True or False: Western Carolina

It’s that time, folks. College football is back and talking season is officially over. The Razorbacks will finally take the field against Western Carolina on Saturday, September 2^nd in Little Rock. Here are some things that will happen and some that won’t.

True: Arkansas starters will play one half, max.

With all due respect to the Catamounts, Arkansas is vastly superior in regards to talent. There’s no reason to risk injury if Arkansas puts the game out of reach by half. On the other hand, Arkansas has loads of young talent starving for the opportunity to run out on the gridiron to show what they’ve got. Giving them low-risk live snaps will better prepare Arkansas for any injuries down the road.

False: Western Carolina will force Arkansas to punt before halftime.

As long as Arkansas’ first team is on the field, they should have no problem moving the ball. Last season, the Catamounts allowed 390 yards per game on defense. In two games last season, Western Carolina allowed over 300 yards rushing twice against FCS opponents—Furman 426 yards and The Citadel 312. With Arkansas’ elite rushing attack, it should be a piece of cake.

True: The defense keeps Westen Carolina under 10 points.

Western Carolina had a decent offense last season, averaging about 485 yards and 31.9 points a game. Against its only FBS opponent in 2022—Georgia Tech—the Catamounts gained a healthy 390 yards but scored just 17 points. Georgia Tech finished 15 spots above Arkansas in team defense last season. However, with a revamped secondary and defensive scheme, Arkansas should be significantly better and hold Western Carolina to single digits.

False: Arkansas will cover the spread.

According to Bet Saracen the spread for Saturday’s game  is Arkansas (-34.5). Despite the vast difference in talent between the two teams, the spread is huge. If the starters played all 60 minutes, then yes, the Hogs would absolutely cover the spread, but they won’t. Baring a rerun of last year’s frustrating win against Missouri State, the game should be close to, if not already out of reach by halftime. Throw in the fact that this is the first game with Dan Enos’ offense, and they’re bound to run into early bugs.

True: Arkansas scores on either a punt or kickoff return.

During fall camp, Sam Pittman wanted to emphasize the role of punt and kickoff returners. They’ve realized Arkansas has had some missed opportunities to get better field position, and this game is a great place to practice that. With the speedy Isaiah Sategna returning, the hogs are poised to bring one to the house.

False: The secondary will give up 200+ yards through the air.

One of Western Carolina’s strategies is to hit the deep ball quickly and often. During an interview on The Razorback Daily, the Catamounts’ head coach, Kerwin Bell said, “We gotta get them on their heels…we want to be explosive.” Time of possession is not a worry of his, “I just want points. That scoreboard says nothing about holding onto the football… I don’t care if it takes one play, we’re going to try to score.”

With last year’s performance in the secondary and WCU’s strategy, most fans would think giving up 200+ yards through the air is a given. However, you must have time to throw the ball to run up the stats. Arkansas’ defensive line will be the best group the Catamounts will see all year. Add that talent to the aggressive and exotic blitzing defense Arkansas is bringing to the game, and there should hardly be a window to throw the ball downfield.