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Arkansas Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Coastal Carolina

By Matthew Bartlett

OXFORD, MS - OCTOBER 28: Head Coach Bret Bielema of the Arkansas Razorbacks yells to a official during a game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Hemingway Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Razorbacks defeated the Rebels 38-37. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS - OCTOBER 28: Head Coach Bret Bielema of the Arkansas Razorbacks yells to a official during a game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Hemingway Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Razorbacks defeated the Rebels 38-37. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Arkansas football will host FCS foe Coastal Carolina in Week 10, looking to build some momentum for the end of the season.

Arkansas (3-5) has a chance to begin their first winning streak of the season on Saturday against Coastal Carolina (1-7). After starting their conference slate 0-4, they finally broke through against Ole Miss in Week 9, defeating the Rebels 38-37 on a late field goal.

Arkansas already has a pair of wins this season over FCS foes. They defeated Florida A&M in Week 1 with the help of a bizarre penalty and bested New Mexico State in Week 5. If the Razorbacks have any hope of a bowl game in 2017 they must take care of business at home against Coastal Carolina of the Sun Belt.

Fortunately for the Hogs, they might have some help from quarterback Austin Allen. Injured against South Carolina, Allen has taken a back seat to backup Cole Kelley. Coach Bret Bielama said he expects Kelly to start, but both quarterbacks to see some playing time on Saturday.

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

Date: Saturday, Nov. 4
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Location: Fayetteville, Ark.
Venue: Razorback Stadium
TV: SEC Network
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Bielema is starting to run out of time at Arkansas. His seat has gradually been warming up as the season progresses, but would be set ablaze by a loss against Coastal Carolina. The Hogs don’t need this to pretty, they just need to win. That means playing disciplined, Arkansas football and committing to the ground game early.

The Razorbacks have a stable of capable rushers. Whether it’s David Williams, Devwah Whaley or Chase Hayden they’re more than capable of picking up chunk plays against the Chanticleers.

Coastal favors the run too. Quarterback Tyler Keane has completed more than 10 passes in just three of the Chants eight games, all losses. Keeping the game close and committing to the run is in their best interest as well. The Razorbacks have the 100th rated rushing defense in the nation, if the Chants keep at it they’ll be able to move the ball on the ground.

Next: Latest 2018 NFL Mock Draft entering Week 10

Prediction

This is not going to be a long game. Both teams are committed to the running game and not the strongest offensive squads in the country. Arkansas will take a few punches early but by the time the second half comes around the game will be decidedly out of reach for the Chants limited offense.

Bret Bielema returns to Austin Allen as his primary passer and he leads the Hogs to a victory at home. While it might not be an indication of long-term success, for at least one weekend the Razorbacks will look like a well-rounded football team.

Final Score: Coastal Carolina 10, Arkansas 35

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