The Arkansas Razorbacks will face No. 22 Notre Dame on Saturday at Razorback Stadium. The Razorbacks are 2-2 entering this contest, while Notre Dame is 1-2.
Ahead of this matchup, college football analyst Josh Pate delivered a pointed critique of Arkansas’ defense while expressing confidence in Notre Dame’s potential turnaround. Pate noted that Arkansas allows opponents to convert 45.45% of third-down situations, ranking them 116th in the country.
“Even if Arkansas is good versus the run and they trade points, even if all that happens, Arkansas’s defense is 116th in the country on third down conversions allowed,” Pate said (4:01).
Pate also highlighted Arkansas’ offensive woes with regards to starting quarterback Taylen Green, who has 12 touchdowns against four interceptions this season. Given the high number of interceptions, Pate doesn’t have confidence in Arkansas in close games.
“Green, like I said, got a couple of multi-interception games so far this year,” Pate said. “And frankly, I don’t trust him in one-possession games.
Additionally, Pate referenced head coach Sam Pittman’s record of 7–19 in one-possession games.
“Pittman’s now seven and 19 in this spot that almost surely figures to come down to the wire even if Arkansas is to win it,” Pate said.
Finally, Pate shared a verdict that Notre Dame’s defense can’t go wrong despite its early-season struggles on defense. He picked Notre Dame to win
“I am going to bank on the fact that Notre Dame’s defense can’t possibly be this horrific all year,” Pate added. “There’s nowhere to go but up. Really, they’re laying on the ground. There’s nowhere to go but up unless they break out the shovel… I’m going to take Notre Dame to win and cover.”
Everything to Know About Arkansas vs Notre Dame Game
The pivotal Week 5 showdown between Arkansas and Notre Dame will be held at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast nationally on ABC.
The game is important for Notre Dame, given its challenging start to the season. Another loss here could jeopardize their chances in the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, for the Razorbacks, who are coming off a 32-31 loss to Memphis, it will be their final opportunity to make their mark in non-conference games before the SEC schedule takes over.
The oddsmakers have Notre Dame favorites by 4.5 points.
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