at LSU (-19.5): Everybody, including some folks in Baton Rouge, are kinda wary about the Tigers after they couldn’t handle UCLA to open the season in Los Angeles. Talent will take care of this one, though. LSU 38, Central Michigan 9
Tulane at Ole Miss (-14): The Rebels are either off the grid or aware a lot of people view this as a complete trap game against a Green Wave team many expect to put up a good fight. The guess here is Lane Kiffin is going to have the Rebels fired up about this. Ole Miss 42, Tulane 21
Stanford (-12.5) at Vanderbilt: This game was probably scheduled when the Commodores’ previous coach was there. The Cardinal go to Nashville against a Vandy team that faceplanted in the opening week of the season, then got things together last week for a win. But Stanford is probably too big of a hurdle. Stanford 34, Vanderbilt 21
Fantasy Football Sunday: Bob Harris of Football Diehards
Tye and Evan on the Thursday Night Football matchup, not overreacting to Week 1, Bob Harris joins and more!
