FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Sam Pittman has been part of plenty of Arkansas football games at War Memorial Stadium, but Saturday’s matchup with Arkansas State carries a weight unlike any before.
The Razorbacks coach used his weekly radio show Wednesday night at the Catfish Hole to reflect on tradition, rivalry and the potential end of an era as his team prepares for its first-ever meeting with the Red Wolves.
Anticipating a full house
Pittman, now in his sixth year as Arkansas head coach, said he expects all 54,120 seats in Little Rock to be filled. That would mark the largest War Memorial turnout since 2014, when Georgia’s visit drew 54,959 fans.
“Even an atmosphere that I’ve never experienced over there, even when I was with Bret,” Pittman said, recalling his stint as offensive line coach under Bret Bielema. “I don’t believe we had had it packed out. It’s going to be packed Saturday.”
For Pittman, who has coached seven games at War Memorial — four as an assistant and three as head coach — the game’s backdrop is unmistakable. The average announced attendance for his games in Little Rock has been just over 42,000. A sellout Saturday would eclipse that by more than 10,000.
Closing a 77-year chapter
The game marks the final Razorback contest under contract at War Memorial Stadium, a site where Arkansas has played since a 40-6 win over Abilene Christian on Sept. 19, 1948.
“This could be the last one,” Pittman said. “Everybody seems to think I have something to do whether we’re going to play Little Rock again. I don’t. Now, if you ask me what my thoughts are, I’m going to tell you, but, you know, that’s not my job.”
Arkansas has used the stadium for marquee games against conference opponents and for more recent contests against nonconference foes. Under Pittman, the Razorbacks have beaten FCS opponents Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2021, 2024) and Western Carolina (2023) in Little Rock. Saturday will be the first FBS opponent he faces at the venue.
“I think you have to teach kids the history,” Pittman said. “We’ve never played. They’re going to be a part of history one way or the other. They’re going to be that team that [had] the first opportunity to play Arkansas State.”
Local connections add meaning
The in-state storyline extends beyond coaches and fans. Two Razorback starters from the Little Rock metro area — defensive end Quincy Rhodes and offensive lineman E’Marion Harris — joined Pittman on the radio show and spoke about the game’s significance.
“Growing up, I’ve always wanted to watch the matchup of Arkansas vs. Arkansas State,” Rhodes said. “My dad graduated from A-State, and I had a lot of other family members — uncles, cousins — who graduated from Arkansas State. I had a few go [to Arkansas, too].
“They really don’t know how it’s going to go, because they want to support me, but they [are also Arkansas State alums]. It’s going to be intense.”
Arkansas State’s roster features 12 players from within the state, while Arkansas lists 28 Arkansans, many of them walk-ons. Pittman acknowledged the rivalry isn’t defined by hometown representation.
“I don’t think either one of us have a tremendous amount of Arkansas kids on the team,” Pittman said. “So, I don’t know that you can [use the in-state rivalry] route as motivation.
“But simply the fact that we’re going to Little Rock for possibly the last time. As of right now, it could be the last game [at War Memorial] and the first game with Arkansas State.”
Respect for the opponent
The Red Wolves earned Pittman’s attention with their 42-24 season-opening win over Southeast Missouri State. He singled out quarterback Jaylen Raynor as a dynamic presence.
“He could have been sacked four or five times and just got out every one of them, and made plays off of it,” Pittman said. “They’ve got wideouts that can stretch the field.
“They want to get the ball in the perimeter. They’ve got a fine offensive line. If you look at it, they’ve got two tight ends that can stretch the field. They have speed.
“I noticed that last year when they were playing in the bowl game as well. But offensively, they’re a problem. They’ve won seven of their last 10 or 11 games, so we have a high respect there.”
Raising the bar in practice
Pittman said preparation this week has reflected the significance of the matchup.
“I really think this week that we’ve had an outstanding three days of practice,” he said. “Today was as physical of a Wednesday as we’ve had in two or three years, getting ready, because we understand the importance of this game.”
Arkansas opened the season with a 52-7 win over Alabama A&M at Razorback Stadium. Pittman said the key to building on that success is balance.
“If you don’t pat everybody on the back when you win 52-7 and you say, ‘OK, we can get better here, here, here and here.’ I think that’s the teams that improve the most. I believe we will be that this Saturday.”
Stakes and spotlight
Whether Saturday is a finale for War Memorial or the beginning of a new chapter with Arkansas State, Pittman made clear his team views it as more than just another nonconference game.
“We understand the importance of this game,” Pittman said. “It’s history either way.”
Key Takeaways
• Historic First: Arkansas and Arkansas State meet for the first time, with added significance as the Razorbacks’ final scheduled game at War Memorial Stadium.
• Sellout Expected: Sam Pittman anticipates a crowd of 54,120, which would be the largest in Little Rock since 2014.
• Opponent Respected: Pittman praised Arkansas State quarterback Jaylen Raynor and said his team recognizes the Red Wolves’ offensive talent and recent success.