Arkansas vs. Cincinnati football preview, prediction

Arkansas and Cincinnati kick off the 2022 college football schedule in a prove-it game. Sam Pittman wants to prove the Razorbacks' success in 2021 is the rule and not the exception. Luke Fickell wants the Bearcats to stay in the College Football Playoff chase year-in-and-year-out.

Cincinnati has a lot of players who went to the NFL Draft. They have all 5 O-line starters, 3 senior D-linemen and a pair of 3-year starters at defensive back. Tight end Josh Whyle has 12 career TD catches.

Arkansas was one of 2 FBS teams to have 4 500-yard rushers last year. Dominique Johnson is out injured, so Raheim Sanders should take over. Sanders scored 5 times in 13 games last season.

Treylon Burks is gone, but Arkansas has other options moving downfield. Jadon Hazelwood led Oklahoma in catches and touchdowns last year, and Matt Landers has 37 games' experience.

Cincinnati is 5-0 in openers under Luke Fickell and won its last 11 games overall. Arkansas was 1st in the SEC in rushing with 227.8 yards last season. Cincinnati has won 8 straight away games. UC ranked 1th in pass efficiency defense, 2nd in passing yards allowed, and 3rd in interceptions.

Cincinnati lost 27-6 to Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal. Arkansas has the tools and continuity to secure the close, hard-won victory. The Razorbacks led the SEC with the fewest turnovers.