UTEP (7-6 in 2014) at No. 18 Arkansas (7-6 in 2014), 3:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Line: Arkansas by 35.
Series Record: Arkansas leads 2-0.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Entering its third season under coach Bret Bielema, Arkansas has hopes of finally snapping its two-year stay at the bottom of the Southeastern Conference West division. The Razorbacks can't affect that in their nonconference opener, but they can build on the confidence from last season —when they won three of their final four games — against the Miners.
KEY MATCHUP
Arkansas' power running game against UTEP's defensive front. The Razorbacks return four of five starters on an offensive line that averages 328 pounds, including highly regarded left tackle Denver Kirkland (6-foot-5, 340) and left guard Sebastian Tretola (6-5, 334).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
UTEP: RB Aaron Jones. The talented junior has led the Miners in rushing in each of his first two seasons, including 1,321 last season. He's rushed for 100 yards or more nine times in his career, and he scored 14 touchdowns a year ago.
Arkansas: QB Brandon Allen. The much-maligned fifth-year starter is coming off a season in which he threw for 20 touchdowns and only five interceptions, but doubts still remain about his performance in close late-game situations. This doesn't figure to test that scenario for Allen, but all eyes will be on his performance under first-year offensive co-ordinator Dan Enos.
FACTS & FIGURES
Arkansas is without last year's leading rusher, Jonathan Williams, for likely the season following a left foot injury during the preseason ... Also, Bielema said freshman WR Jojo Robinson will be suspended for the first half for a rules violation from during the summer ... UTEP enters this season in search of back-to-back winning years for the first time since 2004-05 ... Arkansas RB Alex Collins is the second player in school history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons, following Darren McFadden in 2006-07.
This content appears as provided to The Globe by the originating wire service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.