Bret Bielema and the Arkansas Razorbacks got hot at the end of last year and are looking to parlay the success into a big 2015 season. First up on the docket are the UTEP Miners from Conference USA. We dive into the opening-weekend matchup between the two teams in the Arkansas vs. UTEP prediction and game preview below. 

Arkansas vs. UTEP Prediction & Preview

Why You Need To Care

Arkansas gets its first opportunity to show what all the fuss was about this offseason. The Razorbacks have been a magnet for accolades since finishing 2014 on such a high note. But if Bret Bielema’s third team in Fayetteville is going to be this year’s Mississippi State out of the SEC West, it must build momentum long before the league schedule begins. UTEP shares many similarities with Arkansas—an improving program led by a third-year coach preaching a physical mindset. The Miners have sleeper potential out of Conference USA West.

Why UTEP Will Win

Head coach Sean Kugler is building a team that can move a pile, with a powerful O-line that creates daylight for dynamic RB Aaron Jones. Plus, the Razorbacks lost six defensive starters, including tone-setters Martrell Spaight and Trey Flowers, so UTEP is liable to ding the Hogs while they transition.

Why Arkansas Will Win

The Razorbacks are capable of mauling plenty of teams with their massive O-line. UTEP, with its unremarkable size and strength on defense, will be no match for the likes of linemen Mitch Smothers, Denver Kirkland and Sebastian Tretola. In the battle of the backs, Arkansas’ Alex Collins will zoom past UTEP’s Jones.

Who To Watch Out For

While the offense in Fayetteville will be built around Collins and the linemen, Arkansas still needs more production out of QB Brandon Allen for the team to compete in the SEC. Allen has decent enough receivers, though TE Hunter Henry will give the Miners their biggest headaches Saturday.

What’s Going To Happen

UTEP may be Arkansas light, but the Miners will be out of their league in this opener. The Razorbacks are better in all phases, and a monster performance from Collins will provide them with an appropriate extension to last season’s torrid ending.

Arkansas vs. UTEP Score Prediction

And the Arkansas vs. UTEP prediciton is …

Final Score: Arkansas 49, UTEP 10