Here’s everything you need to know about the first ever meeting between the UAB Blazers and Arkansas Razorbacks today on SEC Network.

When: Today, Oct. 25
Where: Fayetteville, Ark. – Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
Game Time: Noon ET
TV: SEC Network
Current Line: Arkansas (-23.5)

Game Buzz: It’s a non-conferenence matchup between SEC contests for Arkansas as UAB comes calling with first-year head coach Bill Clark. The Hogs are looking to right the ship and correct mistakes after getting routed by Georgia, while the Blazers are confident playing in this type of environment after hanging with now-No. 1 Mississippi State earlier in the year.

Saturday Down South previews

Arkansas Razorbacks

Players to watch:

  • QB Brandon Allen
  • DE Trey Flowers
  • WR Keon Hatcher
  • S Alan Turner
  • RB Alex Collins
  • RB Jonathan Williams
  • LB Brooks Ellis
  • S Rohan Gaines
  • TE AJ Derby

Keys for Arkansas:

  • Limit miscues. Arkansas is coming off a game in which it turned the ball over four times and committed penalties at key moments that aided a 31-point second quarter for Georgia. The Blazers are capable of turnovers, but Arkansas must limit its mistakes in order to get back in the win column.
  • Establish running game. Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins have struggled the past couple games running the football efficiently, and now Korliss Marshall is suspended giving the Hogs’ depth in the backfield a hit. Williams and Collins should be able to have big games against the Blazers, and Arkansas’ offensive line should dominant the trenches.
  • Defensive improvement. The Hogs surrendered nearly 400 yards of total offense to Georgia last week, highlighted by career outings from quarterback Hutson Mason and running back Nick Chubb. The defensive front seven is improved, but there’s still some inexperience in the secondary. Look for the Razorbacks to play well on the defensive side of the ball.

Razorbacks’ glaring weakness to watch: Secondary – Arkansas got burned on the outside by Mason last week, for a team whose passing attack had been ineffective to date. The Hogs need to focus on fundamentals rather than making game-changing plays. UAB and quarterback Cody Clements have racked up yards and points in bunches this season; Arkansas can’t look ahead.

Most interesting part of the game: Arkansas still hasn’t won an SEC game; how does this effect them mentally?

Team buzz: Arkansas took a step back last week, making some really uncharacteristic mistakes. The Razorbacks look to take advantage of today’s game and improve as a trip to No. 1 Mississippi State looms.

UAB Blazers

Players to watch:

  • QB Cody Clements
  • RB Jordan Howard
  • RB D.J. Vinson
  • WR Jamarcus Nelson
  • WR Kennard Backman
  • WR Maudrecus Humphrey

Keys for UAB:

  • Play aggressive. UAB has already shown it can play with SEC opponents this season, and when forced, Arkansas can play erratic and make mistakes. Don’t be surprised, with the early kick, if Arkansas mentally isn’t as prepared as the Hogs still search for an SEC win.
  • Attack the secondary. The Hogs’ secondary is the weakest area of the team, and Blazers signal caller Cody Clements has played well this season throwing for over 1,500 yards. He has weapons on the outside that can make some plays. Arkansas’ inexperience is at cornerback, so look out.

UAB’s glaring weakness to watch: Run defense – UAB’s run defense surrendered 229 yards rushing last week in the loss to Middle Tennessee State. It faces a much stiffer opponent today; Arkansas needs to get back to its bread and butter.

Most interesting part of the game: The Blazers are much improved and playing as such under first-year coach Bill Clark. Look for UAB to throw all it has at Arkansas.

Team buzz: UAB will play aggressive early and will keep the game close. Arkansas, even as a bottom tier SEC team, is just too good, however. Hogs pull away late and win.