So what about LaTech @ Arkansas?

A win here, for LaTech and C-USA, would be a mighty fine thing. But asking the Bulldogs to pull this one off is going to be a mighty tall order.

What? LaTech without Kenneth Dixon? C-USA fans haven't seen such an animal. Yeah, I know about Boston Scott and the experience on the line, but you don't easily replace a player like Dixon. There's also the QB situation...is there another Sokol or Driscoll hiding in Ruston? So, the offense is a question mark, and the defense lost a lot from last year.

On the other hand, I don't see the Razorbacks as good as they were last year, and they were just OK, last year. Big loss at QB and RB creates question marks, but the defense is pretty solid and should be able to stop the Bulldogs at home in Arkansas.

As much as I'd like to see this win (and count me among those that think that LaTech was the BEST add in our recent realignment, bringing nothing but good mojo to the Conference), I don't think this is the year that the Bulldogs pull this out.

The opening odds show Arkansas -20.5. I think that's a bit harsh. My prediction: Arkansas 27 - LaTech 14.

I have to admit to knowing very little about this match up other than what I could find on-line. The good news for the Dogs appears to be that this could be a good year to catch the Razorbacks on the schedule as they are replacing their QB, running back and three of the O-line. The bad news is that the Dogs are facing the same problems plus having to replace 8 defensive starters.

I agree with Cnelson until his final conclusion. This looks like a rough go for the Dogs for the first game of the season. I think Tech will have a hard time beating the spread.

Arkansas has always been a tough out for the Dawgs every time they are on our schedule. As long as we play them hard and don't lose anyone to injuries, I am ok.

Under Bileima, Arkansas seems to want to control the line of scrimmage and pound the ball on you. They seem to struggle early in the season and come on really strong late in the season.

I think Tech is going to try to do the same thing this year with the very experienced OL and potentially shaky QB. (gonna miss Dixon though)

Tech just got 2 transfer LBs that are good run-stoppers, but not great pass defenders. I think we might be able to force them to throw more than they are expecting to have to. But we have 4 new CBs to break-in, so they will have their hands full in Game 1.

I like the Hogs to win this one with a low-scoring 1st half and then they pull away late when they realize they can pass on us. I know nothing about their defense, but we don't look to be a high-scoring offense this year. 34-17 Arkansas.

I think Holtz will have the team ready and it will be close, at least closer than the current line.

Positions I think we have advantage in:
Special teams
RB
O-line

Their advantage:
Defense
Home

I'd rank our WR above theirs, just because Im not sure just how good theirs are as a whole.

How will our green defense stack up to their green offense?

I think it will come down to who's new QB will be better for this game? Does Higgins improve? Does Austin Allen come out hot or will the we be able to get to him?

Arkansas 20 LA TECH 10, Depth wins late.

I'm not worried about our 5th year QB at all. Higgins proved in the Spring that he is ready to lead this team.
RB is a major concern though in terms of durability and experience. We will likely keep it close until the 4th quarter, but that is when fumbles and depth could become an issue.

(07-01-2016 06:04 PM)DogsWin1 Wrote:  I'm not worried about our 5th year QB at all. Higgins proved in the Spring that he is ready to lead this team.
RB is a major concern though in terms of durability and experience. We will likely keep it close until the 4th quarter, but that is when fumbles and depth could become an issue.

Thats pretty much the story of all of our SEC games.

I feel like if our O-line can hold em, and Arkansas' pass defense is no better than last year's, then Higgens could make an important impact in this game.

Our defense may even surprise us.

This may be the only time all season that I pull for Tech to win a game, so don't screw this up.

LA Tech 24
Arkansas 17

(07-02-2016 08:47 PM)HogDawg Wrote:  LA Tech 24
Arkansas 17

Which means you actually beat them by 3 touchdowns

(07-02-2016 08:51 PM)KAjunRaider Wrote:  

(07-02-2016 08:47 PM)HogDawg Wrote:  LA Tech 24
Arkansas 17

Which means you actually beat them by 3 touchdowns

Pretty much