Arkansas Football Versus FCS Opponents

As the Summer heat fades to a Fall chill, Arkansas football fans look to fill Razorback Road as they prepare for the 2025 season opener. The game, versus an FCS opponent in Alabama A&M, is not one that national television was clamoring to attract. The game does give both programs an idea as to what changes or tweaks may need to be made early in the season. The FCS opponent is not one often seen for Razorbacks fans in recent history. There is also one we will detail that has been erased from memories for all involved. We will analyze some recent history versus FCS opponents, recap a dark day in Arkansas history, and, briefly, preview this season opener. 

Arkansas Football Versus FCS Opponents

History of Wins Versus Opponents 

When the FCS classification began in 1978, Arkansas did not play these opponents. This decision was largely based on ideals from coaches such as Frank Broyles and Lou Holtz in this era. Instead, regional opponents were placed in these slots to ensure strict scheduling within the Southwest Conference. 

In 1992, when Arkansas joined the Southeastern Conference, this ideology shifted. Since that season, Arkansas has faced 17 opponents and has amassed an impressive 16-1 record, including outscoring these opponents by roughly 30 points on average. One may think when seeing a nearly unblemished record that these games have all been blowouts, but this has not always been the case. 

We will briefly discuss a few games before looking back on the iconic game in 1992. In the Houston Nutt era, Arkansas beat up on Missouri State. In 2003, the Razorbacks racked up over 400 yards in a domineering 45-7 win. Two seasons later, fans saw a young Darren McFadden rush for over 100 yards in his freshman campaign in a 49-7 routing. Two seasons later, in 2007, the same McFadden and the Hogs overcame a close first half from Chattanooga. In the end, the star back ran for 184 yards and a 34-15 win. 

In 2008, the debut season of Bobby Petrino as head coach, Arkansas survived a near-disaster against Western Illinois. The Leathernecks led, 24-21, late in the contest to put a jolt in the Hogs. In the end, Arkansas prevailed behind a late touchdown to win 28-24. We saw another debut, in 2013, from Bret Bielema, where Arkansas had another close call. In this game, versus Samford, Arkansas eked out a 31-21 win. 

Recent Winning Continues

More recent seasons, such as 2019, have seen Arkansas fans bite their nails versus FCS opponents. In this game, versus Portland State, Arkansas, led by Chad Morris, won 20-13 behind a late field goal to get out alive against the Vikings. The 2022 season saw the return of a familiar face as Missouri State visited Fayetteville. At the time, Petrino led the Bears, and this game may have sparked the interest to return. Sam Pittman sweated bullets as Petrino and his calls carved Arkansas for 385 passing yards. The Bears fell in the end, 38-27, but the impact was felt as fans still recall this performance from the former Hog coach. 

Last season, we saw Arkansas dismantle Arkansas Pine-Bluff. The 70-0 walk-through saw Arkansas score on all 10 possessions. The Razorbacks have never lost on the road to an FCS program, while nearly all have been at home. We will now look back at a game that no one wants to discuss, but we have to, from a historical aspect. 

Not Again! 

Arkansas was in the midst of a transition from the SWC to the SEC in what was its first season in the new conference. Speaking of transition, then head coach Jack Crowe was in his third season, which was less than stellar, 3-8 and 6-6 seasons prior. In comes The Citadel, a Southern Conference I-AA team looking to pull a massive upset. 

This is precisely what the Bulldogs did as the Razorbacks struggled mightily. One of the worst recipes for success is turning the ball over. This was the case for Crowe and Arkansas as they committed three on the day. This, combined with 166 yards, and the loss looks real possible. 

Citadel blocked a field goal late in the contest and returned the kick attempt for a touchdown. This dramatic moment sealed the 10-3 win for the Bulldogs in what was a stunned Donald W Reynolds Stadium. The loss led Broyles to announce the next day that Crowe had resigned from his position. Broyles then announced that defensive coordinator Joe Kines was taking the position in an interim role. Later, it was learned, per Broyles, that he fired Crowe due to concerns about his confidence in him[Broyles] from fans. 

This loss remains the only loss in program history to an FCS opponent. On Saturday, Arkansas fans, some of whom probably do not know who The Citadel is, do not want to relive history.  Based on some recent contests, we do not anticipate this happening. But you never know. 

How to Not Repeat History?

How does history not repeat itself? Well, to be blunt, win the game. While this sounds easy, this is not a contest like the Lions from last season for Arkansas. The mascot may be the same, Bulldogs, as The Citadel, but the talent is not. Arkansas will look to utilize the talent on the sideline and field. Petrino and Hogs quarterback Taylen Green will look to repeat last season’s essentially perfect performance. 

If the team can do this, the win will be inevitable. We mentioned this was a prep game for Arkansas and should be treated as so. Use the entire roster to get ample playing time for all as the score continues to climb. There are several keys to success for Arkansas, but remaining injury-free is the most vital. 

In closing, there has been a history between Arkansas and FCS opponents. Nearly all of these games have ended in a Razorbacks victory. In order not to repeat perhaps the darkest day in program history, Arkansas just has to play its game. If they can do this, history should remain in favor of Arkansas.