Question of the Week:
Who would you like to see be the Razorbacks 3 permanent opponents when the SEC goes to a nine game schedule next season? And why?
Todd: Texas, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss. Texas because it's a storied rivalry and the only opponent that really continues to fire our fan base up. Ole Miss because it really has turned into a true rivalry in football and in baseball. And Oklahoma because they are right next door and it's a perfect fit. Definitely more border-line rivalry potential than Missouri because there is some history in football, basketball, and baseball there. But we all know the conference is going to shove Missouri down our throat. Even if we actually led in the football series I wouldn't care about the game. There’s just no juice.
William Grandview:
Two choices for Arkansas's permanent opponents in the new nine game SEC season are obvious: Texas and Texas A&M. The Hogs and the Aggies have met on the gridiron 81 times over the years, while the Hogs and Horns have tangled 80 times. The third team is a bit trickier. Despite the efforts to promote the "Battle Line Rivalry" there's really no passion involved in our series with Missouri, and while Oklahoma would be a sexy opponent on the regular schedule the history between those programs is mostly the result of one-sided postseason bowl games. To me, the third opponent comes down to Ole Miss or LSU. Both have played roughly the same amount of games with the Hogs, and several have been all time classics. But I'll take Ole Miss based on geography. It's a 3.5 hour drive to Oxford versus a six hour drive to Baton Rouge. That's a lot of drinking time your driver is missing out on if we have to go to Death Valley. Horns, Aggies, Rebels.
David:
For our three permanent opponents, I would like to see someone from the old SWC (Texas or Texas A&M), one of our original SEC rivals (LSU or Ole Miss), and the third will unfortunately be the manufactured pseudo-rivalry with Mizzou.
The Picks:
Razorbacks vs. Red Wolves
William Grandview:
Sam Pittman has been disrespecting War Memorial Stadium in a way no other Razorbacks coach ever has or ever will. And I get it. He's never coached in the stadium where there was even a half-engaged crowd. But that's going to change this week. Unfortunately, about 40% of that crowd is going to be cheering against his team. The Hogs need to get up early and score often to keep the Red Wolves faithful in their seats and I think they will. Hogs 44 ASU 28.
Todd:
Well this is going to go either two ways. Either the Hogs blow them out or it's the second coming of the Citadel game and Sam is fired Sunday morning. There is no in between. We hope Coach has them fired up for this game. To be honest, there are less than 30 players from Arkansas on Razorbacks team. And 13 from Arkansas on ASU’s team. So this one really matters more in the stands. It’s for bragging rights and for pride. D-Line still has some question marks. Taylen Green looked great last week and could have a special season. But he led the team in rushing last week and that just can’t happen when we get to SEC play. He will get beat up. Looks like there will 15,000 Red Wolves fans in attendance but that won’t be enough to pull a shock in the Rock. All Hogs 42-21.
The Picks:
#20 Ole Miss @ Kentucky
William Grandview:
The Rebels shocking 20-17 home loss to unranked Kentucky last year kept Lane Kiffin out of the first expanded college football playoff, so thank God for that. But the Rebs get their revenge Saturday. Rebs 31 UK 17
Todd:
A revenge game for the Rebels. If Ole Miss had taken care of business at home against the Cats last season they would have made the playoffs. This one just boils down to Ole Miss having a much better offense. Kentucky’s QB Zach Calzada was 10 for 23 for 85 yards against Toledo. Meanwhile the Rebs ran up 700 against Georgia State. Not enough fire power for Kentucky. Rebs 31-21.
#15 Michigan @ #18 Oklahoma
David:
Michigan vs. Oklahoma is a clash of two traditional college football powerhouses, but I can’t say the game really moves the needle personally. I’ll say OU wins 27-20.
Todd:
Huge game for both teams. But just a lot more at stake for OU if they lose this. Auburn, Texas, at South Carolina, Ole Miss, at Tennessee, at Alabama, Missouri, and LSU ahead for OU. Very tough to make CFP if you lose this one. This has defensive battle written all over it and a chance for OU to be relevant again. I think Michigan freshman QB Bryce Underwood makes a mistake in the 4th quarter for the difference. Sooners 24-21.
#12 Arizona State @ Mississippi State
William Grandview:
Man, I miss The Pirate. Mike Leach would have been great this week talking about Sparky the Sun Devil and whether he was a demon or an Aztec God. He also would have given the Bulldogs a chance in the game. ASU 38 MSU 10.
David:
Arizona State should vie for the Big XII title. Miss State will be improved from last year but could be overmatched here. Sun Devils take it 35-24.
Kansas vs. Missouri
David:
Kansas is by far the toughest non-conference Missouri will face. Expect a high scoring game with a lot of offense. I would consider the over and KU + 6.5.
Next up: at Ole Miss
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