Arkansas Set To Face No 23 Cincinnati

Athletes Need These 5 Keys to Win Opener

Arkansas Set to Face No. 23 Cincinnati

Game Time: 3 p.m. ET, Saturday, Sept. 3

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas football team will open its 2023 season by facing off against the Cincinnati Bearcats, ranked No. 23 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 Poll.

The Razorbacks return 14 starters from a team that finished 9-4 overall and 4-4 in the SEC last season, including quarterback KJ Jefferson. Cincinnati is coming off a 9-4 season and a Birmingham Bowl victory over Louisville.

Here are five keys for Arkansas to win the season opener against Cincinnati:

1. Establish the Run

   Arkansas has one of the best running back duos in the country with Raheim Sanders and AJ Green, who combined for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2022.

   The Razorbacks need to get Sanders and Green going early and often to control the clock and keep the Cincinnati offense off the field.

2. Protect the Football

   Arkansas cannot afford to turn the ball over against Cincinnati's opportunistic defense, which forced 18 turnovers last season.

   Jefferson needs to be careful with the football and the Razorbacks need to avoid penalties that could give the Bearcats a short field.

3. Get Pressure on Evan Prater

   Cincinnati quarterback Evan Prater is a dynamic playmaker who can beat teams with his arm and his legs.

   Arkansas's defense needs to generate pressure on Prater to make him uncomfortable and force him into mistakes. The Razorbacks have a talented pass rush led by Eric Gregory and Jordan Domineck.

4. Win the Special Teams Battle

   Special teams can be a major factor in close games, and Arkansas needs to have an edge in this area against Cincinnati.

   The Razorbacks have a strong kicking game with Cam Little and Reid Bauer, and they need to be able to consistently pin Cincinnati deep in their own territory.

5. Limit Chunk Plays

   Cincinnati has a number of explosive playmakers on offense, including wide receiver Tyler Scott and running back Corey Kiner.

   The Razorbacks need to prevent the Bearcats from getting big plays and keep their offense off the field.

If Arkansas can do these five things, they will have a good chance of winning the season opener against Cincinnati.

The Razorbacks are looking to start the season off on the right foot and make a statement in the SEC. A win over a ranked opponent would be a big step in that direction.