It took awhile for Arkansas’ offense get in gear, but first of two touchdown passes to wide receiver started it.
LIVE BLOG: Hogs get bowl eligible with win over bad Louisiana Tech
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas will be bowling for the fourth time in Sam Pittman’s five years after a 35-14 win over Louisiana Tech. The game won’t set any memorable marks, though.
Unless you consider games that are boring memorable. This one was all that.
With the win, the Hogs are now bowl eligible and will be shooting for a seventh win next Saturday against Missouri.
The Razorbacks start with Rodney Hill returning the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, but freshman CJ Brown was called for a holding penalty that brought it all back. The Hogs had to put after a first down and when Louisiana Tech punted it back, Isaiah Sategna caught ball and dropped a knee before popping up and running 19 yards.
Arkansas turned the ball right off when quarterback Taylen Green forces a throw and it’s intercepted by Tech, but they drive to the Hogs’ 2, go backwards and long field goal attempt just wide to the left of the upright.
2Q 5:49: After an ugly game with lots of penalties and missed chances by both teams, the Razorbacks finally put together a scoring drive. Quarterback Taylen Green passes to Isaac TeSlaa crossing in the back of the end zone for an 11-yard completion for the first points of the game. Hogs 7, Bulldogs 0
2Q 1:53: Green breaking things open with a 41-yard scoring run as Razorbacks’ talent edge starting to clearly show. Hogs 14, Bulldogs 0
3Q 9:54: TeSlaa catches second scoring pass of the day from Green, this time from 27 yards out. Hogs 21, Bulldogs 0
3Q 3:59: Louisiana Tech avoids a shutout after getting another Razorback turnover when Sategna fumbled after colliding with a blocker. Eli Finley catches a 2-yard pass from Evan Bullock for the first touchdown for Tech in seven quarters. Hogs 21, Bulldogs 7
4Q 14:14: Green puts up second rushing touchdown with an 8-yard scamper up the middle. Hogs 28, Bulldogs 7
4Q 5:58: Tech gets another score on the second touchdown pass of the day from Bullock, drilling a 20-yard pass to Jimmy Holiday on a slant he caught and turned up into the end zone. Hogs 28, Bulldogs 14
4Q 3:01: Razorbacks tack on an exclamation point. Rashod Dubinion does all the hard work getting to the red zone, then Ja’Quinden Jackson comes on and runs the ball in from 13 yards out. Hogs 35, Bulldogs 14
PETE’S PICKS: Does anybody think Hogs will be challenged?
Senior Day at Razorback Stadium is upon us, and an initial thought was to highlight and thank each player concluding their collegiate career today.
I soon realized it was a daunting task created with a mix of three factors: NIL, the transfer portal, and the “super senior” year provided by COVID-19.
Therefore, a blanket and heartfelt thank you go out to each and every senior who have donned the Cardinal and White for the University of Arkansas, the program, the state, the staff, and for us as fans.
Guys like Eric Gregory, Landon Jackson, Isaac TeSlaa and Hudson Clark gave up other opportunities to leave (including Jackson to the NFL) and chose to stay through the highs and the lows in recent Arkansas football.
You also have guys like Andrew Armstrong who transferred here but stayed even when our program had the horrendous 2023 season.
Mad props to Doneiko Slaughter who opted to come here for his final season even though the current situation looked abysmal.
Also, and I am not campaigning here, but there are a multitude of players like Josh Braun and Taylen Green (a junior) who could return for another season. Let’s hope they and the others do.
I truly wish I could run through every scenario for each senior here; however, in full transparency, I had a super busy week and was unable to do enough full research to present only facts without injecting hearsay and speculation. Some people should also apply that to their political discussions. All jokes aside, I hope to put together a better showing of gratitude after the season reaches its conclusion.
Aside from that, Arkansas has one last home game for 2024 as it hosts Louisiana Tech, with both teams aspiring to become bowl eligible. With five wins on the season, the Razorbacks need one to secure while the Bulldogs need four.
Arkansas gets their “one” today.
Hogs by 34
Random Thoughts
As we age, our priorities change. And with the countless number of Arkansas games I have attended and encouraged others to attend, I will not be in Fayetteville for the game today. I will instead watch the game on my phone simultaneously while watching one of my Daughters play in a basketball tournament championship. To Kinley and her teammates: Play as a Team, and go win this thing!
I feel disheartened this football season, but why? Any takers?
TRIVIA QUESTION: Many consider playing Louisiana Tech a cupcake game. Without looking, what is the average margin of victory for the Razorbacks over the Bulldogs?
I hear Houston Nutt is a free agent.
TRIVIA ANSWER: Arkansas has a 4-0 record against Louisiana Tech, but the average margin of victory is only 9-points. The last two meetings, in 1997 and 2016, were only 4-point and 1-point victories, respectively. Tech wins a lot of conference championships. They are rarely a slouch.
Hunter Yurachek receives an unnecessary amount of hate on social media. This guy dealt the cards he was handed, and he made the most out of what he could with the football program. But you keyboard warriors calling for him to leave have blinders on when it comes to what happened behind the scenes ALONG WITH the countless other great things he has done for the athletics program at the University of Arkansas. Not to mention, he has been a fantastic ambassador of the state.
SEC Picks for Week 13
Did Andy really talk to smack to me again this past week? I mean, I understand telegrams were the fastest forms of communication when he was going to college, but sending one to my house to criticize my obviously bad pick of the Hogs upsetting the Longhorns last weekend was mildly amusing. On to Week 13, and you can tell which SEC teams are hosting their Senior Day.
(9) Ole Miss at Florida – This game has the potential to be an upset. Florida fans have been on a rollercoaster ride all season. From the beginning of the season when expectations were high, to multiple lopsided losses, to buyout funding being searched for Billy Napier, to upsetting LSU to stay in the hunt for postseason play. The picks count is safely in hand. I’m calling the UPSET! Gators by 7.
Massachusetts at (10) Georgia – Kirby Smart and Steve Sarkee… Sarkae… Sark… Uh, Texas’s head coach should just get into the MMA ring and settle their beef. Georgia has a “game” today first. Bulldogs by 35.
UTEP at (11) Tennessee – They will always be UTEP to me. Much love to Nolan Richardson, but his former school is in trouble today. Vols by 31.
Kentucky at (3) Texas – The Wildcats keep this one close until midway through the third. Longhorns by 28.
Wofford at (18) South Carolina – “Good Grief Game”: USC will win handily, but it will not improve their ranking. It may actually drop them if they do not win by at least 40. Gamecocks by 37.
(23) Missouri at Mississippi State – At least Mississippi State can relax knowing win or lose, there is no anxiety nor suspense on where you will spend the postseason. Missouri is too powerful for even a pumped up State team to pull an upset, even in Starkville. Tigers by 27.
GAME OF THE WEEK
(15) Texas A&M at Auburn – I’m not certain this should be the GOTW, especially with my predicting an upset for Ole Miss, but this one is the most intriguing. It also has the potential for a blowout. Aggies by 14.
(7) Alabama at Oklahoma – This looked fun when the season started. It is not looking so promising for OU in their inaugural SEC season. Bama by 10.
Vanderbilt at LSU – Another contender for GOTW, and the final score will show why. Tigers by 7.
For you high school fans: Great season, Tigers! Get ready for next year with a large amount of returning players.
Go HOGS!!!
ANDY’S PICKS: One thing Hogs need to be aware of against Bulldogs
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — This one shouldn’t even be close. About the only way this is a surprise is if Arkansas is not leading Louisiana Tech by three touchdowns at halftime.
The Razorbacks simply have too much of a talent advantage.
There is something, though, Sam Pittman probably is very aware of today and it has very little to do with the game. He simply doesn’t want to get anybody hurt before facing a Missouri team next week he’s never managed to beat just once. As a whole since they started trying to sell this as a big rivalry, the Hogs have won just twice. Doing it with some key people missing would not be easy, especially on the road where Arkansas has never won.
There’s not even much to analyze about this game. We’ve heard nothing but platitudes from coaches and the players that was mostly cliches strung together to just get to the game. Everybody will be figuring out what bowl game they’ll play in if they get a win.
At six wins, you’re probably looking at Birmingham or Memphis as the best possibilities. Beat Missouri next week and it brings Nashville and maybe even a trip to Florida into the equation.
Arkansas 48, Louisiana Tech 14
SEC Picks
Considering the way Pete’s been going out on limbs this year and thinking the Razorbacks had a legitimate shot against Texas sealed his homer fate. When you’re that far behind, I guess just take a shot. It won’t help him by the end of next week’s game.
(9) Ole Miss at Florida – The Gators are playing better than anyone thought they would be by the end of the year, but so are the Rebels. Florida’s wanting a win to get to any bowl game while Ole Miss is playing for the College Football Playoff. This game will probably be interesting for a half, then the Rebels will break it open. Rebels by 14.
Massachusetts at (10) Georgia – After saying Arkansas’ game shouldn’t be close by halftime, this one should see the Bulldogs have a three-touchdown lead at the end of the first quarter. It’s that big of a mismatch. Bulldogs by 41.
UTEP at (11) Tennessee – Vols trying to get ready for what suddenly may be an interesting end of the season game in east Tennessee next week. This week won’t be be close unless Tennessee plays even worse than they did against Arkansas. Vols by 34.
Kentucky at (3) Texas – This will be an ugly game because the Wildcats do have a defense that has played very well on occasion. It’s the final home game of the year for Texas, though, having to take a short trip to A&M next week for a more important game. That game is also why they can’t afford to stumble in this one. Longhorns by 9.
Wofford at (18) South Carolina – “Good Grief Game” the Gamecocks will have no problem with, but will need some help elsewhere to shoot up in the standings. South Carolina may feel it needs style points for the playoff committee, though, and pour it on. Gamecocks by at least 25.
LA Tech at Arkansas – The Razorbacks will increase their average margin of victory in the series. Hogs by 34.
(23) Missouri at Mississippi State – Considering the way Missouri has played up to or down to their opponents this year, this game could be much closer than anybody thinks. It also may be the best shot for Jeff Lebby to win an SEC game in his first year. The only problem is Missouri has better players. Tigers by 7.
GAME OF THE WEEK
(15) Texas A&M at Auburn – Everybody keeps waiting on Hugh Freeze to do something this year with the Tigers other than watch the eagle fly around before games. The Aggies still have a path to get into the SEC Championship game and maybe into the playoffs. Their defense could make that path clearer, but they do have their big challenge next week against Texas. Aggies by 14.
(7) Alabama at Oklahoma – Even the Sooners’ faithful don’t hold out a lot of hope on this one. Alabama is looking for style points to possibly improve their playoff position, but more importantly keep everybody healthy for that pesky Auburn game next week. Bama by 17.
Vanderbilt at LSU – Something just doesn’t seem right coming to the end of the season with the Tigers. Don’t ask me what the problem is because I really have no idea. Somehow I am going to take one of Pete’s risks here and pick an upset. Commodores by 4.
Theiro, Fland lead short-handed Hogs over Trojans, 79-67
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Adou Thiero had 23 points, eight rebounds, a career-high six steals and two blocked shots while Boogie Fland added 21 points and seven assists to lead No. 20/24 Arkansas to a 79-67 victory over Little Rock Friday night at Bud Walton Arena.
The Razorbacks raced out a to a 17-3 lead to start the game and never trailed. While Arkansas held several leads of 15 points or more, including an 18-point lead at halftime, the Trojans would not go away, out-scoring the Hogs 43-37 in the second half.
A 10-0 run by Little Rock with 13 minutes to go, cut its deficit to eight. Later, the Trojans trailed by just seven with 10:15 left before a 7-0 Razorback run, highlighted by a Thiero offensive rebound on a missed Karter Kknox free throw, to put its lead in double digits. Then, down 17 with 5:43 to play, Little Rock worked its deficit to eight (74-66) with 2:14 left.
Thiero got the Razorbacks back on track when he threw down his fourth dunk of the game for a 10-point lead with 1:25 left. Fland went 3-of-4 at the line over the final minute to secure the 12-point win.
D.J. Wagner made 3-of-6 from 3-point range and scored 11 points with three steals and Zvonimir Ivisic scored 10 points with two blocked shots.
Mwani Wilkinson led the Trojans with 18 points and Jonathan Lawson added a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Arkansas wraps its four-game homestand by hosting Maryland-Eastern Shore on Monday (Nov. 25) in Bud Walton Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 pm and the game will be televised on SEC Network+.
FIRST HALF: Arkansas 42 – Little Rock 24
• Arkansas raced out to a 17-3 lead to start the game.
• Arkansas had 10 steals in the period, its most since getting 10 versus Bradley (12/17/22) in a game at North Little Rock. D.J. Wagner and Adou Thiero each had three steals. Johnell Davis and Boogie Fland each had two.
• Boogie Fland led Arkansas with 13 points, going 5-lof-5 from the field (2-of-2 from 3-point) and 1-of-1 at the line. He also led the team with five assists.
• Arkansas shot 58.1% from the field while holding Little Rock to 29.6%, including 9.1% (1-of-11) from 3-point.
SECOND HALF: Arkansas 37 – Little Rock 43
• Arkansas only shot 31.8% from the field while Little Rock shot 43.8%, including 45.5% (5-of-11) from 3-point range.
• Arkansas out-rebounded Little Rock, 23-18, in the second half and won the rebound battle, 38-36.
• Thiero scored 16 of his 23 in the second half with six rebounds and three steals.
• Arkansas committed 19 turnovers for the game, 12 in the second half.
GAME NOTES:
• Arkansas’ starting lineup was Boogie Fland, D.J. Wagner, Johnell Davis, Adou Thiero and Zvonimir Ivisic.
• Arkansas won the opening tip. The Hogs have won the tip in all five games.
• Adou Thiero scored the game’s first points, a steal and a layup at 18:53.
• Karter Knox was Arkansas’ first sub.
• Boogie Fland leads the SEC in minutes played and added to that by playing 38:03 Friday as he played all 20 minutes of the second half.
• This was just the second time Arkansas and Little Rock have officially faced off. Arkansas won 93-78 on Dec. 14, 2021. However, the teams also played a charity exhibition game on Oct. 20, 2019, a game Arkansas won, 79-64, on a night Bud Walton Arena’s playing surface was named Nolan Richardson Court.
• Boogie Fland is the only Razorback to score double figures in all five games as well as the only one to hit a 3-pointer in all five and have at least three assists in all five – getting seven three times.
Democrat-Gazette’s Bob Holt previewing Hogs’ matchup with Louisiana Tech
Razorbacks can’t afford a repeat of previous mistakes in Saturday’s game with Bulldogs to get bowl eligible before Missouri game.
Eastside Liquor Halftime Podcast: 11-22-24
With: Phil Elson, Matt Jones, and Christian Johnston.
Guests: Aaron Torres, Grant Hall, and Neal Atkinson.
Touchdown Radio’s Brett Dolan on impact offenses having this year
Razorbacks’ inconsistencies moving the ball at critical times have had impact against ranked teams this year.
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 11-22-24
Football Friday! With: Tye Richardson, Tommy Craft, and Christian Johnston.
Guests: The Fence Man and Clay Henry!
WATCH: The Morning Rush is LIVE at Mock Legal Solutions on a Football Friday
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