Arkansas @ Rutgers preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 22, 2012 ) Rutgers 35, Arkansas 26

The productive Arkansas running attack will get its first big test when the Razorbacks visit stingy Rutgers on Saturday. Arkansas’ tandem of Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams totaled 811 yards on the ground in three wins while the Scarlet Knights’ defense has allowed an average of 59.3. Rutgers coach Kyle Flood said Tuesday he is “very optimistic” quarterback Gary Nova, who threw for five touchdowns in the 35-26 win at Arkansas last season, could play after suffering a concussion last week.

The Arkansas defense will also have to deal with running back Paul James, a first-year starter who leads the nation with 493 yards rushing and scored six times the last two games. The Razorbacks are ranked sixth in the nation in total defense, led by lineman Chris Smith’s 4.5 sacks. It’s the first time Rutgers will host an SEC team on campus and Arkansas’ first game in the Northeast since 1940 against Fordham.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Rutgers -1

ABOUT ARKANSAS (3-0): Collins became the first freshman in SEC history to go over 100 yards in his first three games and Williams, a sophomore, has matched him. Quarterback Brandon Allen, who is averaging 129.3 passing yards and 14.7 attempts, suffered a shoulder injury in last week's win over Southern Mississippi, has yet to practice and could be replaced by AJ Derby. The Arkansas offensive line has allowed only six tackles for loss and Javontee Herndon is Allen’s top target with 10 catches for 165 yards and three touchdowns.

ABOUT RUTGERS (2-1): James stepped in for Jawan Jamison seamlessly while gaining over eight yards a carry to help Nova, who completed 63.6 percent of his passes in a little over two games. Chas Dodd would take the reins if Nova can’t go and look for the Knights’ two top threats through the air, Leonte Carroo and Brandon Coleman, who have combined for 18 catches, 296 yards and five touchdowns. Rutgers must get better against the pass after allowing 456 and 335 yards in two of their three games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Rutgers is the only team in the nation with at least one shutout in each of the last eight seasons after blanking Norfolk State 38-0 on Sept. 7.

2. Arkansas has outscored its first three opponents 21-0 and outgained them 308-78 in the fourth quarter.

3. Rutgers is 6-11-2 all time against SEC opponents, including wins over Arkansas and Vanderbilt (2004) in its last two.

PREDICTION: Arkansas 24, Rutgers 14