The question was asked earlier this week on the social media, “What is your favorite part about being in Razorback Stadium during Arkansas football games?”
And Arkansas fans being who they are via their internet presence responded with enough pessimism that I started reading each reply in Eeyore’s voice.
But who can blame them, right?
Recent history has not been good to Hogs football, or is it Hogs football just has not been worth paying attention to?
Regardless, you’ll have to go back to 2013 to find a truly happy fanbase. And that two-wheeled dream lasted until … well, you know what happened.
We just can’t have nice things.
Here is the good news: We start off 2026 a little bit different than we have the past five years with a new head coach in Ryan Silverfield, a new coaching staff, and a new starting quarterback.
Despite his winning efforts in Memphis, there are still plenty of question marks around Silverfield’s true coaching ability.
Nobody I have spoken to doubts his enthusiasm and ability to get the players on board. In fact, if you read my SEC predictions later, I mentioned the players with whom I have spoken were all very excited to have our new coach at the helm.
What does that mean this weekend?
Well, that remains to be seen. Because as usual, we’re opening up against an FCS team we should destroy by at least six touchdowns.
The potential problem can be summarized in one question that is if the scenario rises, and that is, what if we do not?
So, what if, when the North Alabama Lions try to roar their way into Fayetteville on Saturday and keep us much closer than they should,?
Or what if (the ghost of Frank Broyles forbids) they walk out of Razorback Stadium with a victory over an SEC school?
Let’s not deny the fact that many of us have enough Razorback Red blood coursing through our veins. We often come into a season with a little bit of hope. I know, I know.
As of late, even coming into the first game or two, we have not had such excitement or enthusiasm as a whole.
After last year’s two-win season (which led to the dismissal of Sam Pittman), there are not many, if any, coaches who could turn this program around and make it winning team immediately out of the pig chute.
That said, I think we can use this cupcake opponent to sure up some of our weak spots and maybe get some answers to how this band of Razorbacks will fare.
We already have many questions in our depth chart, which seems to be lacking in some key positions.
And speaking of the depth chart … never mind, I really do not want to get into that as my doctor informed me recently to cut out some of the stress from my life. Not to mention, I am committed to trying to be more positive, unlike the most vocal people on social media.
Let’s just wrap it up here, and I will take a Xanax.
We may have to wait until Week 2 against Utah to see how good this team can possibly be in the early part of the 2026. Maybe more answers and resolution will follow.
Random thoughts
For the first time ever, I was really tempted to see if AI could write this article for me, but I didn’t do that. Because I am lazy, but I still eat my peanut butter and jelly in two separate jars.
Trivia Question: What Arkansas head coach last lost to an FCS team on opening weekend?
Which football television broadcast personalities and will annoy you the most this season?
Voice your opinions all you like on social media. That is your right. It is also my right to think you are a curmudgeon. I am positive about that.
Trivia Answer: Jack Crowe lost to the FCS (then called I-AA) Citadel Bulldogs in Fayetteville, 10-3, to open the 1992 season. He was fired the next day.
If you got the reference to the peanut butter and jelly being in two jars above, did we just become best friends?
Arkansas and North Alabama both had 2-10 records in 2025.
I am standing by my 5 wins and 7 losses prediction on the 2026 season. I know some of you guys have us going to a bowl game, and I hope you’re right.
I also hope I am mistaken. I’ll be optimistic about this: One of us will be correct, and the other will be wrong, and I am okay with being the latter.
Be sure to listen to all the actions here on HitThatLine.com. You can also tune in to all the ESPN Radio stations in your area, including the new 100,000 watts 93.7 out of Fort Smith.
I just want to start out the season by telling my family hello and I love them.
Hopefully you guys can put up with my Razorback, depression if this season goes south in a hurry. Love you all. Thanks for reading everybody
Go HOGS!!!
