FACTS & STATS: Site: Razorback Stadium (72,000) -- Fayetteville, Arkansas. Television: ESPN U. Home Record: E. Michigan 0-4, Arkansas 2-1. Away Record: E. Michigan 0-3, Arkansas 0-3. Neutral Record: E. Michigan 0-0, Arkansas 1-0. Conference Record: E. Michigan 0-4, Arkansas 1-4. Series Record: First-ever meeting.

GAME NOTES: The Arkansas Razorbacks take a break from SEC play to clash with the Eastern Michigan Eagles of the Mid-American Conference on Saturday night in Fayetteville.

Nothing has gone right for Eastern Michigan this season, as the team has lost all seven of its outings thus far. Last weekend's home game against Ball State was the closest of the seven, as the result was a 29-27 defeat.

As for inconsistent Arkansas, it dropped to 3-4 overall with a 30-17 loss to Ole Miss last Saturday. That defeat was the second in a row for the Razorbacks and marked their second two-game skid of the season. While the club has scored at least 44 points in all three wins this season, 20 or fewer points have been mustered in three of the four losses.

Eastern Michigan and Arkansas are meeting for the first time on the gridiron.

Only twice has Eastern Michigan scored more than 17 points in a game this season. The Eagles are averaging 15.4 ppg to go along with 265.3 total ypg, and they have scored just 12 offensive touchdowns, nine of which have been of the rushing variety. EMU is gaining 3.6 yards per rushing attempt while posting 8.5 yards per pass completion. Andy Schmitt was the team's starting quarterback to open the campaign, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury in September. Kyle McMahon has started the last four outings under center, and he has completed 55.8 percent of his passes for only 370 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Dwayne Priest is the top offensive threat on the club, as the solid tailback has run for 420 yards and three touchdowns, numbers that aren't likely to scare Arkansas. The Eagles only managed 239 total yards against Ball State last weekend, including an 86-yard passing effort by McMahon and backup Alex Gillett. Priest did post 84 rushing yards on 18 carries.

Opponents are averaging 33.7 ppg and 399.4 total ypg against Eastern Michigan, which has been rather weak defensively. The effort versus the run has been horrendous, permitting 275.0 ypg at a clip of 6.1 yards per carry. While opponents haven't needed to throw the ball much against the Eagles, the fact that they are averaging 14.3 yards per completion against EMU suggests that there is success to be had. The Eagles have registered a mere nine sacks, and they are permitting opponents to make good on 43 percent of their third down conversion attempts. Chris May has four interceptions to his credit, and Andre Hatchett leads EMU with 65 total tackles. The fact that the Eagles allowed 463 rushing yards to Ball State last weekend was downright embarrassing. EMU only permitted one passing yard on 2-of-10 completions, but that staggering stat was overshadowed by the fact that the Eagles allowed 301 rushing yards to one player.

Arkansas is scoring 32.0 ppg this season to go along with 416.4 total ypg. The vast majority of offensive production has been generated through the air, a stark contrast to years past. Ryan Mallett, a transfer from Michigan, is the team's starting quarterback, and coach Bobby Petrino has to be happy with the signal caller's play despite the disappointing record. Mallett has completed only 52.0 percent of his passes, but he has thrown for 1,900 yards and 15 touchdowns with three interceptions. Greg Childs leads the receivers with 28 catches for 563 yards and five touchdowns, while Michael Smith paces the runners with 360 yards and a pair of scores on just 56 attempts. Smith only carried the ball six times against Ole Miss last weekend, and it is unclear why the play-making tailback doesn't get more touches. Mallett attempted 34 passes, completing just 12. Still, those connections resulted in 254 yards and a touchdown, and Mallett didn't throw an interception. Unless Petrino makes more of a commitment to Smith and the ground attack, Arkansas will likely struggle.

Opponents are posting 27.4 ppg and 419.6 total ypg against an Arkansas club that has difficulty on defense in many outings. The club has been particularly weak against the pass, permitting foes to rack up 264.9 ypg through the air with 13 touchdowns against five interceptions. While the Hogs are permitting just 3.9 yards per rushing attempt, opponents are still gaining 154.7 ypg on the ground. Wendel Davis leads Arkansas with 48 total tackles, including 5.5 TFLs. Arkansas was gashed for 31 first downs and 553 total yards by Ole Miss last weekend. The Razorbacks allowed 332 passing yards and 221 yards on the ground, showing little resistance against either method of attack. Three takeaways were registered, but there were plenty more negatives than positives to report.

Arkansas will win huge this weekend, as Eastern Michigan will be greatly overmatched on both sides of the ball. Expect a big day from Michael Smith.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Arkansas 42, Eastern Michigan 9

October 31st, 7:00 p.m. (et)