Arkansas Announces Kickoff Times for Early Season Games

© Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

On Thursday, the University of Arkansas announced the kickoff times and TV networks for two of their early season contests in 2024.

The Razorbacks will play their first road game of the year at noon EST on Sept. 7 against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Razorback fans hope the team is sufficiently awake for the game, which will be a big early season test in what will be the first true test of Bobby Petrino's offense. The Hogs will play on national television in their second game of the year against the Cowboys, with the game being broadcast on ABC.

On Sept. 14, Arkansas will play their first game of the year inside the friendly confines of Razorback Stadium, at 4:15 p.m. EST taking on the UAB Blazers. The afternoon kickoff time will certainly pose a challenge for both teams, as the hot sun will create a game marred by attrition. The Razorbacks will play the Blazers in SEC Network's traditional afternoon timeslot.

The Razorbacks' Aug. 29 season opener, a Thursday night game against in-state foe Arkansas Pine-Bluff, has already been slated for a 7:30 p.m. EST kickoff on ESPNU.

Arkansas vs. Oklahoma State History

The Razorbacks and Cowboys have met 46 times in their respective histories, with Arkansas currently doubling up Oklahoma State in wins, 30-15. The teams also tied in September 1946, with the game forever stuck in a 21-21 draw. While the Razorbacks have won the last five contests between the schools, the last game in the series was played in 1980, with Arkansas defeating Oklahoma State 33-20 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The renewing of this former rivalry should be a good measuring stick game for both clubs, especially for a Razorback team who will be very interested to know where they stack up against Power Five competition.

Arkansas vs. UAB History

The only previous meeting between Arkansas and UAB happened in 2014. Led by then second-year head coach Bret Bielema, the Razorbacks, behind 153 rushing yards from RB Jonathan Williams, rolled the Blazers by a score of 45-17.

The game also spurred the short-lived Heisman campaign of OL Sebastian Tretola, who threw for a touchdown in Arkansas' blowout victory.