The expansion of the SEC is coming and what better way to prepare for it than a historic matchup between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas Longhorns. The last sell-out crowd in Donald W. Reynolds Stadium was a loss to TCU in 2017. In 2018, the stadium was renovated which added 4,000 seats. After a long football hardship, Razorback fans are excited to be back supporting the Hogs on what is sure to be a memorable night.

The Texas Longhorns moved up in the rankings to #15 after a convincing 38-18 victory over #23 Louisiana.

Despite the new faces on the coaching staff, the Longhorns had enough weapons to make an impressive debut for Steve Sarkisian.Dual-threat quarterback Hudson Card (R-Fr.) started out underwhelming early on then got into a rhythm completing 14-of-21 for 224 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. Card stayed composed finding teammates in tight windows and he didn’t let his inexperience speak for his play. His primary target, WR Jordan Whittington (Soph.), had 7 receptions for 113 yards along with a touchdown. Whittington showed his ability to get open, shed tackles, and make difficult catches. Sophomore star running back Bijan Robinson had a solid performance on the ground having 20 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, he displayed his versatility with 4 receptions for 73 yards including one touchdown. Bijan will continue to be the key playmaker for the Texas offense moving forward and it will only get more troublesome with Sarkisian calling the shots.

The Razorback defense was a lifesaver by playing damage control from three-and-outs, a blocked punt, and an interception. The one downside for the defense was ejections. The Hogs faced two ejections to both starting linebackers, Grant Morgan (R-Sr.) and Bumper Pool (Sr.). Grant was ejected in the first half and sat out the rest of the Rice game while Bumper’s ejection was in the second half and he will sit out in the first half against Texas. Although Bumper was absent most of the second half, the defense didn’t skip a beat. All-American safety Jalen Catalon (R-So.) had two interceptions, 6 solo tackles, and one tackle for loss. DB Montaric Brown (R-Sr.) also went lurking for an interception in the 4th quarter. With Bumper Pool sitting out the first half, Arkansas has a lot on their plate with Bijan Robinson and Hudson Card. They will have to limit them from getting big chunk yardage plays and stay with Bijan wherever he goes. Texas is going to be tested in the trenches. Arkansas has all of their offensive linemen returning from last year and they are much bigger than the season before. Texas will have to force KJ to air it out so the Hogs will need every bit of star receiver Treylon Burks.

It’s evident that the offense of Texas and Arkansas defense will determine the result of the game because the respective sides are well-coached and talented.