Every win in college football matters. Some, however, will come with scrutiny depending on how it’s achieved.

ESPN’s Matt Barrie and Paul Finebaum didn’t hold back when discussing No. 10 Arkansas’ 38-27 win over Missouri State. Sure, the Hogs prevailed, but they needed 4 quarters and a bit of luck just to get over Bobby Petrino’s FCS roster.

Finebaum joked that if Petrino would’ve picked up the win over his former team, he likely would’ve been a front-runner for the potential Auburn or Louisville opening at the season’s end.

“I thought that hug at the end of the game by Sam Pittman wasn’t going to end,” Finebaum joked. “I think he was just holding on for dear life going ‘We almost lost to Missouri State and Bobby Petrino.’ He had done just about everything perfect.”

An 82-yard punt return by Arkansas’ Bryce Stephens gave the Razorbacks their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter. Quarterback KJ Jefferson scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with just under 2 minutes remaining to secure the win.

The Hogs look to contend in the SEC West following their 9-4 finish in 2021. Saturday’s matchup against No. 24 Texas A&M could decide which program is in the driver’s seat as the No. 2 roster in the division.

Earlier this month, the Aggies were upset by Appalachian State at Kyle Field in 17-14 finish. Finebaum said that if the Razorbacks were to lose, it would affect the way fans look at the sport.

Kickoff next Saturday from AT&T Stadium in Arlington is set for 7 p.m. Eastern time. Last season, Arkansas ended its 9-game losing streak with a 20-10 win over Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies.