Gameday Arkansas vs. San Jose State

The Arkansas Razorbacks take on the San Jose State Spartans Saturday afternoon in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Check out the HawgSports.com staff predictions.

WHO: Arkansas Razorbacks (2-1, 0-1 SEC) vs. San Jose State Spartans (1-1, 0-0 MWC)

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. (CDT)

WHERE: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (76,000 cap.)

TV: SEC Network

STREAMING: Available via ESPN app or found HERE

RADIO: Razorback Sports Network from IMG (99.5 FM/1290 AM in Fayetteville), Sirius Channel 99, XM Channel 190. It is available online on TuneIn HERE

WEATHER: The forecast calls 77 degrees at kickoff in Fayetteville with a 10 percent chance of precipitation. 

BETTING LINE: Arkansas is favored by 21.5 points

PETE ROULIER | 3-0 overall, 2-1 against the spread

The Razorbacks are the much better team in this matchup. With the new swagger that Starkel brings to the squad, the Hogs will put up more than 60 points for the first time this season. Arkansas scored 55 against a much more talented Colorado State team, so there is no reason they shouldn't score early and often against the Spartans, especially with Starkel taking all the first-team reps in practice for two weeks. On the defensive side of things, the Hogs are still dealing with the loss of defensive end Dorian Gerald. However, the return of senior Jamario Bell from injury should help at that position. Arkansas 61, San Jose State 17

TREY BIDDY | 3-0 overall, 1-2 against the spread

Arkansas should have clobbered Portland State in the opener but just snuck by with a 20-13 win, and that was against an FCS member. They beat Colorado State by 21, but before a strong finish and after a fast start, there was a real lull in the middle of the game. Given that, it's hard to know what to make of this Razorback team. But they are a better offense with Nick Starkel behind center...though the defense is a little banged up in the front seven. This is a game where Arkansas needs to get to 50 points, but it wouldn't surprise if San Jose State scored during the scripted portion of the game and then made some plays late if Arkansas is working with younger players. Arkansas 51, San Jose State 23

4COMMENTS

DANNY WEST | 2-1 overall, 0-3 against the spread

San Jose State ranks 101st nationally in stopping the run and No. 121 in first downs gained offensively. That's not a good combination, but it's even worse when you consider their first two opponents have been Northern Colorado and Tulsa. With things beginning to click offensively behind new starting quarterback Nick Starkel, the Razorbacks should have no problem scoring again this week. The question is how well Arkansas' defense can contain SJSU quarterback Nick Nash -- who's averaging 8.85 yards per attempt so far this season -- after struggling with dual-threat quarterbacks against Portland State and Ole Miss. Arkansas 45, San Jose State 17