Arkansas‘ march through a schedule regarded as one of the toughest in the country continues Saturday when the No. 8 Razorbacks put their perfect start on the line at No. 2 Georgia in a battle of unbeaten SEC squads. Since a 10-3 season-opening win over Clemson, the Bulldogs have outscored their last three opponents 158-20 and have looked like one of college football‘s few truly elite teams.
But with wins over Texas and Texas A&M under its belt, Arkansas will pose a far stiffer stiffer test than any of Georgia’s last three opponents as the Hogs set out for their first true road game. These two met last season in Sam Pittman’s first game as the Arkansas coach after he left his gig as Georgia’s offensive line coach, and the Razorbacks played a competitive game before fading late in a 37-10 loss.
Since then, Pittman has reinvigorated the program to a point where it is ready for another crack at Smart’s vaunted squad. Arkansas is much-improved since Pittman’s debut loss to the Bulldogs a year ago, but Georgia looks better as well. The Bulldogs now have a healthy JT Daniels at quarterback and will have the distinct advantage of playing at home as these squads meet again.
Georgia vs. Arkansas: Need to know
Arkansas banged up: Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson and star receiver Treylon Burks each left in the second half of the Razorbacks’ 20-10 win over Texas A&M last week with injuries/. Jefferson suffered a knee injury in the game, while Burks’ exact injury is unclear. Both are expected to play against Georgia, but having them banged up for this game could be a concern for Pittman’s squad. Jefferson is second on the team in rushing and proving capable of hitting on big plays as a passer. Burks is far and away the team’s leading receiver, and Arkansas will likely need big days from both to escape Georgia with a win.
Defense is king: The only touchdown allowed by Georgia’s defense through three games came in garbage time of a blowout victory over South Carolina two weeks ago. Opponents have reached the red zone just four times against the Bulldogs this season. But Arkansas’ defense is vicious, too. The Razorbacks limited Texas to just 256 total yards two weeks ago, and the Longhorns proceeded to accumulate more than 600 yards in each of their next two games while scoring a total of 128 points. Statistically, Georgia’s defense holds the edge, but given the quality of opposition it has faced, it’s clear Arkansas’ defense is also top-notch.
Georgia getting key players back: The Bulldogs dealt with a swath of injuries and absences during preseason practice that cast a pall over the beginning of their season. Two potentially key Georgia players are set to make their debuts this week, however, as defensive back Tykee Smith and tight end Darnell Washington return from foot injuries. Smith is a ballyhooed transfer from West Virginia expected to compete for reps at the nickel position. Washington is a 6-foot-7, 265-pound weapon in the pass game who creates mismatches due to his combination of size and speed.
How to watch Georgia vs. Arkansas live
Date: Saturday, Oct. 2 | Time: Noon ET
Location: Sanford Stadium — Athens, Georgia
TV: ESPN | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Georgia vs. Arkansas prediction, picks
Featured Game | Georgia Bulldogs vs. Arkansas Razorbacks
This massive spread seems like an overreaction to Georgia’s recent explosive offensive outings against overmatched foes. Don’t forget this team failed to score an offensive touchdown against Clemson in Week 1. Arkansas has proven its superiority against two quality opponents already this season, and those wins over Texas and Texas A&M will give it more than enough confidence to go Between the Hedges and give the Bulldogs a close fight. Prediction: Arkansas (+18.5)
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