FAYETTEVILLE -- The season opener is just over one week away and there's some optimism and pessimism surrounding the Arkansas season.
Some are convinced and optimistic the team is much better than last year's 4-8 version. Others see more of the same for the Hogs. So it's time for me to jump into the mix and share my thoughts.
Here's a game-by-game prediction for the 2024 season.
Aug. 29, UAPB in Little Rock
This is the easiest game on Arkansas' schedule. The Hogs will definitely win this game and the good thing is they shouldn't have to show much for Oklahoma State to see. Win, 1-0
Sept. 7, at Oklahoma State
A lot more will be known about Arkansas after this game. The Cowboys are ranked No. 17 in the nation. They are home and this will be a game where both teams know much more about what they have after it is over. Win, 2-0
Sept. 14, UAB
The first Fayetteville game of the season. Arkansas needs to play much, much better in Fayetteville than they did last season. If not it will be another long year. The Hogs will pass this test. Win, 3-0
Sept. 21, at Auburn
Hugh Freeze seems to have Arkansas' number. He beat them when at Liberty and then last season Auburn ran the Hogs off the field in Razorback Stadium. Auburn didn't win another game the remainder of the season. Loss, 3-1
Sept. 28, Texas A&M in Arlington, Texas
This will be the last game played at AT&T Stadium in this series. Since Bobby Petrino left the Razorbacks they haven't had much success in this series. Petrino is back, but as offensive coordinator. The Aggies face Notre Dame and Florida before they face the Hogs. Loss, 3-2
Oct. 5, Tennessee
The Hogs finally get some home games after playing in five different stadiums in the first five games to open the season. Tennessee will offer a lot of challenges to the Hogs. But this is a game, much like Oklahoma State, the Hogs need. Win, 4-2
Oct. 19, LSU
This is after a bye week. Sam Pittman's team has never lost a game when coming off of a bye week. This will test that severely. These two teams usually play a close game despite the records. Win, 5-2
Oct. 26, at Mississippi State
Safe to say the Bulldogs won't hold Petrino's offense to three points. This game was a total embarrassment for Arkansas last season. Dan Enos was fired the following day. Win, 6-2
Nov. 2, Ole Miss
Another game where the two teams seem to play a great game regardless of record. As much as Pittman's teams have struggled against Freeze, Lane Kiffin has yet to win in Fayetteville. Ole Miss has one the best teams in the SEC, but Hogs aren't losing this one. Win, 7-2
Nov. 16, Texas
Once again the Hogs are coming off a bye week. Remember that Pittman's teams are unbeaten after a bye. Texas has a very good team. They are in the SEC for the first year. Pittman's streak ends here. Loss, 7-3
Nov. 23, Louisiana Tech
Tech has a good program. This is one of those games you win that is what was expected. Tech could win this game, but I think the Hogs smell a good bowl. Win, 8-3
Nov. 30, at Missouri
Speaking of having someone's number, Arkansas hasn't had much luck in this series. They have never won in Columbia and I don't look for that to change this season. Loss, 8-4
Some of these predictions could go another way obviously. The key will be to at least have a 3-2 coming out of September. Hogs could lose to LSU or Ole Miss, but beat Texas. Auburn is a very winnable game. Hogs are due against Texas A&M. Having Petrino back on their side maybe that will put that game in the win column. I do feel good the Hogs will be 8-4 or 7-5.