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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Bret Bielema doesnt plan to remind Arkansas about last years shocking early-season loss to Toledo ahead of Saturdays season opener against Louisiana Tech.Frankly, he thinks the players have already heard enough about their slow start in 2015.Entering his fourth year at Arkansas, Bielema also thinks the deep and talented Razorbacks are primed to open the year like the team that closed last season with six wins in its final seven games.I do think that one of the things our guys have talked about is starting fast, Bielema said. Last year we didnt start fast in our first four games, and the result was we were a 1/3 team coming out of it. So, I think that element is out there good enough.Slow starts to the season have been a problem in each of the last two seasons for Arkansas, though the Razorbacks have recovered both times to earn bowl appearances. Arkansas was 4-4 two seasons ago before winning four of its final six games, and last years strong finish came after a 2-5 start.With a first-time starting quarterback in Austin Allen, an overhauled backfield and three new starting offensive linemen, the new-look Razorbacks arent likely to ease into this season on Saturday, either.Awaiting Arkansas is a Louisiana Tech team thats 18-9 over the last two seasons, including a 6-2 mark in Conference USA last season.However, the Bulldogs lost much of the talent that led the way to a New Orleans Bowl victory over Arkansas State last season -- including eight starters on defense. That said, fourth-year coach Skip Holtz is confident Louisiana Techs established winning ways will help it contend with its lack of experience in a difficult Southeastern Conference environment.Likewise, the Razorbacks believe they are ready to continue building momentum after improving their win total in each of Bielemas first three seasons. And they are ready to show theyve learned from last years early struggles.We always learn new things through our struggles, Arkansas running back Rawleigh Williams said. And I think thats what we learned, to keep it week by week.Some things to watch in Saturdays opener for both teams:HIGGINS WATCHQuarterback Ryan Higgins was expected to be the starter for the Bulldogs on Saturday, but the senior -- while not suspended -- wont start following his arrest on a drunken-driving charge in early August. Instead, 6-foot-1, 222-pound freshman JMar Smith is expected to take the first snap for Louisiana Tech after redshirting last season, though Holtz didnt rule out Higgins seeing action.ALLENS DEBUTAfter seeming limited action in eight games over the last two seasons, Allen will make his first start for the Razorbacks on Saturday. The fourth-year junior was named the starter by Bielema in the spring, and he succeeds his older brother, Brandon.HOLTZ TRIBUTEFormer Arkansas coach Lou Holtz, father of Louisiana Tech coach Skip Holtz, will be recognized at halftime of Saturdays game. Lou Holtz coached the Razorbacks from 1977-83 and was 60-21-2. I think it is an unbelievable tribute and I am excited for him, that he will have the opportunity to experience that and the appreciation of the Arkansas fans, Skip Holtz said.DEFENSIVE RETURNAfter finishing 10th nationally in total defense two years ago, Arkansas fell to 58th last season -- allowing 391.6 yards per game. The Razorbacks, led by third-year defensive coordinator Robb Smith and a unit that returns nine starters, believe they are poised to return to their 2014 form.HELPFUL HATCHERArkansas wide receiver Keon Hatcher missed most of last season with a foot injury, but the senior will make his return on Saturday. 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This matchup is in Chapel Hill, where the Tar Heels have won eight straight for their longest home run since 1997. The big matchup will be the Panthers strong rushing attack against a shaky defense. This will probably be the best team weve played to this point, so well have our work cut out for us, UNC coach Larry Fedora said.BEST MATCHUP: East Carolinas passing game vs. Virginia Techs pass defense. The Hokies have a new head coach in Justin Fuente, but the defense has a familiar look under longtime coordinator Bud Foster. Virginia Tech (2-1) owns the nations No. 1 passing defense and No. 2 total defense (204.7 yards). The Pirates (2-1) have the nations No. 7 passing offense behind quarterback Philip Nelson and receiver Zay Jones, who had a program-record 22 catches for 190 yards last week at South Carolina. And dont forget: ECU has won six straight against ACC teams since 2013, including the past two in this series. I can assure that East Carolina has a full respect of all our players, Fuente said.INSIDE THE NUMBERS: The offensive struggles continue for Boston College entering tthe Wagner game.dddddddddddd Last weekends 49-0 loss to Virginia Tech marked the third shutout ACC loss since the start of 2015. The Eagles are 126th out of 128 teams in the Bowl Subdivision in total offense (262.7 yards) and tied for 124th in scoring (13.3 points). And with 788 yards, BC is the only ACC team yet to crack 1,000 yards through three games.LONG SHOT: Wake Forest (3-0) heads to Indiana (2-0) as about a touchdown underdog. But the Demon Deacons are ranked sixth nationally in total defense (247.7 yards) and 13th in scoring defense (12.7). That could be enough against the Hoosiers, assuming QB John Wolford -- now starting with Kendall Hinton out with a knee injury -- can put at least some points on the board.IMPACT PLAYER: Louisvilles Lamar Jackson has been the leagues biggest story entering Saturdays game at Marshall. The sophomore quarterback is second in FBS in rushing yards (154.7) and eighth nationally in passing efficiency. Behind Jackson, Louisville (3-0, 2-0 ACC) has pushed its way into the College Football Playoff chase with a No. 3 national ranking.---Compiled by AP Sports Writer Aaron Beard in Raleigh, North Carolina.---OnlineAP College Football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org ' ' '