Arkansas ended last season at the bottom of the SEC West, going only 2-6 in conference play.
Much more is expected of Bret Bielema and his team this year. While a few great players have graduated, the might of the defense is largely expected to remain the same. Running backs Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams are looking forward to another 1,000-yard rushing year. Quarterback Brandon Allen is the most experienced in the SEC.
With all that going for the Razorbacks, they stand to have a great season ahead of them. Here’s a breakdown of the Razorbacks’ history against every opponent on this year’s schedule:
2015 record according to history: 7-5*
Most unfamiliar opponents: Toledo, UT Martin
Most familiar opponent: Texas A&M
Most lopsided series: Texas Tech
*Based on which team holds an all-time series advantage, with wins assigned to teams that have no series history.
Sept. 5 vs. UTEP: The last time these two teams met in 2010, Arkansas beat UTEP 58-21. Last year, Arkansas beat UAB by a similar margin and UAB finished only one win shy of UTEP’s record. Overall, UTEP is 1-8 against the SEC, averaging only 10.6 points. All signs point to another victory over the Miners.
Series history: Arkansas leads, 2-0. The first meeting was in 1989.
Sept. 12 vs. Toledo: This is a new non-conference opponent for Arkansas. Against the SEC, Toledo is 0-3, with the Rockets scoring an average of 17.7 points while their SEC foe averages 37.0 points. Last year, Arkansas destroyed Northern Illinois, 52-14, a MAC team just like Toledo. Northern Illinois went on the win the conference championship. It logically follows that Arkansas should be able to defeat Toledo as well.
Series history: None.
Sept. 19 vs. Texas Tech: The Red Raiders had significant struggles on defense last year. They turned the ball over frequently and were the most penalized team in the Big 12, averaging nine a game. They also were one of the least efficient teams on offense. Arkansas has a stronger offensive and defensive line than Texas Tech does, which means a win here.
Series history: Arkansas leads, 29-7.
Sept. 26 vs. Texas A&M: The Aggies have won this rivalry game three seasons in a row. However, it was not an easy overtime victory last season. The upcoming matchup looks more difficult for A&M. Arkansas’ offense will be going against tough defensive end Myles Garrett, and the Aggies’ offense should not be underestimated.
Series history: Arkansas leads, 41-27-3.
Oct. 3 vs. Tennessee: The last time Arkansas played Tennessee was in 2011, and Arkansas won 49-7. History, however, is on the Volunteers side. The Vols also have a much stronger team going into this season, with a dependable quarterback, terrifying defensive ends and several quality running backs.
Series history: Tennessee leads, 13-4.
Oct. 10 vs. Alabama: Arkansas kept it close when it played Alabama last year, holding the Crimson Tide to just 14 points. However, Alabama is on a seven-game winning streak against Arkansas. If the Hogs can repeat the excellent defense during this year’s game, and win some 1-on-1 matchups against Alabama’s stout linebackers, the Razorbacks may be able to prevail.
Series history: Alabama leads, 18-7.
Oct. 24 vs. Auburn: In the last four years, each school has won two games. Auburn is on a two-game win streak. While the Razorbacks have a strong team, Auburn looks even better and is the favorite to win the SEC.
Series history: Auburn leads, 13-10-1.
Oct. 31 vs. UT-Martin: Another new non-conference opponent, UT-Martin, is no stranger to playing SEC teams. Last year, the Skyhawks traveled to both Kentucky and Mississippi State, suffering a loss both times. In fact, since 2010, UT-Martin has lost to every SEC team it has faced. Arkansas should have no problems here.
Series history: None.
Nov. 7 vs. Ole Miss: Rebels fans will remember last year’s battle against the Razorbacks bitterly, as Arkansas shut out Ole Miss, 30-0. But despite that, it’s clear from the series history that Ole Miss is not too far behind. Arkansas will need to prepare to face a strong team at this point in the season.
Series history: Arkansas leads, 32-28-1.
Nov. 14 vs. LSU: Speaking of shutouts, Arkansas’s sensational defense also denied LSU points during last year’s matchup, allowing Arkansas to win 17-0. However, before last year’s game, LSU had a three-game win streak. If Arkansas wants to be seen as a contender in the SEC West for this season and seasons to come, Arkansas must extend its win streak against the Tigers.
Series history: LSU leads, 37-21-2.
Nov. 21 vs. Mississippi State: Even though Arkansas leads the series, Mississippi State has beaten the Razorbacks three seasons in a row. The Bulldogs quarterback has not changed since last year, when Prescott threw for 331 yards and rushed for 61 more. This game will test the Arkansas defense.
Series history: Arkansas leads, 15-9-1.
Nov. 27 vs. Missouri: The Tigers have won the last two times they’ve played the Razorbacks. Last year, Arkansas could have won. Its defense stood firm until the last quarter, where it allowed 15 unanswered points. Arkansas’ offense will need to be much more productive in this game to assure a win.
Series history: Missouri leads, 4-2.
Christine Wang is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. She covers Auburn, Arkansas and Ole Miss.
