1) Score Early and Often

The Razorbacks hung three first quarter touchdowns in last year’s season opener against Missouri St. and should be capable of doing the same in 2010. Scoring early and being the first on the scoreboard should bury any chance that Tennessee Tech had to begin with. The Golden Eagles played two FBS teams last year (Georgia and Kansas State) and was beaten by a combined score of 87-7. Any momentum the Golden Eagles could gain from scoring early on the Razorbacks will give them a chance to hang in the game longer than they should.

2. Run the Ball Effectively in the Second Half

The game should be out of reach by the time the second half rolls around. With four different style running backs being featured by the offense this season, it should make a recipe for success. Look for Broderick Green to get plenty of carries to wear down the Tech defense as well as Knile Davis since both are bigger backs. Speedsters Dennis Johnson and Ronnie Wingo should be able to pick up where they left off last season when both averaged over six yard per rush. As long as time is being melted off the clock and the passing game doesn’t have to throw the ball more than 50 times, a victory should come easily.

3. Defend the Golden Eagles Rushing Attack

Last season the Golden Eagles scored a total of 36 touchdowns, 23 of those rushing. If the Golden Eagles establish a running attack it will be a source for points. Last year, the Razorbacks had a conference worse 401 yards per game in total defense. The Arkansas defense has a chance to gain some momentum if they happen to produce a shut out or do something they haven’t done since 2007 – hold a team to single-digit scoring.

4. Eliminate Costly Turnovers

The Golden Eagles led their conference in interceptions last season with 15. Petrino is expected to have a pass heavy playbook in store to get the offense rolling early. As long as Mallet is under control and doesn’t start out too amped up with first game jitters, the passing game should put up huge numbers. Also, no mistakes on special teams. The punt return team should get plenty of reps in the season opener.

5. Remember it is a Game

Although Tennessee Tech is an FCS team, they still play football and this game counts on the record. Big conference teams from the SEC and Big 12 have been known to pile on “cupcake” teams early in the schedule. Being over confident on Saturday shouldn’t cost the Razorbacks a win in a sense, but could possibly make them look less impressive against the hype. Upsets of this magnitude have been known to happen before, such as 2007 when Appalachian State, another FCS team, upset a ranked Michigan team to start the season. The Razorbacks do not want to become part of this stat at any cost.