How to Watch: Arkansas versus Kent State

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Hogs are back on the Hill this week in the home opener versus the Kent State Golden Flashes. An afternoon kickoff will bring an electric atmosphere as the stadium fills with hopeful Razorback fans. 

Opponent: Kent State Golden Flashes

Date: September 9, 2023

Time: 3 p.m. CT

Place: Donald W. Reynolds Stadium, Fayetteville, (Ark.)

TV: SEC Network

Line: Arkansas -37.5 ( BetSaracen) 

Series : First Matchup

Arkansas

After the Hogs had a good win last week in Little Rock the team is seeking to extend their record to 2-0. This will be the first FBS team the Razorbacks face in the 2023 season. We will be looking to see if the Razorbacks can air it out as well as they did last week. It was great seeing QB1 KJ Jefferson display his increased accuracy as we move forward. This week Rocket Rocket Sanders will be sitting out. Something to watch for will be who steps up. Everyone in college football should recognize the depth of this running back room. If they don’t they surely will after this weekend.

Kent State

The Golden Flashers are coming off a huge loss served to them by the Big 12’s UCF. Kent State finished their season 5-7 in 2022. While the game against UCF was a blowout the defense was led by Missouri transfer Devin Nicholson and had a team total of 2 interceptions.  Arkansas is paying $1.6 million dollars for Kent State to come into Fayetteville.

Storylines

All Hogs. I think taking the spread of 37.5 points would still be a safe bet. KJ will continue to air the ball out, hopefully to even more receivers. The running backs will be anxiously waiting to get their turn with starting back Rocket Sanders sidelined. 

Anytime Kent State is punting or kicking off you will want to have your eyes glued to the screen as speedster Isaiah Sategna will be returning the rock. Several times last week the redshirt freshman produced long returns that resulted in a large impact. So long as the penalties are kept to a minimum, special teams could make a large difference this game.

For Home games this year the Athletic department have elected to honor two late legends Alex Collins and the Ryan Mallet by placing their initials on the field. You will see AC on the 3 yard line as well as RM on the 15 yard line. This will be on both ends of the Arkansas sideline. This is a special homage to both of these Legendary Razorbacks. Former all-SEC standout Chris Smith, who also passed away over the summer, will have his legacy honored by his family who are honorary team captains.

The Arkansas Razorback team site prepared an interactive map for fan information.