Score predictions from RazorbacksWire staff as Hogs take on WCU
Finally.
The first week of college footbal list here.
Well, unless you’re Arkansas, then it isn’t here, it’s in Little Rock, the state capital three hours away from campus.
But otherwise!
The Razorbacks open the 2023 season in just about the easiest way possible, against FCS Western Carolina. The Catamounts haven’t been a winning program the last 20 years and Arkansas is a team looking to take the next step up into eight-, nine-win territory.
In other words, the game won’t be close. Rather, it shouldn’t be close. We suppose if KJ Jefferson, two running backs, two offensive line starters and maybe half the defense go down, sure, Western Carolina has a shot.
The Citadel, though, WCU is not.
Let’s take a look at how the RazorbacksWire staff sees the game going Saturday.
Editor E. Wayne
Arkansas 52, Western Carolina 7
Against an FCS level of competition in the first game of the season? If Arkansas wants to be anything close to what fans are hoping, a massive margin is necessary.
Contributor Connor Goodson
Arkansas 42, Western Carolina 10
Let’s just get it out of the way. No one on our four-person staff is picking a close game. The only question is how wide the margin is.
Contributor Derek Oxford
Arkansas 45, Western Carolina 17
Seventeen points feels like a lot for the Catamounts. It could happen, especially if it comes against the Hogs’ third-teamers. But if Arkansas defense is truly improved, it won’t against the first team.
Contributor Steve Andrews
Arkansas 51, Western Carolina 20
Yes, Missouri State, an FCS school, almost pulled an upset against Arkansas last year. Those were different circumstances and two significantly different FCS programs.
It ain’t happening, folks.
