PROVO, Utah – For the primary time, we’re going to see BYU vs Arkansas in soccer. Within the phrases of Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman, it’s an “irregular” recreation for an SEC group to depart their dwelling state for non-conference. Then it will get even weirder when you think about it’s a non-conference recreation for an SEC group on the street in week seven.
However right here we’re, a recreation that options two groups eager to get again on the successful aspect of issues to kick off the second half of the season.
BYU enters this recreation outdoors the Prime 25 rankings for the primary time since final October once they confronted Washington State. Arkansas comes into this matchup 3-3 and on a three-game shedding streak.
Each groups will meet once more in 2023 when BYU is a member of the Massive 12 Convention subsequent 12 months in Fayetteville.
BYU vs. Arkansas
Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN
Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM – Prolonged Pregame begins at 9 a.m.)
Now it’s time for the 3-2-1 recreation preview for right now’s matchup between BYU and Arkansas.
Three Recreation Day Ideas
1. BYU/Arkansas ought to produce some offensive fireworks
Each of the defenses on this matchup have flaws. BYU’s rush protection is ranked a centesimal nationally, whereas Arkansas is 127th within the nation in passing yards allowed. Count on some offensive numbers to place up.
Arkansas is eleventh nationally in speeding offense; they may probably keep on with their identification and run the ball. Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson is one of the best signal-caller BYU will face this season. He’s rushed for 358 yards this season, with 231 yards coming after contact.
Will probably be as much as BYU’s protection to get an occasional three-and-out or a takeaway to maintain the Hogs from consuming up the clock. That’s the one factor that might stop this recreation from placing up numbers. However I nonetheless count on each groups to attain a powerful variety of factors.
2. Curious to see how BYU’s offensive line handles the stress from Arkansas
Arkansas goes to carry the warmth in opposition to BYU. Sam Pittman even mentioned they must stress Jaren Corridor in the event that they wish to come away with a win. BYU’s offensive line must be prepared for the problem.
The Hogs line up in a 3-3-5 or 4-2-5, which reminds BYU offensive coordinator of the previous Rocky Lengthy/Bronco Mendenhall defenses of the previous.
BYU’s offensive line was touted as among the finest within the nation coming into the 12 months. Nonetheless, after giving up 9 sacks via six video games, nobody is mistaking them as among the finest items within the land proper now. The expertise is there. However they must be at their greatest right now as a result of Arkansas will carry the stress. With QB Jaren Corridor nonetheless recovering from an harm after taking an enormous hit in opposition to Utah State, holding QB1 upright is crucial for BYU’s success for the rest of the 12 months.
3. BYU followers have an opportunity to indicate what their ambiance is like in opposition to an SEC group
Since followers have been welcomed again to LaVell Edwards Stadium after the conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ambiance at LES created by BYU followers has been glorious. Now they’ve received an opportunity to indicate the improved ambiance in opposition to an SEC group.
The final time BYU hosted an SEC squad in Provo was in 2016 in opposition to Mississippi State. Even from that recreation six years in the past, BYU has made important leaps in recreation day expertise. With the sport being offered out early within the week, this can be a loud crowd eager to make an affect from the opening kick.
Two BYU vs Arkansas Questions
1. Will BYU preserve it easy at operating again?
BYU offensive coordinator mentioned he’s “hopeful” that operating again Miles Davis will have the ability to play right now in opposition to Arkansas. However, if Davis can’t go, there’s just one route to show to at operating again, and that’s Chris Brooks.
Thus far of the season, Brooks has in all probability underachieved from the lofty expectations that have been positioned on him coming into the season. However that’s the case with most positions inside BYU’s offense this 12 months.
The Arkansas rush protection isn’t spectacular, as they’ve given up 148.3 yards per recreation. That places them 76th nationally. It’s time for an enormous recreation for Brooks. He hasn’t damaged the century mark for the reason that week one win over USF. If Davis is out, the choices are dwindling at operating again; preserve it easy, and run the ball with Brooks.
2. How a lot time will BYU’s offense have the ball?
BYU at present ranks 118th nationally in time of possession. Final week in opposition to Notre Dame, BYU had the ball for lower than 20 minutes. You’re not going to win many video games with a time of possession that’s lower than 20 minutes.
Arkansas runs the soccer, so it’s not out of the realm of risk for them to empty the clock and play stay away from BYU’s offense. BYU’s protection was aggressive final week, however they’d no reply for Notre Dame Michael Mayer, who was an computerized third down converter for the Irish. So if BYU can get a few third down stops, a takeaway, or two, that bodes properly for the BYU offense.
One rating prediction for BYU vs Arkansas
I imagine BYU wins this recreation in an in depth one. It’s arduous to image BYU successful by a landing or extra, however 4 factors or much less, I see that taking place.
Arkansas is the traditional opponent that faces an Impartial BYU midseason that questions what they’re doing enjoying the Cougars within the thick of their convention season. It’s a little bit of an empty-the-tank sort of recreation for Arkansas, as they’ve a bye subsequent week. However I believe BYU’s protection will shock some folks this week. It’s a hunch on my finish. BYU confirmed some progress defensively final week in opposition to the Irish, regardless of being on the sphere for greater than 40 minutes. There’s a willingness to carry stress, do it once more in opposition to the Hogs.
I’ll additionally say Puka Nacua is focused early and sometimes. He has the possibility for an enormous recreation in opposition to a suspect Arkansas secondary.
BYU will get again within the win column to start the second half of the season.
BYU 33, Arkansas 30
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports activities Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Comply with him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
