Arkansas faces North Alabama to prepare for upcoming Utah matchup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 9:40 PM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
Arkansas opens its season against North Alabama with a focus on evaluating several key areas before traveling to face Utah. Head coach Ryan Silverfield and offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey look to establish their new system against a Lions defense that struggled last season. Quarterback KJ Jackson will make his debut, with the coaching staff emphasizing ball security and poise. The Razorbacks aim to dominate the line of scrimmage to test their ground game, which features running backs Sutton Smith and Braylen Russell. Because North Alabama added several former Memphis players to its roster, Arkansas expects the game to serve as a tactical dress rehearsal for future non-conference tests. A controlled, professional performance is required to build momentum before the team moves on to subsequent games against tougher opponents like Georgia.
- •Arkansas faces North Alabama with a focus on five specific performance metrics.
- •Quarterback KJ Jackson makes his first start for the Razorbacks.
- •The coaching staff emphasizes ball security and establishing a strong rushing attack.
- •Arkansas seeks to exploit familiarity with former Memphis players now on the Lions roster.
- 9:40 PMYahoo Sports — Five Things Arkansas Must Grade Against North Alabama
"Arkansas should beat North Alabama. The meaningful question is whether Ryan Silverfield’s first Razorbacks team checks five boxes before Utah. Arkansas does not need an emotional victory over North Alabama. It needs a professional one. We at Last Word on Sports are back with the Razorback Report Card, season edition. Five Things Arkansas Must Grade …
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