Let’s face it, not every Arkansas Razorbacks game in the past five (or even 10) years has been that watchable, even for diehard fans. Between bad coaching hires (cough cough Chad Morris) and some mediocre seasons with other past coaches, Sam Pittman is finally making Arkansas watchable again. With more eyes on the Hogs with their top 25 ranking by AP and an interesting schedule, let’s look at the top five most watchable games this season with my win predictions. 

1. Vs. Cincinnati (Sept. 3)

Who doesn’t love a good top 25 matchup Week 2 of college football? Both teams had their best seasons in years in 2021, with Arkansas winning nine games for the first time in 10 years, and Cincinnati winning a program-record 13 games. Both teams look good ahead of their opening matchup, but I will be betting my money on Arkansas. Arkansas opening at home against a ranked opponent seems like a sure-fire way to lose money, but this will be a close one.

2. At Texas A&M (Sept. 24)

Until last year, this matchup was predictable in favor of Texas A&M. This game is so watchable due to the media pumping up the Aggies and their historic 2022 recruiting class, which earned the top spot on 247Sports’ recruiting rankings. We will know if it is still a top 25 (or even top 15 if things go well for both teams) showdown by Week 3. This is one of my toss-up predictions that includes the condition on the health of both teams, but I will put my money on Arkansas for this game.

3. Vs. Alabama (Oct. 1)

Like Texas A&M, until last year this matchup was in favor of Alabama. After being genuinely surprised at the competitiveness of the matchup last year in Tuscaloosa when the Crimson Tide won by a touchdown, there is great promise for the game this year. I predict that Alabama will win this game by a very small margin. 

4. At BYU (Oct. 15)

One of the few away games for Arkansas this year, this will be an exciting game for both teams’ fanbases. Arkansas, predicted to win by ESPN, on one hand will be settled into the SEC season by this game but also this opens them up to injuries and comfortability with SEC play. This will also be the Razorbacks’ third road game in a four-week span. Quarterback KJ Jefferson is an active player on the field and as we saw in the Texas A&M game last year, injuries are not out of the picture. Additionally, Arkansas has lost some key players to the draft and the transfer portal. For these reasons, I predict that BYU will win this game.

5. Vs. LSU (Nov. 12)

This game is most watchable to other SEC fanbases. A rivalry game that is always a good watch but will be intriguing this year due to the changes at LSU. With the loss of the Tigers’ projected QB1 in Myles Brennan and a new head coach in Brian Kelly, this isn’t a hard one to predict. I predict that Arkansas will win this year but next year will be more of a toss-up.