I can’t remember the last time we left there without a major injury to a key player. Will we finally leave LR healthy?

LITTLE ROCK — The 2024 Arkansas football season has finally arrived.

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening, the Razorbacks will begin Year 5 of the Sam Pittman era against in-state foe Arkansas-Pine Bluff at War Memorial Stadium. The Hogs will be looking to start the year on a high note following a 4-8 season in 2023.

ALSO READ: Arkansas football game-by-game season predictions


"War Memorial, their stadium was better than this one in the past. And they had lights, we did not. There was a lot of reasons to go over there. But I think the passion overall, from the years of Arkansas football, had to do with something about our willingness to go play games in Little Rock."

Pittman's made it clear all week that the Razorbacks aren't viewing this game as "having to make a trip to Little Rock," but instead they are excited for the opportunity to open the season with their new-look roster, which is headlined by Boise State transfer quarterback Taylen Green.

RELATED: Arkansas' official depth chart for UAPB game

"We’re looking at it as an opportunity to take the team on the road and have a great opening game in a great city of Little Rock," Pittman said. "Whether I want to do that for years to come or not is irrelevant right now for this Thursday night’s game. But we are excited to go over there. It’s on our schedule. It’s where we’re gonna play and we’re excited to go over there and we hope that we’ll have a whole lot of fans at the game supporting our football team.

"Looking forward to playing Pine Bluff. Looking forward to playing an in-state opponent. We know that coach Hampton has done a good job. As he goes into this year he’ll know more about his team and they’ll have a better team as I hope we do as well. But we have a lot of respect for Pine Bluff, or UAPB, and we’re looking forward to getting over there."

Below are details on how to watch, stream or listen to Thursday's game, plus every important piece of content and press conference you might need to check out before kickoff:

How to Watch/Listen​

Who: Arkansas Razorbacks (0-0, 0-0 SEC) vs. UAPB Golden Lions (0-0, 0-0 SWAC)

When: Thursday, Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m. CT

Where: War Memorial Stadium — Little Rock, Arkansas

TV/Stream: ESPNU/Watch ESPN (Jay Alter and Rocky Boiman)

Radio: Learfield Razorback Sports Network (Chuck Barrett, Quinn Grovey and Geno Bell)

--------------

​

Catch up on Arkansas football season preview content​

- Arkansas football game-by-game season predictions

- Arkansas' official depth chart for UAPB game

- Injury Report: Latest on Andrew Armstrong, Patrick Kutas

- HawgBeat Radio: Arkansas vs. UAPB game preview

- Arkansas offense could be preparing for explosion vs. UAPB

- Size Comparison: How Arkansas and UAPB stack up

- Pittman gives thoughts on playing at War Memorial Stadium

- Arkansas closing practices for ‘critical’ 2024 season

- What Sam Pittman said about UAPB

- Pittman opting for different team captain approach in 2024

- Behind Enemy Lines: Gaining UAPB insight with Tanner Spearman

- What UAPB HC Alonzo Hampton said about Arkansas

​

Press Conferences​

Login to view embedded media
Login to view embedded media
Login to view embedded media
Login to view embedded media
Login to view embedded media

Woo PIG!

Let's go go Bobby. A night time story on the eve of the 2024 season (a classic).

Arkansas head coach John Calipari and the Razorbacks have added another non-conference matchup to their 2024-25 schedule, according to a schedule release on Wednesday.

The Hoop Hogs are expected to host the Lipscomb Bisons on Nov. 6 at Bud Walton Arena. All-time, Arkansas owns a 3-0 advantage over Lipscomb. The last time the two programs faced off was in 2023, when the Razorbacks won 69-66 in North Little Rock.

This is the second piece of scheduling news to be released within the last seven days for Calipari's team, as Jeff Goodman reported Friday that Arkansas and Baylor will meet on Nov. 9 at American Airlines Arena in Dallas.

Other marquee non-conference matchups include tilts against Michigan in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York, Miami in the ACC-SEC Challenge and Illinois as part of a Multi-Team Event (MTE) at Kansas City's T-Mobile Center on Thanksgiving Day.

Arkansas is also expected to play Pacific, Little Rock, North Carolina A&T, Troy and Maryland-Eastern Shore in non-conference play this season. The Razorbacks' full SEC basketball schedule was also announced last week.

Be sure to follow along at The Trough premium message board for updates on all the offseason action for the Arkansas basketball program.

Login to view embedded media
Arkansas will likely be without one of its top returning offensive linemen when the Razorbacks play Arkansas-Pine Bluff at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock on Thursday.

Despite being listed as a starter at left guard with an "OR" alongside redshirt sophomore E'Marion Harris on the official team depth chart, junior Patrick Kutas will probably miss the Hogs' Week 1 matchup against the Golden Lions, according to head coach Sam Pittman.

Kutas participated in the first two fall camp practices before a back injury left him sidelined in recovery for the remainder of the open practices to reporters. Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino said Tuesday that the Memphis native was back doing some work, but the full extent of his return was unknown.

"I don’t believe Patrick will play," Pittman said Monday. "I’ll say this too, and we’ll miss him because he’s a good player. That back is still bothering him."

A nine-game starter for Arkansas in 2023 before an ankle injury prematurely ended his campaign, Kutas' long-term health is still a question mark, according to Pittman.

"He’s going to get a reading on his back on Friday and then we’ll know a little bit more after that," Pittman said. "But, he has — you know, he’s progressed from things in the pool to things on land now, to a little bit of hitting. So, we’re going to get this MRI read and then I’ll have a better answer for you, I guess next time we meet. Next Monday."

With a glaring hole at the left guard position, Little Rock native E'Marion Harris (6-foot-7, 300 pounds) stepped up in fall camp to fill the spot and received high praise for his efforts from Pittman.

"I don’t know that there’ll be any drop-off there," Pittman said. "He’s really not five, if you were going one, two, three, four, five. He's not five. I don’t know where he’s at. He’s really done a really good job. I’m really pleased with how he’s come along and gained his weight. He’s always in position. I’m happy for him."

Harris saw action in six games for the Razorbacks last year and did not allow a sack on over 10 pass plays. His season-high snaps came against Western Carolina (seven), so the former four-star is not a stranger to playing in season-openers.

"He’s been here now for three seasons," Pittman said. "His ability to move people is much better. I think he’s just playing much better because he’s confident he can get it done. Him and (Fernando) Carmona (Jr.) together, they’ve really been a good, Carmona’s been good for him, too, if that makes sense."

Arkansas will kick off the 2024 season Thursday, Aug. 29, against UAPB at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

Press release from Arkansas Edge

Fayetteville, AR (August 8, 2024) – The Arkansas Razorbacks and Arkansas Edge, the Official NIL Collective of the Arkansas Razorbacks, are thrilled to announce GoatLab Brewery as their Official Craft Brewery partner. This exciting new collaboration will help unite the passion of Razorback fans everywhere with GoatLab's unmatched German-inspired brewing craftsmanship and unique family recipes, providing NWA with a distinct flavor to call its own, while also providing support and development of Arkansas student-athletes.

“We are excited to welcome GoatLab Brewery to the Razorback family,” said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek. “With this new partnership, Razorback fans will be able to enjoy the many unique offerings of GoatLab which will also help generate vital NIL support for Razorback student-athletes through Arkansas Edge. Bill and Rhonda Adams are proud Arkansans and longtime Razorback fans. We are grateful for their support and the continued difference they are making in the lives of Razorback student-athletes and within our community.”

"We couldn’t be more excited to team up with the Arkansas Razorbacks and Arkansas Edge,” said Bill Adams, owner of GoatLab. “This partnership is a dream come true for us. As a local Arkansas business rooted in fun family values and German brewing traditions, we’re passionate about delivering exceptional craft beer. Coming from a family of alumni and current students at the University, supporting student-athletes and contributing to their success is a cause we wholeheartedly believe in. We are confident our family’s dedication to the program and our commitment to excellence in brewing will set a new craft beer standard and energize the entire Razorback community.”

To celebrate the partnership, GoatLab is introducing TUSK: a new craft beer formulated specifically to appeal to Razorback fans who like a refreshing, easy-to-drink brew and who want to support local businesses. To demonstrate their commitment to the success of the program, GoatLab has also committed a large portion of proceeds from TUSK beer sales to support NIL opportunities for Arkansas student-athletes through Arkansas Edge. Every can, case, or glass sold will make an impact on NIL. Furthermore, GoatLab will supply spent grain from the brewing process as a special treat for Tusk VI on his farm near Dardanelle for lending his Name, Image and Likeness to the project.

“This innovative partnership highlights a truly exciting synergy between Arkansas Edge, the Arkansas Razorbacks, and local businesses like GoatLab Brewery,” said Kyle May, Executive Director of Arkansas Edge. “It will provide tremendous support to our student-athletes by generating new and continuing NIL opportunities for them, all while strengthening our support of local Arkansas-based businesses and giving Razorback fans a fun way to get involved too. It’s a win-win for everyone, even Tusk VI; and we’re excited to see the response Razorback fans will have knowing every beer sold will help support vitally important parts of our Razorback culture and program.”

TUSK will be available on tap and in carryout packs at GoatLab’s taproom in Lowell starting today. On Friday, August 9th, distribution of this new, refreshing beer will begin to local northwest Arkansas restaurants, retailers, and liquor stores. A statewide rollout is planned over the next few weeks leading up to the kick-off of the Razorback football season and other fall sports, so Arkansas fans will be able to enjoy the craft beer throughout the state. Fans will also be able to purchase TUSK at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock for the football season opener against UAPB.

To commemorate the launch of TUSK, GoatLab will host a public tasting event on Thursday, August 15th from 5-8 pm at the brewery’s taproom in Lowell. Fans are invited to come and enjoy the new beers on tap, celebrate with other Razorback fans, and purchase carryout packs to take home. Entry to the event is free, but fans should register here to reserve an entry spot. Arkansas Edge members who RSVP prior to August 15th will receive a special members-only benefit at the tasting event.

To sign up for the Arkansas Edge membership club and support NIL for the Razorbacks, fans can go to arkansasedgenil.com/driveforfive. Memberships start at just $25 per month with each level delivering exclusive members-only benefits.

About GoatLab Brewery

GoatLab Brewery, (Greatest Of All Time, Lowell Arkansas Brewery) is located in the center of Northwest Arkansas. A family-owned, veteran-owned, and Razorback-owned, German-inspired craft brewery that provides seasonal brews and woodfired pizza to NWA. The heart of GoatLab revolves around the German word Gemutlichkeit, meaning a communal sense of belonging. GoatLab wouldn't be here without its family: both the family that built the business and the family we've made from the community. We want to be an extension of home and a source of comfort to you whenever you are here. For more information, visit goatlabbrewery.com or check out our sister business www.grovecomedyclub.com.

About Razorback Athletics

The University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics continues to pursue its vision – To Be Our Best – while fulfilling its mission of developing 465+ student-athletes into Razorbacks™ and Champions for Life. As members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Razorbacks™ consistently compete and win in the nation’s best conference while proudly representing the University of Arkansas and the entire state. Arkansas has more than made its mark in the most competitive conference in the nation, winning eight NCAA titles and 36 SEC Championships in the past six years, including 28 conference titles in the past four years alone. Both marks lead all SEC programs and the Razorbacks™ 36 titles are more than six other league programs combined in that same timeframe.

About Arkansas Edge

Arkansas Edge is the official Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective supporting 465-plus student-athletes at the University of Arkansas. Supporters, fans, and alumni who support Arkansas Edge are pledging to maximize opportunities for student-athletes to build their brands and engage with the community. There are various ways to get involved, including corporate partnerships, memberships, and charitable contributions. For more information about NIL partnerships with Razorback student-athletes, visit arkansasedgenil.com or follow @ArkansasEdgeNIL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Sorry if it happened and I missed it, haven't been able to check here much lately. What do we think the football team win total will be this year?

More on John Ridgeway's impressive performance vs. Texas...

From @JaxCrall

To open up the 2024 football season, Arkansas is traveling to War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock to take on the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions on Thursday.

The last time the Razorbacks took on UAPB was also at War Memorial Stadium in October 2021, when former standout wide receiver Treylon Burks had two receiving touchdowns in a 45-3 win for the Hogs. All 45 points were scored in the first half and the starters were out of the game by the second half. Arkansas has not played UAPB since their strong 2021 season, which resulted in a 9-4 overall record.

This year is a new roster with a lot of fresh faces for the Razorbacks, including Boise State transfer quarterback Taylen Green, who is set to make his first start in Red and White with new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino calling the plays.

"I’m just taking everything in," Green said Tuesday. "We just had meeting with Petrino and like this is going to be your first game, your first play. We already got our first play and what we’re going to do. He’s like, ‘This is gonna be your first play as a Hog.’ I’m just going to take everything in. I’ve heard a lot about it. I’ve heard positive things and a passionate fan base so I’m just excited for that first kickoff and hearing the calling of the Hogs."

Below is a preview of what to expect from the Golden Lions in Thursday’s game, which will kickoff at 6:30 p.m. CT and be broadcasted on ESPNU.

UAPB Resume​

Head Coach: Alonzo Hampton (2nd season)

Offensive Coordinator: Tony Hull

Defensive Coordinator: David Calloway

2023 record: 2-9

Division: FCS

UAPB Captains: QB Mekhi Hagens, DE Elijah Jenkins, K Trey Glymph, P Jeremy Baker

UAPB Depth Chart​

Tale of the Tape​

UAPB is a part of the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), and their conference is the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). There is really not too much to talk about here because this is nothing short of a warm up game to kick off the 2024 season for Arkansas.

The Golden Lions managed to win just one conference game in the SWAC last year with a tough quarterback rotation. Mekhi Hagens was named the starting quarterback this season for UAPB for the second consecutive year. Last season, Hagens went down in the opener against Tulsa with an injury in the second half and would return by splitting reps with former quarterback Jalen Macon.

UAPB has many incoming transfers on both sides of the ball. Senior defensive tackle Antonio Johnson from Northeastern State and wide receivers JaVonnie Gibson and Kristian Gammage are looking to make big impacts for the team. Both rising sophomore transfers from Arkansas-Monticello, Gibson (403 yards, 4 TDs) and Gammage (223 yards, 3 TDs) were among the Boll Weevils’ top five receivers a year ago.

UAPB Strengths​

Coaching: Looking at this coaching staff, it is pretty promising for an FCS team. Offensive coordinator Tony Hull came from Grambling State, where he served as their co-offensive coordinator last season. Hull captained a turnaround that resulted in Grambling ranking first in the SWAC in yards per game (407.8) and rushing yards per game (184.8), plus third in points per game (28.7).

UAPB’s defensive coordinator, David Calloway, was a head coach at Central Methodist University for seven seasons before he joined the Golden Lions in 2023. Calloway led Central Methodist to a 9-3 overall record in 2021, which saw them earn their first conference championship since 1975.

Finally, head coach Alonzo Hampton is in his second year as head coach for UAPB after going 2-9 a year ago. Hampton was previously the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator for Louisiana-Monroe. Hampton was a defensive analyst under former Arkansas head coach Chad Morris in 2019.

Linebackers: UAPB’s linebacker corps was arguably one of the best position groups on the team last year under Hampton. The group is led by redshirt sophomore Khalil Arnold, a Phil Steele Preseason All-SWAC Third Team selection, who had 40 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks and two forced fumbles in 10 games last year.

Offensive weapons: Sam Pittman stated in his Monday press conference that UAPB loves mixing things up with run-pass options, bubble screens and stretch plays. Hagens, a former three-star recruit, presents a true dual-threat option at quarterback. The Golden Lions also have a solid offensive line including left tackle Christian Love, who Pittman had high praise for.

UAPB Weaknesses​

Strength of Schedule/Overall Talent: Being an FCS team and going against FCS opponents week in and out is one thing, but going against an SEC team Week 1 is another. UAPB opened the year with a 42-7 loss at Tulsa last year, and its only other game against an FBS team not named Arkansas since 2021 was a 63-7 loss to Oklahoma State in 2022.

The Golden Lions aren't going to be scared entering this matchup, but it's safe to say they also aren't going to win this one. Hampton seems to have the program moving in the right direction, and the offensive duo of Hull calling plays and Hagens running the offense seems like it could be successful against other FCS team this year.

Pressure to the QB: Last year, UAPB would rarely send pressure to the quarterback, and with defensive coordinator David Calloway returning, it might be safe to say they keep this up. Last season, the Golden Lions had just 18 team sacks compared to 36 allowed. Pittman did mention that the Hogs are taking what they’ve seen from last year’s pressures and amping it up because they are expecting more movement.

​

Prediction​

Arkansas is looking to start the year off on the right foot, and this is a game the team is ready for.

With a significant amount of new faces on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, there are a lot of questions about if this group will improve or repeat something similar to last year’s 4-8 season. Adding offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino and keeping stars like defensive end Landon Jackson and wide receiver Andrew Armstrong could make this team special.

Regardless of how the Razorbacks perform Thursday, they will win this game. The only question in this one is how much will Arkansas win by?

Arkansas 45, UAPB 7

Head coach John Calipari and the Arkansas basketball team have lined up a visit for another highly-ranked 2025 recruit, HawgBeat confirmed on Sunday.

Five-star shooting guard Meleek Thomas will be on campus in Fayetteville on Sept. 13. Thomas was originally scheduled to visit the Razorbacks in June, but a scheduling conflict forced a delay.

In addition to Arkansas, the No. 5 player in the nation will take a visit to Alabama on Sept. 27.

Login to view embedded media
The 6-foot-4, 171-pound shooting guard is also heavily considering UConn, Auburn and Pittsburgh, and he holds offers from Auburn, Duke, Kansas and a plethora of other programs.

Thomas is set to play for Overtime Elite next season after transferring from Lincoln Park Performing Arts High School in Pittsburgh. He also plays on the EYBL circuit for New Heights Lightning, where he averaged 20.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists last year.

Arkansas already has one five-star recruit in the fold for the class of 2025 in point guard Darius Acuff Jr., who committed to the Razorbacks on July 26. Be sure to follow along at The Trough premium message board for updates on all the offseason action.

You can tell that somebody got their act together....
For one, our former DB coach was pitiful

2015

CB Willie Sykes
CB Ryan Pulley
CB Nate Dalton

2016

CB Britto Tutt
SS Micahh Smith
FS Deon Edwards

2017

CB Chevin Calloway
CB Kamren Curl
CB Jarques McClellion
CB Korey Hernandez
CB Jordon Curtis
FS Montaric Brown

2018

CB Tanner McCalister
CB Byron Hanspard
SS S. Michael Flanagan

That's Arkansas freshman Boogie Fland beating Chris Bailey in a race. Bailey ran the leadoff leg in the US 4x400-meter relay, which won the gold medal with an Olympic record 2:54.43 time.

Login to view embedded media

i was thinking about this, what will cal have for the team ? i don’t fancy him as a uni guy like muss so i doubt we will see a lot of the unis muss wore, just hope it’s not the mike anderson era ones

Login to view embedded media
Head coach Sam Pittman said Monday that he will stray away from his usual practice of naming team captains in the preseason and will instead delegate them on a game-by-game basis.

Last season, six Razorbacks earned the 'C' on their jerseys in KJ Jefferson, Brady Latham, Rocket Sanders, Landon Jackson, Trajan Jeffcoat and Cam Little. With leadership being a weak point in Arkansas' 2023 campaign — and with so many transfer newcomers over the offseason — Pittman is seemingly opting for a different approach.

RELATED: Patrick Kutas likely to miss UAPB game

"When I was at Georgia, they named them after the season and they just had rotating guys," Pittman said Monday. "I do think what we're going to do is we're going to name four game-day captains for a while, and I don't know how long that's going to be. I don't know if that's going to be till Game 10. I don't know if that's going to be during the bowl prep. I don't know when that's going to be that we decide who our captains are."

Obvious candidates to earn the team captain honor are names like Taylen Green, Fernando Carmona Jr., Jaylon Braxton and Landon Jackson, but Pittman said he thinks having more than just the same Razorbacks represent the team each game by the end of the season "would be kind of cool."

"You're going to Little Rock," Pittman said. "So if you're sitting there thinking, who could be game-day captains, well, you start thinking about your kids from Little Rock that are starting. You start thinking about maybe a guy from Memphis, or whatever. And I think it would mean something to those kids, and they had the opportunity to walk out there."

RELATED: Arkansas' official depth chart for UAPB game

Current scholarship Arkansas players from or around the Little Rock area include E'Marion Harris, Quincy Rhodes Jr. and Nico Davillier. Alongside those three, Pittman said they might look at other Natural State natives to lead against the Golden Lions on Thursday.

"So, that's really something that could kind of be neat that I thought about," Pittman said. "That you could have 40-48 guys in a 12-game (schedule) go out there and then maybe decide who really earned the captain's spot after the year, during possibly bowl prep."

Arkansas will kick off the 2024 season Thursday, Aug. 29, against UAPB at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

We'll have updates from Pittman during his SEC teleconference here shortly!

Login to view embedded media
As we will do throughout this football season, HawgBeat went behind enemy lines to gain insight on the UAPB Golden Lions from Pine Bluff Commercial Sports Reporter Tanner Spearman.

The last time Arkansas and UAPB faced off was in 2021, a 45-3 Razorbacks victory at War Memorial Stadium.

Second-year UAPB head coach and former Arkansas analyst Alonzo Hampton led the Golden Lions to a 2-9 (1-7 SWAC) overall record last season.

Here is what Spearman had to say about Thursday's matchup, which is set to kickoff at 6:30 p.m. CT at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock...

What are the vibes like inside the UAPB football program?​

Spearman: "This is Alonzo Hampton's second season at UAPB. Last year, he didn't have time to really do much recruiting based on the timing of the hire, so he had to make do with what he inherited. This year, he has brought in a ton of transfers, plus signed an Arkansas-heavy freshman class.

"There are still some holdovers left from the previous coaching staff, but this feels like a lot more of Hampton's guys. They know rebuilding this program will take time, but there is optimism the Golden Lions are moving in the right direction."

Who are the key offensive and defensive returners for UAPB?​

Spearman: "Defensive end Anas Luqman returns after missing most of last season with a torn MCL. He had a promising start to the year and should be a pass rush threat. Khalil Arnold led the team in sacks last year and may be moving from linebacker to defensive end.

"On offense, running back Johness Davis started strong but was hampered by lingering injuries down the stretch. If he stays healthy, he should be a solid weapon."

Any Golden Lion newcomers that fans should be aware of?​

Spearman: "There are a ton of newcomers from the transfer portal as well as the JUCO and high school ranks. Linebacker Kaylon Bradley had 54 tackles, 6.5 TFL, and 3.5 sacks at a California JUCO which went 10-1 last season.

“Defensive tackle Antonio "AJ" Johnson comes from DII Northeastern State in Oklahoma and looks set to be a mainstay on the defensive line. JUCO transfer safety Quintin Sterling looked good to me in the spring.

"Offensively, Tennessee Tech transfer running back OJ Ross and Arkansas-Monticello receivers JaVonnie Gibson and Kristian Gammage should all be useful weapons. UAPB also added some skill guys from FBS schools who will compete for playing time."

What kind of offense will UAPB run against Arkansas?​

Spearman: "UAPB brought in Tony Hull as OC this year after he coached Grambling State's offense last year. He runs an up-tempo spread offense. As far as run or pass, they want to take what the defense gives them."

How will UAPB's defense try to stop Arkansas' offense?​

Spearman: "UAPB has a lot of youth in the secondary, and Hampton says they want to keep it simple for them. The Golden Lions' best chance will need to come from the defensive front, especially the pass rush. They need to get to (Taylen) Green quickly."

​

How do you see the game playing out?​

Spearman: "Last year, UAPB also opened up the season on the road against an FBS opponent (Tulsa) on a Thursday night. The Golden Lions led 7-0 after the first quarter but couldn't hold on.

“It wouldn't surprise me if UAPB gets off to a good start, but an unproven and inexperienced offensive line will have a big challenge trying to hold off an SEC defense for four quarters."

Heading into Week 1 of the college football season:

Login to view embedded media
As Arkansas and UAPB prepare to face off this Thursday at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, HawgBeat decided to take a look at how the two teams stack up based on stats from the 2023 season and size for the starters.

On paper, the Razorbacks have a massive talent advantage over the Golden Lions, who come from the FCS ranks. Arkansas has 13 former four-star recruits expected to start compared to none for UAPB. Only one Golden Lion starter (quarterback Mekhi Hagens) is a former three-star prospect.

Highlighting the UAPB squad is redshirt sophomore linebacker Khalil Arnold, who was named a Phil Steele Preseason All-SWAC Third Team member. Last season, Arnold finished with 40 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks and two forced fumbles in 10 games.

The average weight of Arkansas' 22 starters is 250.77 pounds, compared to UAPB's average weight of 223.0 pounds. The Razorbacks outweigh the Golden Lions by 52 pounds on the defensive line and nearly 31 pounds on the offensive line.

Here's a look at how both teams stack up based on stats last year, plus weight and height entering this season.

2023 Stat Comparison - UAPB | Arkansas​

Offense (UAPB | Arkansas)

Scoring: 15.2 PPG | 26.6 PPG
Total yards: 291.2 | 326.5
Passing: 155.9 | 175.6
Rushing: 135.3 | 139.0
Third downs: 26.3% | 38.3%
Sacks allowed: 36 | 47
Turnovers: 19 | 18

Defense (UAPB | Arkansas)

Scoring: 33.3 PPG | 27.9 PPG
Total yards: 449.1 | 357.2
Passing: 254.8 | 202.8
Rushing: 194.3 | 154.4
Third downs: 41.8% | 37.3%
Sacks: 18 | 29
Turnovers: 14 | 17

Size Comparison - Arkansas vs. UAPB

Login to view embedded media
Arguably the most highly-anticipated aspect of Arkansas' 2024 football team is the offensive side of the ball led by first-year offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, who could be preparing for an offensive barrage Thursday against UAPB that could cover a nearly 50-point spread on most sportsbooks.

Razorback fans are very familiar with Petrino, who served as Arkansas' head coach from 2008-11. Many of the Hog faithful will remember when Petrino opened the 2011 season with back-to-back games of 50-plus points, and most are hoping he'll do the same Thursday.

READ: Size Comparison - How Arkansas and UAPB stack up

It's safe to say that a majority of the players on this year's Arkansas team didn't have a full grasp of how popular Petrino is in the Natural State, but they've been educated to this point, and they're expecting an offensive explosion to open the year with Boise State transfer quarterback Taylen Green running the show.

"(Green's) going to drop bombs," left tackle Fernando Carmona Jr. said Tuesday. "You can best believe that. I think the confidence he’s gained through the fall camp and just kind of reaching this peak of we’re hitting on all cylinders right now, the offense is flowing, we’re out there having fun, we’re scoring, so you guys are going to see an exciting show coming this Thursday and a lot of deep balls."

VIDEO: Arkansas players press conference - UAPB week

Green has a 6-foot-6 frame, he runs 22 miles per hour and he can throw the ball 70 yards, according to backup quarterback Malachi Singleton. A native of Lewisville, Texas, Green threw for 1,752 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season with Boise State, plus he added 436 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground.

"I’m just taking everything in," Green said. "We just had meeting with Petrino and this is going to be your first game, your first play. We already got our first play and what we’re going to do. He’s like, ‘This is gonna be your first play as a Hog.’ I’m just going to take everything in. I’ve heard a lot about it. I’ve heard positive things and a passionate fan base so I’m just excited for that first kickoff and hearing the calling of the Hogs."

The last time Petrino coached at War Memorial Stadium was a 44-17 win over Mississippi State for the Razorbacks on Nov. 19, 2011. Former quarterback Tyler Wilson threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns in the game.

ALSO READ: Arkansas closing practices for ‘critical’ 2024 season

According to Green, this year's group of Arkansas quarterbacks have seen plenty of tape from Petrino's old Razorback teams at War Memorial Stadium. Legendary quarterback Ryan Mallett, who tragically passed away in June 2023, is often on those highlights.

"When we watch our install takes, when we watch plays, it’s in that stadium," Green said. "The LSU (game in 2010) with Mallett and everybody he’s coached. Just the thing I’ve taken from him this whole game week is just the preparation that he has.

"When he walked in on Monday, he already had the game plan and what we were gonna do. That’s when I was like, ‘Oh, okay.' So that just causes me to be prepared every single day, because I don’t got no excuse. The plays that we’re running are the plays that we’re running."

RELATED: Comparing Arkansas' Week 1 starters to last year

While Petrino will have likely as much freedom calling plays as he wants, head coach Sam Pittman will have the opportunity to give his opinion. Last time Pittman coached the Hogs against UAPB in 2021, his team scored 45 points in the first half and then he called off the dogs for a scoreless second half.

Whether or not the Razorbacks cover the spread, which is currently 48.5 points on BetSaracen, is to be determined. It sounds like they're not really worried about it, anyways.

"We don't really look into that kind of stuff," Carmona said. "With Petrino's offense, in our mind it's just score, score, score. So who cares what the (point spread) says? We're out here just trying to score and put up points on that board."

Arkansas and UAPB are set for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff Thursday at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The game will be televised on ESPNU.

Login to view embedded media
Entering a pivotal fifth season as the head coach at Arkansas, Sam Pittman explained to reporters Monday his reasoning for closing practice viewings to the media during the 2024 season.

The Razorbacks closed practices down the stretch last season, beginning in late October after the firing of offensive coordinator Dan Enos and running through the remainder of the regular season. In the spring, though, the Hogs were basically an open book with plenty of access for media members and Saturday practices open to the public.

VIDEO: Sam Pittman Monday press conference - UAPB week

While the Razorbacks did open 14 fall camp practices to reporters, they will be keeping things private for the remainder of the season. In past years during Pittman’s tenure, reporters have been allowed to view a short portion of both Monday and Tuesday practices.

Pittman was asked during Monday’s press conference what the reasoning was behind closing practice to the media.

ALSO READ: What Sam Pittman said about UAPB

“Well, guys, it's a really critical year for us,” Pittman said. “I mean, it is. It's a big year for us and I just wanted to keep as much as we could, everything in-house. A lot of times in all honesty, a lot of times from our observing practice, there's some information that I don't want out, that gets out. It's just a big year and that's no negative towards anybody. It's just human nature. 'So-and-so is not starting today.' 'They moved this guy to this.'

“I’m not saying you can’t find that out anyway because we can call people, right? It’s a big year for us and we just wanted to keep everything in house as much as we possibly could. Now, we also understand that you have a job to do and that media is part of our family. Sometimes we like it, sometimes we don't, but you are a part of Hog and a part of our family. We understand that too.

“We’re trying to find as good of a togetherness as we possibly can have. To be honest with you, I’d like to see where it goes and then we’ll decide in the future. We do not want to shut you out of what is going on. There were just too many things I felt like going on that people knew about our program that I didn’t necessarily want them to.”

RELATED: Arkansas' official depth chart for UAPB game

It’s understandable that Pittman and his staff want to avoid any and all unnecessary distractions following a 4-8 campaign in 2023. The Head Hog alluded to situations about some players starting one day and others not — which is a result of reporters writing what they see on the practice field, even if it might not be an accurate representation of who the team would really start in a game. Practice is meant for finding those things out.

While any reporting from practices likely had no true result on the outcome of games a year ago — or any year during Pittman’s tenure, for that matter — it’s reasonable to do like most other SEC teams and just make it a closed setting.

Arkansas will open its season Thursday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Kickoff between the Razorbacks and Golden Lions is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPNU.

Login to view embedded media
FAYETTEVILLE — The Arkansas Razorbacks have released the depth chart for Thursday's season-opener against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions.

Headlining fifth-year head coach Sam Pittman's squad is starting quarterback Taylen Green, a transfer from Boise State. Other new faces listed as starters on offense include running back Ja'Quinden Jackson — listed with an "OR" between him and Rashod Dubinon — left tackle Fernando Carmona Jr., right tackle Keyshawn Blackstock and center Addison Nichols.

Returning starters for first-year offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino include all three receivers — Andrew Armstrong, Tyrone Broden and Isaiah Sategna — plus tight end Luke Hasz, right guard Joshua Braun and left guard Patrick Kutas, who has dealt with a back injury in the preseason. There's an "OR" between Kutas and E'Marion Harris.

Senior defensive end Landon Jackson highlights a defense that has five transfer additions listed as a starter or they are listed with other players as a starter with an "OR" in between. Along the defensive line with Jackson, though, is three other returners in fellow edge rusher Nico Davillier and defensive tackles Cam Ball and Eric Gregory.

Linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. has a big task this season as he'll be heavily relied on as a transfer from Georgia. Sophomore Brad Spence got the nod as a starting linebacker next to Sorey.

In the secondary for defensive coordinator Travis Williams are veteran safeties Hudson Clark and Jayden Johnson, although Clark has an "OR" between him and TJ Metcalf. Sophomore corner Jaylon Braxton is a starter, as is Doneiko Slaughter at the "Hog" (nickel) spot. The other corner spot has three players with an "OR" listed between.

On special teams, Devin Bale will punt and handle kickoff duties. Hawaii transfer Matthew Shipley and Abilene Christian transfer Kyle Ramsey have an "OR" between the two. Isaiah Sategna is listed as punt and kick returner.

Here is the full Arkansas depth chart ahead of Thursday's game against UAPB, which is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock:

Offense​

Offense

Defense​

Defense


-----------------------

Special Teams​

Special Teams

Dune part 2 comes out on the 29th, pretty pumped for that. We've been watching Loudermilk which started off great but has started spinning its wheels late in S1.

Warrior(the TV show not the movie) is out on Netflix. It's great if you haven't seen it. From the same people who did Banshee.

Anyone have any tv or movie recommendations?