Arkansas Vs. Eastern Michigan: Hogs Get Much Needed Break From SEC Play

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Sometimes a team just needs a win.  Arkansas was riding back-to-back wins headed into the Florida game and was feeling pretty good about themselves.  Now, they're riding back-to-back losses.

And it's not just the losses but the way that they lost.  First, it was two consecutive road games which, in the SEC, are always tough environments.  Then there was "referee-gate" that was the difference in the Florida game.  And a combination of hangover from the Florida affecting the offense combined with the Hog defense zooming back into the unit from the early part of the season which resembled cheese from a certain European country (starts with "S") were the story lines in the Ole Miss game.

So this week's "opponent" is a welcome relief.  Eastern Michigan is 0-7, playing a road game, and doesn't even have the weapons to pull an upset here.  This is no Appy State/Michigan sequel.  This will be a blowout.  There should be plenty of game time for the second and third string.

Due to a scheduling problem, the Razorbacks had their bye week in the second game of the season.  That makes for a long eleven-game stretch with no breaks after the bye week.  So having a "tune-up" game will be just what the doctor ordered to get back to an even record (thereby staying on track for a bowl game albeit a very minor one) and to get back in "rhythm."

Looking forward, there is one more "should win" game on the schedule with Troy.  South Carolina will be favored against Arkansas, and so will LSU.  Mississippi State is no longer a gimme.  They should have beaten LSU and the margin at Florida was inflated by seven as replay photos clearly showed.  Yes, given what's ahead, this week certainly is needed.

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