What Can We Learn From Arkansas’ Season Opener?

Arkansas will open its season as a 49-point favorite in Little Rock against the UAPB Golden Lions. While opening up against an FCS opponent doesn’t exactly offer a stiff challenge for the Razorbacks to face in Week 1, there are still plenty of storylines to monitor as the Hogs take the field for the first time.

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So, what can you learn by watching your team blow the doors off an inferior opponent? In the long run, not much. However, Week 1 is always a chance to make a first impression, and there is still some degree of clarity to be gained by watching Arkansas take on an actual opponent, regardless of the level of completion.

Will Bobby Petrino’s Offense Hit the Ground Running?

Frankly, the Razorback offense should have a big day in War Memorial Stadium. Even last year’s team, which finished bottom-three in the SEC for scoring, had a strong showing against Western Carolina to open the year.

But with a new quarterback in Boise St. transfer Taylen Green, a new lead running back in Utah transfer Ja’Quinden Jackson and of course a shift in scheme with the addition of offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, Hog fans will get their first real look at the makeup of the unit.

Razorback fans have many fond memories of Petrino offenses, but a lot has changed since 2011. It’ll be nice to reminisce as Green targets Andrew Armstrong on an option route on third down, the same way Tyler Wilson would look for Jarius Wright. And we’ll all be doing the Leonardo DiCaprio pointing-at-the-TV meme when Rashod Dubinion gets loose on a wheel route. But what new wrinkles will show up when the Razorback offense takes the field?

Petrino has always made his living building an offense around the weapons he’s got. The skill sets of Ryan Mallett and Lamar Jackson are vastly different, and they were utilized in unique ways under Petrino’s guidance.

Hog fans will get a glimpse at what that process looks like with Green under Petrino on Thursday. And the beauty of this matchup is that almost all of what they’ll try should work, which should get the imagination pumping for what the Arkansas offense can accomplish in 2024.

Which Newcomers Will Stand Out?

Of course, there will be a lot of eyes on Taylen Green in his Razorback debut, but there will be no shortage of newcomers for fans to observe on Thursday. Who will be the one(s) to steal the show?

Ja’Quinden Jackson is set to lead the Razorback rushing attack, and Florida State/Florida A&M transfer Rodney Hill appears to be in line to help right away in the running back room. They’ll also be running behind a new-look offensive line that features three transfers in Fernando Carmona (San Jose St.), Addison Nichols (Tennessee) and Keyshawn Blackstock (Michigan St.).

Each level of the defense features notable transfers, starting up front with Albany transfer Anton Juncaj and Danny Saili coming from the JUCO ranks on the defensive line. At linebacker, the Hogs have a trio of transfers set to bolster the group in Xavian Sorey Jr. (Georgia), Stephen Dix (Marshall) and Anthony Switzer (Utah St.).

The secondary features several transfers, as well as a couple of freshmen likely to make their debuts in Selman Bridges and Tevis Metcalf. Will South Alabama transfer Marquise Robinson solidify himself as a starting corner across from Jaylon Braxton? Tennessee transfer Doneiko Slaughter appears to be locked in as the starting nickel, but where will Jacksonville St. transfer Larry Worth fit in?

Each Hog fan has their list of top newcomers they’re most intrigued by, but who will be the players that spark the most interest and get everyone talking after the season opener?

Will Any Concerns Arise?

The last two times Arkansas opened the season in Little Rock, it left with a resounding win over an FCS, but a few red flags popped up in the process.

In 2017, the Razorback offense struggled to get going early against Florida A&M, and senior quarterback Austin Allen never really found a groove. In 2023, the Hogs scored 56 points against Western Carolina despite not mustering 2.9 yards per carry on the ground.

Both games turned out to be signs that the Hogs were in trouble, as both seasons ended at 4-8. There’s a good chance that this UAPB team is worse than both of those prior opponents in Little Rock, so it will be hard to overlook any minor struggles the Razorbacks might have.

A lot of eyes will be on the offensive line, which will feature North Little Rock native E’Marion Harris making his first career start in place of the injured Patrick Kutas. There is no clear timetable on Kutas’ return, so a rough outing for the group in his absence would certainly qualify as a red flag, particularly after the struggles from Arkansas’ O-Line a year ago.

Will there be any other unexpected twists from Thursday’s action that leave Razorback fans a bit concerned? Again, the final result will be a lopsided one in favor of Arkansas. But there are always some minor takeaways to be had, especially in what will be everyone’s first look at the 2024 Hogs.