Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Hands will be full for Hogs in opener
FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas Razorbacks will be trying to snap a nine-game losing streak when they kick off the football season Sept. 5.
If the Razorbacks open the season on that date.
College football teams and fans remain on edge as the covid-19 pandemic, which has already canceled or postponed many games this fall, continues across the country. The SEC, led by Commissioner Greg Sankey, is expected to give an update on the viability
of football some time late next week.
If the Razorbacks kick off on Sept. 5, their opener against Nevada is not expected to be a pushover.
The Wolf Pack, led by fourth-year coach Jay Norvell, were picked to finish second in the West Division of the Mountain West by league coaches in voting released this week. While the Mountain West announced it was postponing its virtual media
days, the conference elected to release its preseason voting. It is the highest preseason projection for the Wolf Pack since the Mountain West split into divisions in 2013.
Nevada finished second in the West Division while going 7-6 in 2019 but knocked off No. 24 San Diego State, the division winner, late in the year. That marked the Wolf Pack’s first-ever road victory over a top 25 opponent and its first victory over a ranked team since the 2010 team upset No. 3 Boise State 34-31 in overtime in what Nevada fans call “The Miracle at Mackay.”
The Wolf Pack was picked to finish second in its division in 2020 behind San Diego State, which received 19 of 21 first-place votes. Nevada received the other two firstplace votes and was projected ahead of Hawaii, Fresno State, San Jose State and UNLV. The Razorbacks’ lengthy losing streak was started in a 31-24 upset loss to San Jose State last Sept. 21.
Nevada is still scheduled to open the season the week before its trip to Arkansas by hosting the University of California-Davis on Aug. 29.
Charleston Southern on track for Arkansas
FAYETTEVILLE — While at least one of the University of Arkansas’ scheduled nonconference football games looks to be on shaky ground due to the covid-19 pandemic, another one firmed up Wednesday.
The Big South Conference, home to Arkansas opponent Charleston Southern, announced on Wednesday that its fall sports competitions would begin on Sept. 3.
The decision was made by the FCS league’s executive committee in consultation with the Big South Council of Athletic Directors, Chief Executive Officers and medical professionals.
The Razorbacks are scheduled to host the Buccaneers on Oct. 3 at Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The programs have never met in football.
Arkansas’ first game against Notre Dame, scheduled for Sept. 12 in South Bend, Ind., looks to be in jeopardy after Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick told ESPN on Tuesday that he would like to see a delayed start to the season.
The Razorbacks are scheduled to open against Nevada on Sept. 5 before traveling to Notre Dame.
Arkansas is the only Power 5 opponent on the 2020 schedule for Charleston Southern, which went 6-6 last season. The Buccaneers lost 72-10 at South Carolina last season in their only Power 5 matchup.