Arkansas Set to Face UAB in 'Get Right' Game for the Hogs

Sep 13, 20242 min read

Arkansas | Taylen Green — © William Purnell-Imagn Images

Arkansas (1-1) will look to bounce back from a disappointing road loss by playing the UAB Blazers (1-1) in the Razorbacks' home opener at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium at 4:15 p.m. EST on Sept. 14.

The Razorbacks were dealt a heartbreaking 39-31 loss to No. 13 Oklahoma State last Saturday. With the pain of that loss still prevalent, the Sept. 14 contest will be a crucial one. With the gauntlet of Southeastern Conference play awaiting Arkansas on the other side of the Blazers, procuring a victory is of the utmost importance.

What's at Stake?

Arkansas is looking to get back on the left side of the win column after a disappointing loss in Stillwater, Okla. The first game in front of the home crowd is always special, especially for a team that should be improved over their 2023 counterpart.

The Blazers, meanwhile, are also looking to bounce back from a loss, though no part of the 32-6 thumping against Louisiana Monroe was heartbreaking or close. UAB is a heavy underdog this weekend and it'll take a miracle for head coach Trent Dilfer's squad to pull off the upset.

Key Players: Arkansas

There may not be a bigger 180 in college football this year than Arkansas' offense. A year after the Razorbacks struggled mightily to score points or move the ball, offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino has the offense firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Taylen Green and running back Ja'Quinden Jackson are major components of that offense. While Arkansas lost in Stillwater, 648 yards of offense is a pretty solid total that both players contributed heavily to for the Razorbacks.

TJ Metcalf — © SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Arkansas' secondary also shined against Oklahoma State, particularly defensive backs Hudson Clark and Jaheim Singletary. If Arkansas' defense—especially those two players—are on it early, then it could be a long day for the Blazers' offense.

Key Players: UAB

Quarterback Jacob Zeno is the undisputed leader of this Blazers squad. His performance could determine if UAB has a chance to win entering the fourth quarter. In UAB's season-opening victory over Alcorn State, Zeno threw for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns. In UAB's 32-6 loss to Louisiana Monroe, those numbers dipped to 167 yards and zero scores, respectively.

Safety Sirad Bryant leads UAB in tackles through two weeks. He—along with the rest of UAB's defense—will have to match Arkansas' physicality in order to stay in the game. If UAB's defense does its job, then the Blazers could turn this into a game late.