Arkansas linebacker De’Jon Harris talked after the game about the play of the defense.
Morris recapping loss to Aggies on Saturday
Arkansas coach Chad Morris talked with the media after Saturday’s 24-17 loss to Texas A&M.
Storey talking about rough start against Texas A&M
Razorbacks quarterback Ty Storey talked about the team’s performance against the Aggies in a loss.
Improved Hogs get closer, but fall to Aggies late in Arlington
This was a different-looking Arkansas team … providing you started watching about midway through the first quarter.
After digging an early hole, the Razorbacks bounced back and actually had a shot to at least send the game with Texas A&M to another overtime matchup, but fell late, 24-17.
The loss drops the Hogs to 1-4 on the season, but anyone who wasn’t buying into the improved team mantra after last week’s loss at Auburn, this team DID look better … much better.
Except on one special teams play. The Aggies’ Jashaun Corbin returned the opening kickoff 100 yards. Some Hog fans probably turned the TV off then.
After a quick three-and-out by the Arkansas offense, some more folks quit watching. They missed a booming 50-yard punt by Reid Bauer and returner Roshauud Paul was dropped for a 2-yard loss by De’Jon Harris. Some good things there.
Then A&M drove 79 yards in nine plays with Williams getting 33 on the ground.
Quarterback Kellen Mond, though, made the big plays. First, he scrambled for 12, then hit Paul with a 19-yard pass that set up Williams’ 1-yard scoring run and it was 14-0 for the Aggies.
At that point more Arkansas fans quit watching.
And they missed seeing a team improve steadily the rest of the way to actually have a shot at tying the game at the end.
Quarterback Ty Storey further solidified his hold as the leader of the offense by simply having a solid — not spectacular — day.
Storey finished 14-of-26 passing for 193 yards, one score and just one interception.
Mond was 17-of-26 for 201 yards, no touchdowns, but two interceptions by Dre Greenlaw.
Shoot, the way this game played out, it could be argued the Hogs played toe-to-toe with the Aggies for the last three quarters.
It helped that Cheyenne O’Grady came out of his month-long pouting spell and started making the plays his ability has shown him capable of.
After A&M went up 17-0 early in the second quarter, two passes from Storey to O’Grady — first for 36 yards, then a 17-yard later wrapped around a big-time 16-yard run by Rakeem Boyd — keyed a nine-play, 75-yard drive.
Cole Kelley came in and bulldozed his way into the end zone from a yard out, Connor Limpert added the extra point and it was 17-7 with 9:35 left in the first half.
For Arkansas, a team that has struggled to score offensively the last two weeks, it was a positive sign.
The Hogs took the second-half kickoff and made it 17-0 as Boyd ripped off a 25-yard run early, then Storey hit Jared Cornelius, then Deon Stewart with passes before the drive stalled. Limpert came on and nailed a 47-yard field goal and it was 17-10 with 11:16 left in the third.
As usual in this series, the fourth quarter got a little interesting.
A&M clanged a field goal off the right upright after Randy Ramsey was called for hands to the face of Mond on an incomplete third down. That would have gotten the Aggies off the field nine plays earlier deep in their own territory.
After a three-and-out by the Hogs, A&M put together another drive, aided again by a call for hands to the face of Mond, this time by Jonathan Marshall.
Mond got it in the end zone, though, with a big 20-yard pass to Cameron Buckley that set up Williams’ 5-yard run with 5:03 to play to give the Aggies a 24-10.
It looked like it might not be enough.
Arkansas came right back with Boyd scampering for 11, then Storey hitting O’Grady for 24 yards, then Michael Woods for a 29-yard scoring play down the middle.
That made it 24-17 with 3:16 to play and the Hogs still had life.
Arkansas got the ball back with 1:51 to play and 74 yards away from a tie to send the game to a fourth overtime in five years.
Storey passed first to Jordan Jones, then Boyd to get the ball out to the 45.
A second-down pass from there was late getting to an open De’Vion Warren, but the ball hung and A&M free safety Donovan Wilson made a diving interception to seal the win for the Aggies.
The loss dropped the Hogs to 1-4 on the season (0-2 in SEC play) and things don’t get easier next week with Alabama coming in for an 11 a.m. game at Razorback Stadium.
These Aggies no joke, which means problems for Hogs
Aggies fans. Unfortunately, everybody knows one.
And if you were around for the Southwest Conference days, then you also possess more jokes about Aggies fans than Jim Gaffigan does about bacon. No pun intended.
Have you heard this one?
Three Aggies fans go in to see a fortune teller. The first one asks, “How will Arkansas’s defense play against Texas A&M this Saturday?”
Madam Craft looks into her crystal ball and replies, “A unit that at first seemed strong, fell of off of its path when facing the mountain goat, however, they have slowly begun discovering themselves and their potential again. The Aggie offensive line will have a good push up front, and this will lead the defense to have a ‘bend but don’t break mentality.’
“A man they call ‘Chief’ will need pure focus and a secondary which can better defend the run and the pass.”
The second Aggie doesn’t quite breathe a sigh of relief, but does get hopeful when asking, “What about Arkansas’s offense? How might they fare against our blessed Aggies?”
The lady at the table again waves her hands over her magical aide, glares into it, and states, “What you are hoping for is that young Ty Storey will not be able to perform in Big City. Yet if his offensive line can give him even the slightest extra second to permit him to find open receivers, then the Hogs may be able to hang around making this game close. I see a little Rakeem Boyd in your past but a lot in your future.” “Also, your precious Aggies are coached by Jimbo Fisher, so they are far from blessed.”
“Madam Craft,” the third Aggie asks, “will the special teams for Arkansas hurt our team’s chances for winning?”
The lady looks into the future and does nothing but laugh hysterically.
Finally, the trio requests one last piece of advice from the psychic, “Can you tell us who will win this game Saturday?”
One final time Madam Craft considers her crystal ball, and notes, “What the Razorbacks fans are seeking is a turning of a page with its first meaningful victory of this season. While many have witnessed improvement, there are still many flaws which must be ironed out for this program, along with a focus to build upon successes made last week. However, the growth they saw against the Tiger will continue, but it will not be enough. Texas A&M over Arkansas, 31–24.“
The men forget to thank her and turn to leave. In her rage, Madam Craft casts a spell upon them so they may some day have John L. Smith as a head coach as she screams out “Go HOGS!!!”
Lamest joke ever.
One closing prose: a man that once wore 61 will be hoping for a young man whom now wears a 9 upon his back to make a strong arrival into Jerry World. Will this happen?
Today, we do not need Madam Crafts SEC projections – you have me to rely upon instead.
• Louisiana at (1) Alabama – Tide by 42
• Tennessee at (2) George – Bulldogs by 18
• Southern Missiissippi at (10) Auburn – Tigers by 30
• Tennessee State at Vanderbilt – Commodores by 21
• Florida at (23) Mississippi State – Bulldogs by 3
• South Carolina at (17) Kentucky – Wildcats by 12
• Ole Miss at (5) LSU – Tigers by 24
Follow me on ‘Twitter:’ @PeterMorganWPS
Maybe not watching score best way to see A&M game
Arkansas goes into Saturday’s matchup with Texas A&M as a 20-point (or 21 points, depending on which Vegas line you follow) underdog, which probably surprises no one.
Needless to say, the Aggies are strutting right now. How many teams do you see with a 2-2 record that do a lot of strutting? Only Aggies.
It’s amazing how different both of these teams are viewed. The Razorbacks have considerably less chance of winning this game than the current nominee in Washington has of getting confirmed.
Yes, we’ve dropped to that level. You may not watch the scoreboard as just see if the Hogs get better, because I’m guessing they do.
There was progress by the Hogs last week. With Ty Storey running things, the offense at least settled down a little and didn’t exactly blow up.
No, the Hogs simply couldn’t score against Auburn last week. The Tigers have one of the more physical defenses in all of college football.
It will come down to how well Storey and his receivers can connect, something this team has struggled with since the opener, regardless of the quarterback.
If A&M’s defense has a weakness, defending the pass has been about the only thing to pick on, which is true of what Jimbo Fisher wants to do. He’s obsessed with running and controlling the run.
Against Clemson and Alabama, the Aggies weren’t able to run the ball, but were fairly solid stopping the run.
And that has been the constant theme.
If Arkansas can get 100 yards on the ground, they may actually have a shot at winning this game … if they can keep A&M down around that 100-yard level.
The Aggies will fling it around, but I’m guessing John Chavis is going to bring everybody but the cheerleaders and see if Kevin Mond can handle the pressure, while keeping an eye on him running.
For the last two seasons, A&M quarterbacks have run on the Hogs’ defense to the point where you actually began to wonder if they were going to give out with all those long sprints.
Arkansas will continue to be improved, but it would be shocking if it’s enough to get close to a win.
Texas A&M 35, Arkansas 14
Last week was a good one for the record, evening hitting on Kentucky’s win over Mississippi State. That prompted a message from my cousin, who played there, telling me to quit picking Bulldogs’ games.
The record moves to 39-5 as we have now completed a third of the season.
The games that really don’t even require a lot of thought are Alabama over Louisiana, Auburn over Southern Mississippi and Vanderbilt over Tennessee State.
Tennessee at -33 Georgia
There was a temptation to put this in the games not requiring a lot of thought, but it’s just fun to point out the Vols as a 33-point underdog to a division opponent.
The only way this is an upset is if Tennessee is still in the game halfway through the second quarter. Seriously.
Coach Jeremy Pruitt had a player go to the lockerroom last week in the first half. Reports vary over whether he was sent there by Pruitt or a member of the medical staff.
See, Arkansas isn’t the only place first-year coaches are struggling.
Georgia 56, Tennessee 7
Florida at -8 Mississippi State
Mississippi State was favored last week, but it wasn’t a stretch to see what might — and eventually did — happen against Kentucky.
Now they are favored at home against former coach Dan Mullen and a lot of folks think this favors the Bulldogs, who should be pumped up because of that.
Folks can say what they want, but Mullen left Starkville for Florida more for better players than the sunshine. Yes, he inherited more — and better — players than he left behind with the Bulldogs.
This year the Gators sorta slow-rolled the start to the season, but they’ve been getting better each week.
And now Kentucky showed a way to beat State.
Since I had a perfect week last week because of an upset that hit, let’s try that again.
Florida 35, Mississippi State 31
-1 South Carolina at Kentucky
Are the Wildcats for real?
Well, they’ve got a running back in Benny Snell and a belief now that they can win. sitting at 4-0 in league play and tied with Georgia atop the division.
But it’s still early.
Will Muschamp has the Gamecocks playing better, but they have played one less game due to the hurricane earlier this month and lost to Georgia, 41-17.
Most people are taking South Carolina, but the hunch here is Kentucky may actually be the second best team in the East.
Kentucky 24, South Carolina 21
Ole Miss at -13.5 LSU
We’ll find out how the Tigers compare with Alabama a little this week, hosting a Rebels team that has a high-powered offense with almost no defense.
My guess is the only reason this spread is not more than that is the questions about LSU’s offense.
They’ll handle this one with ease.
LSU 35, Ole Miss 10
Razorbacks shutout, 3-0, despite strong performance against Kentucky
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Despite a strong performance on the road, Arkansas fell to No. 19 Kentucky, 3-0, on Friday.
Junior Rachel Rippee had a milestone match, moving to fifth place in program history for career assists. With the loss, the Razorbacks fell to 6-7 on the season and 0-3 in conference play.
FINAL
No. 19 Kentucky 3, Arkansas 0 | Box Score
Attendance: 2089 | Time: 1:24
Memorial Coliseum
#RazorStats
• Stat leaders at Kentucky
o Kills: Kelly O’Brien – 10
o Digs: Okiana Valle – 12
o Blocks: Fernanda Guitron – 5.0
The Razorbacks had a slow start in the second set, falling 14-25. The team gained momentum in the second set, leading early but eventually falling 24-26.
Both teams played close in the third set until the Wildcats pulled away and won the match.
The Hogs will return to the court Sunday afternoon, ending their weekend road stretch at Tennessee. The match will stream on the SEC Network+, with first serve set for 12:30 p.m.
Razorbacks stay unbeaten with late goal from Malham to beat Mizzou
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas remained unbeaten at home Thursday night, beating Missouri, 1-0, on the back of a strong defensive stand and a 59th-minute goal from sophomore Taylor Malham.
It’s the third-straight conference win for Arkansas and second-straight shutout.
Arkansas is unbeaten through the last four matches dating back to a 1-1 draw with Providence on Sept. 16 and ups its home record to 6-0-1.
Overall, the Razorbacks are now 8-2-2 and 3-1-0 in the SEC. The Tigers fall to 4-6-2 overall and 1-2-1 in league play.
Malham, who had been held goalless over the previous seven matches, came up big early in the second half when she received a key pass from freshman Emily Russell at the far post back into the middle of the box.
Stefani Doyle was also key on the play as she helped set the offense from the right side with her cross after beating the defender to the end line.
Malham now has two goals on the year and 10 points. She joins junior Kayla McKeon as the only two Razorbacks with 10 or more points through the first 12 matches.
For Malham, six of her 10 points have come off assists.
Throughout the match, Arkansas endured a tenacious attack from Missouri. Combined, both teams managed only five shots with two coming on goal.
However, the Razorbacks turned up the heat in the second half, creating 14 shots with three finding the target.
Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Beitz, making her second-consecutive start in the net, had three saves in the game and improved to 3-0-0.
It was Arkansas’ third shutout of the year and second-straight. Beitz has been in goal for both of the previous two clean sheets.
Sound Byte
“That was obviously a huge point of emphasis, we were giving up some goals and we worked on that. At halftime, we said, ‘there are just games that you don’t have you’re A-game and you’re not sure why and your legs are little heavy, but we have to gut out a 1-0 win.’ I thought they did a tremendous job with that.” — Colby Hale on the overall play throughout the game
“It wasn’t quite us. You could tell we didn’t have our legs. Up front we were losing the physical battle and we weren’t as dynamic as we’ve been. There are days that that happens. We just have to gut out a 1-0 win and the second half we created a ton more chances and could have scored a few more goals, but we were a lot better.” — Hale on playing a tough game
“I think our team handles these games pretty well. We knew going into the second half we needed to pick up our game and put more pressure on them. I think we really improved that going into it and obviously we got a goal and we just needed to keep it up.” — Sophomore Taylor Malham on gutting out a 1-0 win
“I think all the credit goes to the backs. They make my job a lot easier. The team in front is making it easier for me to get shutouts. We had 14 shots in the second half which is a big change from the first half and that makes it a lot easier as well. It’s a big confidence booster going into the home stretch of SEC matches.” — Redshirt sophomore Taylor Beitz on back-to-back shutout wins
Other Key Notes
• Arkansas remained unbeaten at home this season with the 1-0 victory over Missouri. With a 6-0-1 record at Razorback Field, Arkansas is one of five teams in the SEC with an undefeated record at home in 2018.
• Sophomore Taylor Malham scored her second goal of the year and secured two more points to up her season total to 10. She joins Kayla McKeon as the only Razorbacks with 10 or more points this season.
• For the second-straight match, the Arkansas defense kept its opponent off the scoreboard, recording its third shutout of the year and second-straight in SEC play. Taylor Beitz has been in goal for both of the previous two shutouts.
• Thursday’s match was Arkansas’ sixth one-goal game of the year and third straight. Arkansas is now 5-1 on the year in one-goal games.
• For the third-straight appearance, Taylor Beitz tied her career high with three saves made against Missouri. In 283 minutes, Beitz has made 11 saves and only allowed two goals.
• The Razorbacks are now 6-3-0 against the Tigers all-time and have won five of the last six dating back to 2012.
Up Next
The Razorbacks have the rest of the weekend off and will return to the field on Oct. 4 when they take on LSU at 6:30 p.m. That match will be televised online on SEC Network+.
Catalon talks about official visit for Alabama game
Mansfield, Texas, Legacy High School four-star safety Jalen Catalon discussed his upcoming official visit to Arkansas next weekend against top-ranked Alabama.
“I look forward to having fun and seeing the game like atmosphere,” Catalon said.
Catalon is enjoying the recruiting process.
“Recruiting is going great,” Catalon said. “I love the care from the coaches.”
Catalon was asked what he likes about each of his top four teams of Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and TCU?
“Each school offers me a great education and the atmosphere is great,” Catalon said.
Catalon commented on what makes Arkansas different from any other school recruiting him?
“Out of my four schools they all stand out at the same level,” Catalon said.
Catalon talked about what team is recruiting him the hardest at the moment.
“It’s hard to tell … all four are really recruiting me really well,” Catalon said.
Catalon has a great relationship with the Arkansas coaching staff.
“Coaching staff is great and relationship with them is unique,” Catalon said.
Catalon knows when he will commit to his school of choice.
“Sometime in January,” Catalon said.
Catalon elaborated on what would be the determining factor on where he will go to college at.
“Just my overall feeling for the education and how I feel about fitting the program as a person,” Catalon said.
Catalon spoke on his skill sets as a football player.
“I believe I have great passion and IQ for the game,” Catalon said.
Catalon went into depth what it would mean if his teammates Tauren Carter and Arkansas commitment Enoch Jackson all ended up at Arkansas.
“It would be a blessing too,” Catalon said. “But love them no matter where they go or where we end up.But if it works out like that. It would be special.”
Catalon top four remains Arkansas, TCU, Texas, and Oklahoma. No particular order.
???? Thursday Halftime Pod — Featuring Bob Holt
Phil and Tye discuss Kelly Bryant possibly ending up at Arkansas, most expensive tickets, plus Bob Holt!
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: Thursday
John, Tommy, and Nick Mason discuss giving out phone numbers, Kelly Bryant plus Tom Murphy.
