Cincinnati Bearcats at Arkansas Razorbacks 9/3/22 - College Football Picks & Predictions

The Cincinnati Bearcats visit the Arkansas Razorbacks and Fayetteville on Saturday September 3rd in the opening game of the college football regular season for both. Last season Cincinnati was 13-1 overall and 8-0 in the ACC and reached the College Football Playoff for the very first time. The Bearcats lost quarterback Desmond Ridder who was a two-time AAC offensive player of the year.

Cincinnati has not announced its starting quarterback but Evan Prater has the inside track to replace Ridder. The offensive line is solid with all five starters returning with three that were All-AAC last season. Cincinnati as former LSU running back Corey Kiner slated in to start and Ryan Montgomery will see plenty of action. Tight end Josh Whyle is sure-handed and likely to be one of the top targets for the starting quarterback.

Arkansas finished the 2021 regular season 9-4 overall and 4-4 in the SEC. Arkansas defeated Penn State in the Outback Bowl and during the regular season head victories over Texas A&M, Missouri and LSU in conference play as well embarrassing Texas 40-21. Arkansas will have starting quarterback KJ Jefferson back under center and the ground game is the key to their success as last season the Razorbacks averaged 228 yards rushing which was best in the SEC.

Last season, Jefferson rushed for 664 yards and six touchdowns while also completing 67% of his passes with 21 touchdowns and four interceptions. Jefferson's favorite target will be Oklahoma transfer Jadon Haselwood. Dominique Johnson and Raheim Sanders will share time as the top two running backs. The offensive line has two starters returning from last season. Arkansas’ defense must pressure the passer and will feature as many as six defensive backs on the field in different situations.