2016 Arkansas Game-by-Game Predictions

Expectations were high in this article last year, and Arkansas fell short of those expectations but managed to finish strong to end the 2015 season.

The 2016 Razorbacks will break in a new starting quarterback, new running backs and a newer offensive line.

Let's get right into it.

Sept. 3 vs. Louisiana Tech

Skip Holtz makes his return to Fayetteville for possibly the first time since he lived here when his father was the Head Hog.

A team that won 10 games a year ago lost Jeff Driskel and Arkansas native Kenneth Dixon. They'll still be a challenge, however, but the Hogs should be up to it.

Hogs win, 41-17.

Sept. 10 at TCU

A lot has changed for Gary Patterson in Fort Worth, but the Horned Frogs should be a tough out at home.

Trevone Boykin is gone, but there's a good chance that Kenny Trill will be the TCU starter in Week 2.

Arkansas fans don't have fond memories of the Trill from the 2014 Southwest Classic.

Hogs lose, 31-23.

Sept. 17 vs. Texas State

This team was coached by Dennis Franchione until this past season, and now he's gone.

His last visit to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium resulted in a 30-12 victory for his Alabama Crimson Tide in 2002.

And yeah, before you ask, that was the game Shaud Williams went 80 yards untouched on the first play from scrimmage.

Hogs win, 45-14.

Sept. 24 vs. Texas A&M (Arlington, Texas)

Arkansas hasn't beaten the Aggies since they joined the SEC. Not because they haven't had chances, but they haven't been able to get it done.

Is this the year? Maybe, but that Hog offensive line going against Myles Garrett & Co. scares me.

Hogs lose, 34-27.

Oct. 1 vs. Alcorn State (Little Rock)

As close to a rent-a-win as you'll find in the FBS.

If Arkansas loses this game, War Memorial Stadium will burn.

Hogs win, 51-7.

Oct. 8 vs. Alabama

I was a senior in high school the last time Arkansas defeated the Crimson Tide in football. Not coincidentally, that was the last time Nick Saban didn't coach them.

Until he's no longer the coach, I can't pick the Hogs.

Hogs lose, 28-17.

Oct. 15 vs. Ole Miss

Surely Hugh Freeze isn't going to let Bret Bielema get the upper hand for a third straight year, is he?

Actually, I think he will. Chad Kelly is very good, but I think the Rebels are very beatable and the Hog defense should be a lot better.

Hogs win, 41-31.

Oct. 22 at Auburn

It wouldn't shock me a bit if Gus Malzahn has watched tape of the 4-OT thriller from last year every day since last October.

Ricardo Louis just dropped another pass.

Hogs lose, 35-20.

Nov. 5 vs. Florida

An open date helps Arkansas prepare for the Gators, who will be one of the favorites to win the SEC East again.

The Hogs haven't beaten Florida since Ronald Reagan's first term. Don't see that changing this year, either.

Hogs lose, 33-27.

Nov. 12 vs. LSU

The Hogs would LOVE to beat LSU for a third straight year.

One, because it's never happened, and two, because it would probably cost Les Miles his job this time.

Can the Arkansas defense stop the Leonard Fournette train yet again?

Hogs win, 31-28.

Nov. 19 at Mississippi State

Bret Bielema has been unable to get the best of Dan Mullen, although, that's also coincided with the Bulldogs having Dak Prescott on their roster.

That does open the door, and it will be in the middle of NovemBERT.

Hogs win, 21-17.

Nov. 25 at Missouri

I almost feel bad for Barry Odom. Missouri has taken black eye after black eye in the last 365 days.

They'll take another one the day after Thanksgiving.

Hogs win, 42-10.

When you add it all up, that's 7-5 (4-4).

That earns the Hogs, in a rebuilding year, a trip to Shreveport and the Independence Bowl.

The Hogs had never won back-to-back bowl games until last year. They pull off the trifecta.

And we'll do this again next July.