Arkansas vs. Rutgers Game Predictions
Passing Offense:
Arkansas will have quarterback Tyler Wilson back, who was not cleared to play last week against Alabama. Gary Nova for Rutgers is completing roughly 55 percent of his throws with four touchdowns thus far. Arkansas has great skill at the wide receiver position that should cause mismatch issues for Rutgers defense. Rutgers rushes more than they pass, so Arkansas must take advantage of their passing game.
Advantage: Arkansas
Special Teams:
Arkansas looked out-of-sync last week with botched snaps and a missed field goal. If the game becomes one of field position, Arkansas will have to execute better in the special teams. Rutgers kicker Kyle Federico has been perfect on point-after attempts and is 67 percent on field goals. Zach Hocker and Dylan Breeding have the ability to change the outcome if presented the opportunity.
Advantage: Arkansas
Rushing Offense:
Rutgers tends to rely on the run more than the pass. They have 110 rushing attempts compared to 90 pass plays. Arkansas, on the other hand, is slightly more even with 99 pass plays and 98 rush plays. Arkansas seems to have the talent on paper with Knile Davis and Dennis Johnson, but thus far Rutgers has outgained the Hogs in the rushing statistics.
Advantage: Rutgers
Coaching:
Arkansas seems to be in disarray at times on the sideline. Whether it is interim head coach John. L Smith or one of the assistants, somebody needs to take ownership and be a true leader. Kyle Flood was named the head coach of the Scarlet Knights earlier this year after Greg Schiano left to coach in the NFL. In his first season as a head coach, Flood has helped his team get off to a 3-0 start and Arkansas is looking for leadership.
Advantage: Rutgers
Passing Defense:
Arkansas looked lost on a few plays last week in the secondary without their main cornerback Tevin Mitchel. Rutgers has not faced the talent that Arkansas possesses at the skill positions thus far, so it will be a measuring stick to see where they stand against the Hogs’ receivers. The inability of the Hogs to stop the pass so far and Rutgers’ ability to allow fewer points per game puts the teams in similar territory.
Advantage: Even
Overall:
Arkansas on paper has the talent to play with any team in the country. The ability of the Hogs has been slow out of the gate this season while Rutgers has surged to a 3-0 record. The Razorbacks seem to be in a downward spiral that they are trying to correct and Rutgers wants to snatch the opportunity and leave Fayetteville with a win. Until Arkansas can get out the funk they are in, both teams come into the contest evenly matched.
Advantage: Even
