This season we're resurrecting an old feature charmingly called Reasons to Hate. As a public service to you, the Hog fan, we'll be providing a handy pre-game cheat sheet detailing why you should hate each one of the Razorbacks' opponents this fall. Some weeks will be easier than others...
1. We Hate Christmas. MSU offensive guard David Arkin was recently quoted as saying, "To us, this is pretty much like Christmas. You get a chance to play in front of that many people, it's really exciting, no matter the outcome. And you do have a chance to do something really special, if you win." While that's a perfectly legitimate sentiment, we'd like to see the Hogs play the Grinch role in this game.
2. Remember Last Year. Although the 2009 Hogs are unquestionably better than the 2008 edition, let's not forget the way last season opened: with two impossibly narrow last-second victories over the only cupcakes on the schedule. If a memory of the Razorbacks limping their way to a 28-24 comeback victory over Western Illinois isn't enough to get you at least a little fired up, then we'll really start to question our Knute Rocknesque motivational skills.
3. Fear of Major Embarrassment. Missouri State is 1-22 against Divsion I (excuse us, FBS) teams, including two past losses to Arkansas State. Being the 2nd victory on that list would be all kinds of bad.