Arkansas Football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2021

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COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – OCTOBER 31: Chase Lane #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies is hit by Jalen Catalon #1 of the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first quarter at Kyle Field on October 31, 2020 in College Station, Texas. Jalen Catalon #1 was ejected for targeting. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

1. Rice (W)

If anything will paint the picture of just exactly how far Arkansas is from any sort of relevance, it will be their performance in the season opener hosting Rice. Arkansas will likely win this game, but it is sure to be a tough fight.

The Owls had their own hot moments in a very limited 2020 season, and there is some old hatred here, but those factors will not change the outcome, just the spread. The Razorbacks, especially with opening game jitters, will probably only escape this one by a single-digit margin. Not a great start for Arkansas.

Record: 1-0

2. Texas (L)

This will be the second and final battle versus a former Southwest Conference foe for the Razorbacks amongst their four 2021 non-conference games in total, and thank goodness for that. The Texas Longhorns have not been elite since the Colt McCoy days, but that does not mean that they have been as bad as Arkansas by any means.

Texas will take this one big. A fair estimate of the final tally would be 47-13. In other words, Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman should get a Gatorade bath if his squad keeps it within 30 points.

Record: 1-1

3. Georgia Southern (L)

In regards to the quality of the opponents that Arkansas will lose to next season, this game will be their lowest point of the year.

The Eagles of Georgia Southern have been one of the more competitive Group of Five teams in recent memory, and that is all it will take for them to top the Razorbacks in Arkansas. It will not be a blowout, the Eagles will likely take it by no more than two scores, but it will hurt like crazy nonetheless. This is the last obstacle for the Razorbacks before they begin SEC play, and it will hint at a lot of what is left to come in what is remaining of their season.

Record: 1-2

4. Texas A&M (L)

The Aggies had quite a season for themselves in 2020, falling just short of the playoffs and getting a quality win over North Carolina in the Orange Bowl. Translation: look out, Arkansas.

Texas A&M can outman, outcoach, and subsequently, outplay the Razorbacks from the kickoff to the final quarterback kneel. This is certainly another blowout alert for Arkansas. A&M should be expected to win by about five scores in this match.

Record: 1-3 (0-1 SEC)

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