The Western Carolina Catamounts and the Arkansas Razorbacks meet Saturday in college football action from War Memorial Stadium. Western Carolina managed to go 6-5 last year, landing in fifth place among the Southern Conference. As for Arkansas, they’re coming off a 7-6 overall campaign, eking out a win over Kansas in the Liberty Bowl at the end of the season. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Western Carolina Catamounts

The Catamounts started out their year on a 3-5 run last season, but would ultimately steady the ship with three victories to finish things off. Western Carolina finished in fifth place among Southern Conference teams with that effort, behind Samford, Furman, Chattanooga and Mercer. 

This year, Western Carolina seems primed to take a step forward if all goes well. The Catamounts return 15 starters from last season (six offense, seven defense, two special teams) and should have quite an offensive attack in store. QB Cole Gonzales, RB Desmond Reid and WR Censere Lee lead a talented group that should put plenty of points on the board in 2023. 

Arkansas Razorbacks 

Over on the Razorbacks’ side, they’re coming off a 7-6 run in 2022. Arkansas landed in fifth place among a competitive West Division in the Southeastern Conference, though. After falling in a tough one to Missouri 29-27 to finish off the regular season, the Razorbacks were able to eke out a 55-53 triple-overtime victory versus Kansas in the Liberty Bowl. 

New offensive coordinator Dan Enos has plenty of pieces to work with in 2023. QB KJ Jefferson (24 touchdowns) and RB Raheim Sanders (1,443 yards; 10 TDs) head up a talented group on offense. They’re behind an experienced line that should provide ample protection to both running backs and running quarterbacks. The defense was last in the SEC in yards allowed last year though, so that will be a focal point this season. 

Arkansas Razorbacks Team Facts

Arkansas has won 10 of its last 11 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Arkansas has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven games against non-FBS teams.
Arkansas has won the first half in each of its last three games against non-conference opponents at War Memorial Stadium (Arkansas).
Arkansas has won the first quarter in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents at War Memorial Stadium (Arkansas).
Each of Arkansas’ last six games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Arkansas ranked T21st among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage last season (.615).
Arkansas ranked T25th among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage last season (.538).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m probably going to stay with the Razorbacks, but the line’s a little too thick to mess with. Sure, there are a few weak points from 2022 that Arkansas needs to address, namely the pass defense which allowed near 300 yards per game. The defense also lost linebackers Drew Sanders and Bumper Pool, however a good group of sophomores comes in to replace them and there shouldn’t be a lot of talent loss. Provided Arkansas can clamp down on that side of the ball and generate more third-down stops this year, the team has a bright road ahead with a more manageable schedule than 2022. Western Carolina is a good warm-up team for the Arkansas opener, as the Catamounts will stand tall themselves. The Razorbacks should be in control here, though.