The Hogs finally return to Fayetteville after dropping back-to-back one-possession road games. Arkansas has not played in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium since Aug. 30 against Alabama A&M.
The Razorbacks and Fighting Irish have never faced off on the gridiron. Notre Dame entered the season as the national runner-up and a preseason top-10 team, but after starting 1-2, the Irish will need to play flawless football down the stretch to make it back to the College Football Playoff.
Previewing Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish are four points away from being 3-0 and ranked in the top five. Their offense is averaging 44 points and 426 yards per game. For an Arkansas defense that has struggled, this could turn into another offensive shootout that comes down to the wire.
Quarterback CJ Carr has completed more than 66% of his passes for 737 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions. Carr has not shown true dual-threat ability, which has hurt the Hogs against other quarterbacks. He has 16 carries for just one yard. Three Notre Dame receivers have already topped 150 yards, with Malachi Fields leading at 10 catches for 203 yards. Arkansas’ secondary will have to stay disciplined to limit deep passing plays.
On the ground, preseason All-American Jeremiyah Love has 284 rushing yards on 52 carries with three touchdowns. Jadarian Price has added 187 yards on 27 carries. The Irish’s balanced attack means Arkansas’ defense will need to stay sharp at all levels.
Defensively, Notre Dame has been shaky, giving up more than 330 yards per game. Even in their win over Purdue, they allowed 379 yards. The Irish have only four sacks, three interceptions, and sit at -1 in turnover margin.
Previewing the Hogs
Much like Notre Dame, Arkansas is just seven points away from being undefeated, having lost two one-possession games. The Razorback offense has been the clear strength, averaging 43.5 points and 552 yards per game.
Quarterback Taylen Green has been electric in his second season, ranking second in the SEC with 1,191 passing yards and third in rushing with 360. He has accounted for 14 touchdowns with only four interceptions. His top target, O’Mega Blake, has 24 receptions for 326 yards and three scores, ranking fourth in the SEC in receiving yards. Running back Mike Washington Jr. has also been productive with 330 rushing yards, good for fifth in the SEC.
Defensively, linebackers Xavian Sorey Jr. and Stephen Dix Jr. lead the team, ranking second and fifth in the SEC in tackles with 29 and 26, respectively. Quincy Rhodes Jr. leads the SEC with five sacks, and his presence will be vital against Notre Dame’s offense.
Hogs to Watch
Taylen Green will once again be the key to Arkansas’ success. His ability to extend plays with both his arm and legs will keep Notre Dame’s defense off balance. Until the defense finds more consistency, the Hogs will need Green, Blake, Washington, and others to deliver explosive plays.
Trends to Watch
Both teams have relied on high-powered offenses and lost close games this season. The matchup is likely to come down to turnovers and red-zone efficiency. Like Arkansas’ last two contests, this game has the makings of another shootout with little margin for error.
Broadcast Information
Time: 11 a.m. CST
Date: Sept. 27
Location: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Ark.
TV: ABC
Discover more from Inside Arkansas
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.