Image Courtesy: The Clarion-Ledger
October 1
Alabama (TBD, TBD)
After suffering two losses last season, Alabama has returned Heisman-winning QB Bryce Young and extremely talented pass rusher Will Anderson in addition to the number two ranked class, they have coming in. The Tide have to replace receivers Jameson Williams and John Metchie who headed off to the NFL with Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton, sophomore Ja’Corey Brooks, and junior Tyler Harrell. The defense, with Will Anderson and six other starters returning will make Alabama the scariest its been at least since 2020-2021, when they won their last national championship. Arkansas lost by just a touchdown last season to Alabama in Tuscaloosa. But, I would expect the Crimson Tide to be more prepared for the likes of Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson and the hogs talented running game. Former Alabama linebacker Drew Sanders will play his former team in this game for the first time. He and experienced linebacker Bumper Pool will have to help stop new full-time starter at running back for Alabama, Trey Sanders. Projected Score: Alabama 49, Arkansas 31
October 8
at.Mississippi State (TBD, TBD)
After losing to Arkansas because of three missed field goal tries, Mississippi State will be out for revenge against the hogs. Actually, its been two seasons since the Bulldogs defeated Arkansas and talented Mississippi State QB Will Rogers thrives at home, especially with two returning starters at receiver in Austin Williams and Jaden Walley. Mississippi State returns seven defensive starters and to me, this game is an old fashioned shootout and will be up to the playmakers on both defenses to win this game. Projected Score: Arkansas 48, Mississippi State 45
October 29
Auburn (TBD, TBD)
Auburn has not lost to Arkansas in a long time. However, in their 2020 meeting, Arkansas should have won the game. A backwards spike by then Auburn QB Bo Nix was recovered by former Arkansas defensive back Joe Foucha. But, the officials did not see it that way and Auburn won on a game-winning field goal. A year later and last season Bo Nix had a phenomenal performance and Arkansas took a loss at home to the tigers. Now, former Texas A&M QB Zach Calzada takes over the reigns on the Plains. Talented running back Tank Bigsy and receiver Shedrick Jackson return in addition to three other offensive starters. Auburn’s defense is underrated this year with seven returning starters headlined by pass rushers Derick Hall and Owen Pappoe. A combined performance by Arkansas’ running game and defense will have the hogs defeating Auburn for the first time in a long time. Projected Score: Arkansas 31, Auburn 21
