Missouri State @ Arkansas preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 5, 2009 ) Missouri State 10, Arkansas 48

THE STORY: Everybody knew No. 14 Arkansas would hit the field for its season opener against Missouri State without graduated quarterback Ryan Mallett. But the Razorbacks have another gaping offensive hole to fill after losing junior running back Knile Davis for the season with an ankle injury. Arkansas finished second in the ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference's West Division last season. Missouri State finished third in the Missouri Valley Conference in 2010, but returns only nine starters and lost graduated quarterback Cody Kirby, the top passer in school history.

TV: Pay Per View (Arkansas), ESPN3.com. LINE: None.

ABOUT MISSOURI STATE (5-6 in 2010): Sophomore quarterback Trevor Wooden will replace Kirby, but will sit out the opener while serving a one-game suspension for violating team rules. Either redshirt freshman Mitchell Jenkins or true freshman Kierra Harris will start against Arkansas. The Bears return only five starters on offense. Senior running back Chris Douglas rushed for 1,322 yards and 13 touchdowns last season and combines with senior Stephen Johnston (752 rushing yards in 2010) to form a powerful backfield duo.

ABOUT ARKANSAS (10-3 in 2010): Mallett fueled Arkansas’ high-powered offense a year ago when he passed for 3,869 yards and 30 touchdowns. Junior Tyler Wilson takes the reins, and more focus will be on him with Davis’ injury. Davis rushed for 1,322 yards (tops among SEC running backs), 13 touchdowns and averaged 6.5 yards per carry in 2010. Arkansas features a strong receiving corps led by seniors Greg Childs, Joe Adams and Jarius Wright. Six starters are back on offense; seven return on defense. Jerry Franklin and Jerico Nelson are back after ranking first and second on the team in tackles in 2010.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Arkansas finished 17th in the nation last season in points per game at 36.5.

2. The Razorbacks have won 24 of their past 30 season openers.

3. Missouri State’s only victory over a FBS team came in 1990 against UNLV.

PREDICTION: Arkansas 52, Missouri State 14 - Even without Davis, the Razorbacks have plenty of weapons on offense to overwhelm the Bears.