As we begin the 2025 season, we are back with our three keys to success for Arkansas football. In week one, the Razorbacks welcome a FCS opponent in the Alabama A&M Bulldogs. The game, set for a 3:15 p.m. broadcast on the SEC Network, will likely not draw much national attention. With this, we present three keys for the Hogs to start another daunting schedule on the right foot.
Three Keys to Success for Arkansas Against Alabama A&M
Before we analyze the three keys, we have to learn who the opponent is.
Who Are The Bulldogs?
The Bulldogs open the 2025 season with a new man at the helm. In comes Sam Shade, who spent three seasons with Miles College, to lead the Bulldogs. Shade, who compiled an 18-15 record at Miles. The Birmingham native brings a wealth of experience in-state, having played for Alabama from 1992 to 1994, which included a national championship in his first season.
The offense starts with Cornelious Brown, the quarterback, who will be making his third straight season-opening start for the Bulldogs. Brown, who started in 11 games last season, is the catalyst of the Bulldogs. Last season, Brown saw action in 11 games, going 127/222 for 1,666 yards while accounting for 12 touchdowns.
In what will be the first meeting between programs, this matchup does not faze the Bulldogs. In fact, this is the third straight match-up versus an SEC opponent to open the season. In addition, the Bulldogs will make their fourth straight season-opening start on the road. In the last three games, Alabama A&M was outscored 179-16 in these contests.
To further this point, Alabama A&M will be road tested this season. The Bulldogs will have several marquee road contests, such as Tennessee State, Bethune-Cookman, and Texas Southern. This road environment will not scare the Bulldogs away. As the Bullsogs travel to Fayetteville on Friday, the reality is here. The 2025 season is upon us.
Three Keys To Success For Arkansas
We will now analyze three keys to success in the opener. As mentioned, this game will not attract the eyes; it will attract some unbelievable stats. With this, there are always things that will be watched to see how the team handles situations. In game one, Arkansas will most likely win the game, but what keys guarantee success? We take a look.
Key #1 – Find A Pass Catcher
Most would say that Taylen Green and his protection are the number one priority. But he has to find weapons on the outside. We previously broke down the wide receiver room, and the importance is at a fever pitch. Losing its three top pass catchers will not be easy to replace. The number one key is to find the main man to catch passes efficiently. Who will stand out in game one? We will soon find out.
Key #2 – Open It Up
Along with the wide receivers, Arkansas will need to unleash some of the offensive firepower. We use the word “some” because the Hogs will not show all of their weapons in the opener. Green will have ample opportunity to throw and run all over the field against the Bulldogs. While we do not expect the onslaught seen last season, we will see many yards gained against an Alabama A&M that averaged over 30 points allowed. Key number two will be to open up the offense. Yet, we cannot forget about an aggressive defensive unit that can also score points. Just how many points will Arkansas score? We expect between 40-60 on Saturday.
Key #3 – Stay Injury Free
In the end, Arkansas must remain healthy in the opener. In what has the potential to be a special season, health is of the utmost importance. In order to remain a winning program, this roster will need to remain intact. In the opener, our expectation is for the starters to be out of the game by halftime, hopefully alleviating any major issues. With that, the entire roster will be gaining playing time that can be vital as the season matures. Key three is simple for Arkansas. Stay healthy.
In closing, this contest will tell us some things regarding Arkansas. The competition will be an uptick from last season and previous FCS opponents. Will we see excitement? Yes. Will we hear the crowd yell, “Woo Pig Sooie?” Yes! Will Arkansas be able to check these three boxes as achieving the three keys to success? We will soon find out. Stay tuned as we issue a “Report Card” in postgame to see how Arkansas can “Key” in on a season-opening win.
Main Image: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
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