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Arkansas Football: Game preview, prediction, live stream vs. South Carolina

By Connor Muldowney

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 30: Head Coach Bret Bielem of the Arkansas Razorbacks on the sidelines during a game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Aggies 42-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 30: Head Coach Bret Bielem of the Arkansas Razorbacks on the sidelines during a game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Aggies 42-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Arkansas football will travel to South Carolina to take on the Gamecocks in Week 6. Here’s everything you need to know.

The start of the 2017 season had a different feel for Arkansas football. Not only were the Razorbacks looking to stay relevant in the SEC, but head coach Bret Bielema was entering the year firmly planted on the hot seat. Before this season, that wasn’t exactly the case.

How long could Razorback fans be OK with 7-5 seasons? Clearly they’re growing restless in Fayetteville as Bielema is in a constant “win now” mode. He’s coming off a win over New Mexico State in Week 5 which followed two consecutive losses to Texas A&M and TCU.

On the other side, South Carolina has been trending in the right direction ever since Will Muschamp took over. He has led the Gamecocks back to football relevance and has them off to a 3-2 start this year. However, the Gamecocks, too, are coming off a tough loss to Texas A&M.

South Carolina will need to rely on strong-armed quarterback Jake Bentley while Arkansas has Austin Allen to fall back on. This one could be one of the more intriguing games of the week.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Arkansas vs. South Carolina game:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 7
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Location: Columbia, S.C.
Venue: Williams-Brice Stadium
TV: SEC Network
Live Stream: SEC Sports Go

Keys to Victory

This one is going to be a quarterback battle. Allen hasn’t had quite the season he was hoping for in Fayetteville, but the Razorbacks’ gunslinger is going to need to have his best game of 2017. He’s gotten better each week, but Arkansas will need him to keep up the momentum and surpass the 300-yard mark. Arkansas will also need Devwah Waley to record his second straight 100-yard game. Offensive momentum is key for the Razorbacks.

Since it’s a quarterback battle, Bentley doesn’t necessarily need to go for 350-plus yards or any crazy number through the air, but the Gamecocks will need him to protect the ball. He’s thrown three interceptions over the last three games and that won’t fly in this one. Win the turnover battle and the Gamecocks will win the game.

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Prediction

Austin Allen and Devwah Waley will have yet another solid offensive showing, but the defense won’t get the necessary stops on third down against Jake Bentley and Co. The rising sophomore will reach 300 yards for the second time in four games and will stay turnover-free. Arkansas will drop to 2-3 on the season, but will that be enough to let Bielema walk? It’s going to be an interesting week in Fayetteville after this one.

Final Score: Arkansas 24, South Carolina 30

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