By: Tusk to Tail Crew
Predict the Razorbacks season record, including post-season.
Willam Grandview:
It’s Year 6 of the Pittman era at Arkansas. How many of us believed it would last that long when Sam dropped that first YESSSSIRRRRRRR on the Razorback Nation in December of 2019? A lot has happened since then, with Sam -and most of Tusk To Tail- surviving a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, a whole bunch of ol' cold beers, and a lot of close losses. Sam's overall record at the UofA is 30-31, dragged down by a paltry 14-28 in the SEC, and yet his postseason record is spotless at 3-0, leaving just enough of a good taste in our mouths at the end of seasons to be hopeful for another day. It's hard to look at this year's schedule and see more than 6 wins, but God knows that punches our ticket to yet another appearance in a RellaQuest Bowl, or perhaps the Gasparilla Bowl (they're both real, look 'em up) where we'll rise up and beat down the 7th best team the BIG 10 has to offer. Hogs go 7-6.
(All the above is moot if we manage to lose to Arkansas State in Week 2. In that case everyone is fired.)
Todd:
Another season of Razorback football is here, and the question looming over everything: Is this it for Sam Pittman?
Look at the brutal schedule. Listen to the national and SEC media. Scroll through any message board. The consensus is loud — this feels like a make-or-break year. The Razorbacks are full of new faces on both sides of the ball, which might be good or bad depending on how you see last season.
The good news? Taylen Green is back. He’s in his second year under Bobby Petrino, and that familiarity could pay off in a big way. The bad news? The offensive line is still a giant question mark — and that’s been the storyline for too many years now. If they can protect Green, this team could surprise people.
The defensive line? More question marks.
Arkansas has had only three regular seasons with 7 wins since 2012. Based on the schedule, it’s hard to imagine they get a fourth this year. But 6–6 with a trip to the Liberty Bowl? That’s doable — and winnable. Or 6-7.
Dale: With question marks in the secondary. I don’t think we can stop anybody but I think we outscore them. 7 regular season wins. And a win in a mediocre bowl game. 8-5.
Sam: Hogs go 7-5 and get that 8th win in a bowl game.
Week 1 Picks
Arkansas vs. Alabama A&M
William Grandview:
Alabama A&M's offense racked up 443 yards per game last season, good enough for 7th in the FCS. But I think with a huge Week 2 match-up with Alcorn State looming they overlook Arkansas. Hogs 66-17.
Mark:
The Hogs win this glorified scrimmage big in their home opener. Arkansas 60-10.
Dale: If the Hogs don't win by 40, I'll be concerned. With our new D,
I think we might give up 7-10 points but I hope the staff and that side of the ball learn a lot, fast.
Hogs 47-7.
Todd:
You can count on one hand how many times a Razorback season opener in Fayetteville featured 70-degree weather. Saturday is shaping up to be perfect — a gorgeous day for tailgating and football.
Three words: Mike Washington JR. He’s going to turn heads and light up the field. Is he the next Darren McFadden? Time will tell, but the kid is electric. Hogs roll from the start and never look back. 52-3.
Sam:
Hogs start a little slow but quickly get it going and get rolling. With much better talent Hogs win 56-17.
#1 Texas @ #3 Ohio State
William Grandview:
What a match-up to start the college football season! Arch Manning finally gets his shot to lead the Longhorns, they top the rankings to begin the season, and what do they get for their troubles? A road trip to take on the defending national champions. These are obviously going to be two playoff teams, but early games are won by quarterbacks. For me, it's Arch over OSU's first time starter Julian Sayin. I'm Sayin take the points and UT for the win outright. Horns 28 Buckeyes 24.
Todd:
Thank you, Big Ten and ESPN, for giving us the game of the day at 11 a.m., so we can enjoy it during tailgating. (Sound familiar, Hog fans? Looking at you, Notre Dame game.)
Texas dodges a major bullet not playing in Columbus at night. Arch Manning — already labeled the second coming of Tom Brady — tore through ULM, UTSA, and a bad Mississippi State team last season. But now? Welcome to the real test.
Texas replaces four starters on the offensive line, and Ohio State’s secondary is elite. Expect some growing pains for Arch in his first truly hostile environment. Tight one in the fourth, but the Buckeyes pull it out. 27-24.
Dale:
This is going to be one to watch. I feel like Ohio State may have lost more than
they can replace for the first game. The Longhorns are good, lots of talent. I'm going with the Horns. 31-23.
#6 Notre Dame @ Miami
Dale: Miami is on the way back but I think ND is pretty good. They can score so
look for this one to be a shoot out. Irish 33-27.
Mark:
The talk about this game is about the Quarterbacks - who would have ever thought that Carson Beck would leave Georgia for another college team, but here he is - at Miami. While Notre Dame is starting a redshirt freshman in CJ Carr who has never started a college game.
I think Miami will be able to run the ball against the Irish and control the line of scrimmage enough that they will win the game. They aren’t going to dominate Notre Dame even with the home field advantage. Cane’s over the Irish 28-24.
#9 LSU @ #4 Clemson
Sam: Brian Kelly struggles in his LSU opening game and this one will be at Clemson. I think it will be a close game and Clemson wins 31-27.
Todd:
LSU has lost five straight season openers — let that sink in. A sixth might have the Baton Rouge faithful questioning Brian Kelly’s future.
This game could be wild. Clemson is fielding its best team in five years, especially on the offensive line. LSU counters with a nasty secondary and a proven QB in Garrett Nussmeier, who should eclipse 300 yards.
But in the end? Clemson is at home, and one big defensive stop in the fourth quarter seals it. Orange Tigers beat the Purple Tigers in a thriller. 33-30.
#8 Alabama @ Florida State
Willam Grandview:
The funniest development in college football last year was Florida State going from a 13-1 season and a playoff appearance in 2023 to 2-10 last year. 2-10? How do you go from the near pinnacle of the game to a full Chad Morris? Not sure they recover anytime soon. Bama 34-20.
Both teams did not have a good 2024 season. Bama trying to get their MOJO back and Fl State 2024 was embarrassing. Both need a good showing with game at Fl State, but Bama is just better. Tide 34-21.
Next up: Arkansas State in Little Rock.
