Gamecocks face biggest test yet in top 10 matchup
ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
7-1 overall (3-1 Southeastern Conference)
Last time out: The Razorbacks needed a missed 27-yard field goal by Vanderbilt kicker Casey Spear to escape Nashville with a shaky 31-28 victory.
To date: Arkansas is ranked No. 8 and its only loss came at second-ranked Alabama. But its on-field performance has been nowhere near as impressive as its on-paper resume. The Hogs played poorly against Vandy, barely escaping. And they did the same thing a week prior at Ole Miss, falling behind 17-0 before rallying for a tenuous 29-24 win that saw the Rebels driving toward the winning score in the final minutes before a turnover.
Who and what to watch for: Arkansas is second in the SEC in total offense and third in scoring offense. The pass offense, led by quarterback Tyler Wilson, is the league's best. The Hogs have also made the most first downs in the league.
The Hogs' defense is tenth in the SEC in almost each major statistical category.
Wilson leads the SEC in passing yards per game and total offense. Receiver Jarius Wright leads the conference in receptions and receiving yards per game.
Return man Joe Adams leads the league in average yards per punt return.
Last five meetings: Arkansas leads 4-1
2010: Arkansas 41, Gamecocks 21 in Columbia
2009: Arkansas 33, Gamecocks 16 in Fayetteville, Ark.
2008: Gamecocks 34, Arkansas 21 in Columbia
2007: Arkansas 48, Gamecocks 36 in Fayetteville, Ark.
2006: Arkansas 26, Gamecocks 20 in Columbia
All-time series standings: Arkansas leads overall series 12-7
In Columbia: Series tied 5-5
In Fayetteville: Arkansas leads series 7-2
On Neutral Field: No series meetings on neutral field