Arkansas Razorbacks vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: How To Watch, Preview, Prediction

Arkansas Razorbacks (2-7, 0-6 SEC) vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5-4, 4-2 C-USA)

Date & Time: Saturday, November 9th 2019, Noon ET

Streaming: SEC Network

Location: Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Betting Line: Arkansas -1.5 O/U 52.5

All-Time Series Record: This is the first ever meeting between the two programs

Outlook

The biggest storyline of this game is the return of WKU QB Ty Storey to his former program. Storey, also an Arkansas native, was a member of the Razorback program from 2016-2018. Now the starting quarterback of the Tops, Storey has completed 69.8% of his passes with 1,477 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions.

On the other side, the Hogs haven’t exactly been stellar this season, as evidenced by their 2-7 record. As such, they’re making adjustments to try and right the ship. Redshirt freshman John Stephen Jones, grandson of Cowboy’s owner Jerry Jones, will get the start at quarterback this week following some good garbage time play in a 54-24 loss to Mississippi State.

The Razorbacks’ primary offensive threat is running back Rakeem Boyd. The junior is third in the SEC with 820 rushing yards this season. He’s also averaging 5.8 yards per carry against non-conference opponents.

For the Tops’ defense, it still all comes back to DeAngelo Malone. The defensive end leads C-USA in sacks with nine and in tackles for loss with 17. Him continuing to cause problems in the backfield will give WKU the best chance at a victory.

Prediction

This could be a very important win for WKU and Tyson Helton. I’ve said it before about WKU in the last few weeks, but if they establish the run game and keep up the pressure on Arkansas’ pass game.

WKU wins 28-24