Defensive back Alfahiym Walcott, offensive lineman Brady Latham and linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul after 7-3 loss to Bulldogs on Saturday.
LIVE BLOG: Hogs come crashing down; join Hog Reaction on ESPN Arkansas
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It’s a good bet Arkansas didn’t play on playing a horrific homecoming game Saturday against Mississippi State, but that’s exactly what happened.
The net result of one of the worst games in recent memory (and that’s on both sides of the ball, by the way), the Razorbacks lost to the Bulldogs, 7-3, in a game that was just as ugly as the score indicates.
Cam Little had a field goal on the Hogs’ first possession and Mississippi State got a touchdown later, but the rest of this one was as bad as anything seen around here in a time everyone had hoped disappeared.
You can join Hog Reaction on ESPN Arkansas following the broadcast postgame of the network. That will be taking phone calls with views from Hog fans with Tye Richardson, Derek Ruscin and Olivia Couch, presented by the Teague Law Firm and Signature Bank.
It’s been rumored all week Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers wouldn’t be able to go in today’s game against Arkansas. That’s turned out to be the case with senior transfer Mike Wright taking all the first team snaps in warmups. Rogers is nowhere to be found.
The Razorbacks’ Sam Pittman and players have talked all week about “hoping” to get a win and break a five-game losing streak as they come back home for the first time in over a month. Nobody wants to remember the last time they were playing at Razorback Stadium.
It’s a Chamber of Commerce type day in Northwest Arkansas with virtually no wind, a lot of sunshine and very moderate temperatures. We’ll have the running summary of scoring and big plays here with postgame video and coverage later.
You can listen online at the link below in selected markets or on the radio at 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
LIVE BLOG
1Q 12:30: Alfahiym Walcott picks off Wright’s pass on the second play of the game and the Hogs couldn’t do a whole lot with that gift. KJ Jefferson did find Ty Washington for a 19-yard gain, but again the offense stalled inside the 10-yard line. Cam Little comes on for a 24-yard field goal and an early lead and confidence in the defense. Hogs 3, Bulldogs 0
2Q 13:03: Uh-oh, That may be very premature, coming at the start of the second quarter, but Wright engineering a 69-yard drive in nine plays and 4:32 of the clock to score on a 2-yard pass to Jo’Quavious Marks. Wright has 45 yards rushing and the Hogs are struggling to keep him contained. Bulldogs 7, Hogs 3
3Q 4:03: An interesting sequence of events. The Hogs drive down before getting stopped and Little comes on for a field goal, but they can’t get everything decided in time and end up with a delay penalty. Max Fletcher came in to deliver a punt that backed Mississippi State to the 3. Either Pittman has more confidence in the defense or thinks they can play a field position game. We’ll see, but put that one in the memory bank.
4Q 1:14: Normally this wouldn’t be a mention, but Mississippi State misses a Kyle Ferrie 29-yard field goal bad left. Bulldogs 7, Hogs 3
Trevon Brazile’s return highlights Hogs’ big win over UT-Tyler
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Khalif Battle scored a game-high 14 points — 12 in the second half — and No. 14 Arkansas cruised to a 92-39 exhibition win over UT-Tyler Friday night at Bud Walton Arena. It also saw the return of Trevon Brazile, who was injured in December last year, but Jalen Graham sat out the game with back spasms from an injury.
The Razorbacks ran out to a 20-4 lead and never looked back. Arkansas also used an 11-0 run early in the second half to put the game away.
Arkansas was 11-of-34 from 3-point range as Joseph Pinion and Jeremiah Davenport each made three and Battle added two. UT Tyler was just 1-of-20 from 3-point range and committed 20 turnovers.
FIRST HALF
• Jeremiah Davenport nearly out-scored the Patriots in the first half. He scored 11 points, making 3-of-5 3-pointers.
• El Ellis added seven points and Devo Davis had six.
• Arkansas held UT Tyler to 0-of-8 shooting from 3-point range.
• The 12 points by UT Tyler were the fewest by an opponent in an exhibition game on record (dating back to 1993).
• Arkansas forced 13 turnovers while committing just two, one being a lane violation on a free throw.
SECOND HALF
• It was a slow start to the second half with Arkansas out-scoring UT Tyler, 3-2, in the first three minutes. Tramon Mark and Joseph Pinion led an 11-0 run. Mark had a 3-pointer and a dunk while Pinion had a pair of 3’s.
• El Ellis had three assists in the second half and finished the game with nine points, four assists, four steals and zero turnovers.
• Battle scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Arkansas starters were El Ellis, Joseph Pinion, Tramon Mark, Chandler Lawson and Baye Fall.
• Arkansas controlled the tip as UT Tyler knocked the tip out of bounds.
• El Ellis scored the game’s first points on a fastbreak layup.
• Davonte Davis and Makhi Mitchell were the first subs.
• This was the first meeting between Arkansas and UT Tyler.
• Arkansas is 72-10 all-time in exhibition games. The Razorbacks had a streak of 35 consecutive exhibition wins snapped with a 90-60 loss at No. 12 Texas last year. However, Arkansas has won 36 straight exhibition games at home and is 63-9 all-time in home exhibition games.
Arkansas will take another step in its preparation for the 2023-24 season opener on Oct. 28 (Saturday) by playing the second of its two exhibition games. The charity contest will be played vs No. 3/2 Purdue with tip-off set for 3 p.m. at Bud Walton Arena.
ANDY’S PICKS: Can Hogs get ‘must-win’ game against Bulldogs?
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — You can go ahead and make whatever confident statement you want about Arkansas’ game Saturday with Mississippi State. Compare all the analytics and stuff you want, but the games often don’t follow along those things, whether you want to know it or not.
Both of these teams have more questions and answers by the halfway point of the season. Nothing everybody planned back in August for the Razorbacks has seemed to fall into line like expected … with the exception of the defense appearing to be vastly improved. Sure, they’ve given up some big plays but that’s the nature of college football these days.
Rules favor the offense, which makes Zach Arnett’s decisions where to go with the Bulldogs’ offense since taking over for the late Mike Leach. They had one of the most explosive offenses in the league with Will Rogers, who has run the Air Raid basically his entire life. Now he’s having to learn something completely new and the result has seen some struggles.
Think it’s going to be a cakewalk for the Hogs? They still have some things to figure out, too, especially on offense. With top running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders sounding more and more like he’s out for the rest of the year, the burden falls on quarterback KJ Jefferson to carry things on his shoulder.
All of that sounds good, but considering he hasn’t made it through a complete season as the starter without getting banged up enough to miss at least one game it’s a cause for concern. The Bulldogs may not be good, but they are very physical and stick to the time-honored traditions in the state of Mississippi.
That simple tradition has held true at Starkville and Oxford. Ole Miss is more interested in winning the party after whatever the final score is while Mississippi State simply views every game as a full-blown fistfight and they want to beat up the other team, regardless of outcome. None of that has changed in over 100 years.
Hog fans might want to say they are desperate, but so are the Bulldogs. It’s also a morning kickoff, which seems to favor the visiting teams, who always appear locked and loaded for them.
Then there’s that “hope” word we’ve heard from Sam Pittman and the Hogs’ players this week. While you may not find that cause to raise an eyebrow, it always has with me. It doesn’t exactly invoke a lot of confidence or a sound of confidence. Pittman gets somewhat of a pass because coaches have to do that. They don’t want to give anyone a headline for motivationn.
The game will kick off at 11 a.m. on ESPN. You can listen to the game at HitThatLine.com in select markets and on the radio at ESPN Arkansas 99.7 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
Arkansas Gameday show on ESPN Arkansas starts at 6 a.m. with Tye Richardson and Christian Johnston presented by The Stadium Shoppe on Razorback Rd. and KC Insurance Partners. The IMG/Leerfield pregame show begins at 8 a.m. with Phil Elson hosting joined by Rick Schaeffer and the on-air broadcasting crew.
Hog Reaction on ESPN Arkansas will follow the broadcast postgame of the network (probably 3:30 or so). That will be taking phone calls with views from Hog fans with Tye Richardson, Derek Ruscin and Olivia Couch, presented by the Teague Law Firm and Signature Bank.
Since Peter hasn’t submitted a thing, he may be forfeiting again like he did the first week of the season. It’s tough coasting this much through a college football season, but he’ll probably have another shot at witty things.
Mississippi State at Arkansas (-6.5): The Hogs will have to continue the fast starts they’ve had the last few weeks, which may something far too realistic for fans to hope continues. If you’ve watched the Razorbacks enough over the last several years you know the most consistent thing is inconsistency. The Hogs should have better players that are good enough to pull out a another close win in this one and Cam Little has won this matchup before. Hogs 31, Bulldogs 28
Tennessee at Alabama (-9): This has not been a normal Nick Saban-the type group of Crimson Tide and everybody is expecting the Vols to be better than last year when they knocked out Alabama in Knoxville. That’s not where this one’s being played and Tennessee isn’t as good as last year, either. But the Tide’s defense is still pretty good. Crimson Tide 28, Vols 24
South Carolina at Missouri (-7.5): It’s probably fascinating for Hog fans to see the Tigers already bowl-eligible and Arkansas to still be four wins short … and a key matchup against Mizzou at the end of the year. The Gamecocks have been vastly improved and can put points on the board with Spencer Rattler having probably the second-best season of anybody else in the league behind LSU’s Jayden Daniels. And it may be time for the the Tigers to have a down week. Gamecocks 34, Tigers 31
Ole Miss (-6.5) at Auburn: This one has all sorts of old storylines to be dredged up about Tigers coach Hugh Freeze previously being with the Rebels. Half the fans in the stadium won’t remember a whole lot about that. It was six years ago and the news cycle in sports doesn’t run that long. Freeze is improving Auburn, but Ole Miss is making a run at something special and it’s really kind of hard to figure out how they are doing it because their wins haven’t always been pretty. Still, though, it should be good enough to down the Tigers. Rebels 37, Auburn 28
Army at LSU (-32): This game may be a bettor’s dream. Oh, not that Army’s going to win the game because that probably isn’t going to happen, but that the Tigers’ defense can make it happen. Zach Arns said on Ruscin & Zach on Thursday it may take LSU until the second quarter to figure out where the Black Knights have the ball on offense. But that probably won’t be enough unless you’re betting the line. Tigers 38, Army 24
Can Razorbacks end five-game losing streak Saturday?
Elisha Gray. Samuel J Tilden. Roseville, Arkansas. What do these three things have in common? They all were on the brink of greatness. Each had a life-altering event at their fingertips, only to have success ripped away despite it being so close.
You may not have heard of these two gentlemen and this small township, so allow me to list three similar things. Alexander Graham Bell. Rutherford B. Hayes. Little Rock, Arkansas. Sound a little more familiar?
According to some versions of history, Gray’s lawyer was just a few hours late to the patent office with his “first” version of the telephone.
Tilden lost to President Hayes by one electoral vote in 1876. The same Hayes who worked hard on civil service reform and signed a bill allowing women attorneys to appear before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Roseville (according to legend) lost out on becoming the state capital of Arkansas by two votes. Imagine how different life would be in the River Valley if that unknown place had a massive domed building and was the hub of our state.
[Writer’s note: I have heard many from Roseville make this claim. I have spent many hours throughout the years researching its validity, but to no avail.]
The point is we as fans are taking solace in close losses by our flagship football team. But who remembers the ones who had success within reach but never topped the mountain?
Close is not going to cut it this weekend. Either Arkansas wins, or the majority of fans will check-out for the remainder of the season. A loss against Mississippi State will start the tapping of the nails in the coffin for any chances of becoming bowl eligible. Without any momentum, it will be almost impossible to win out against Florida, Auburn, and Missouri.
No moral victories this weekend. Win or make holiday vacation plans early.
Can we do it? Let’s break it down, shall we?
Oh, and on a quick note: I had someone ask me the other day, “Why do you rarely give stats, breakdowns, and percentages in your pieces?” Allow me to explain for those of you who are still tuned in. I offer up opinion pieces. I discuss my thoughts on the game for people who either want a break from the numbers and calculations, or I write my words for those of you who simply value and associate with an average fan’s thought processes week-in and week-out. Perhaps I am saying exactly what you are thinking in regards to Arkansas football? There is a chance I am saying the complete opposite of what you feel? Or maybe this weekly journey is purely me exercising the limits of what my editor and company leadership will permit me to get away with simply in an attempt to entertain you.
Whatever it is, I love you for it.
Why Mississippi State will Win
They won’t. They are not as talented as Arkansas, nor do they have enough of a game plan to win this once small rivalry on the road.
Why Arkansas will Win
We are sick of being close, and the players have not given up. There is still bowl eligibility at stake along with a massive amount of pride.
Razorback Stadium will not be rockin’ this weekend, but it will be a fun place, even during an 11 a.m. game. The Bulldogs will still feel the effects of a small, hostile crowd.
How is that for a breakdown? Arkansas, 34–20
Random Thoughts
Arkansas plays basketball this weekend in an exhibition game against UT Tyler. Are you not excited?
You have my permission to shoot on sight any cowbells you come across this weekend.
TRIVIA QUESTION: Arkansas’s first year of playing college football was in 1894. The played three games with one being against the University of Texas. Against whom were the other two games?
I am leaving this up until it is no longer a truth: Pittman STILL has a lot to prove for himself and his coaching staff. He may finally be able turn up that damn jukebox this weekend. And I may finally be able to pull this random thought from the list.
TRIVIA ANSWER: In 1894, Arkansas played one game against the University of Texas and two against [Insert drumroll here] Fort Smith High. Both of the two against Fort Smith were shutout victories with Arkansas winning 42 – 0 in Fort Smith, and then 38 – 0 in Fayetteville.
One other fun fact: We lead the series against Mississippi State 18 to 14 with 1-tie. One of the Bulldogs’ victories was in 1998 [Remember that year?], which propelled them to their only SEC Western Division Championship.
Going back to why I write this weekly but offer no mathematical substance like the other guys. Perhaps I am just too lazy to look up the stats. Just a thought.
As I sit around my office marveling at all my Arkansas Razorbacks merchandise, I am also humbled by one Ms. Patricia Brison, whom I met recently during a business event. At the risk of causing a flood of tourism in her office, I will not disclose her location; however, I will say, if you ever do enter the friendly confines of her office, you will think you have entered a Hogs’ museum. I have never seen such a paradise of Razorback memorabilia than Ms. Brison’s office. If a licensed vendor has manufactured it, she has it in her possession. She will also be at the game this weekend, so let’s give her a victory, Hogs!
Be certain to listen to the game Saturday at 11 a.m. on HitThatLine.com and on the air at ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs, and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.
SEC Picks for Week 8
This week the SEC has more byes than a 90’s boy band hit.
Andy Hodges has seen his early season lead dwindle to a very small number (Editor’s Note: Somebody else isn’t keeping up with the numbers). Perhaps he has gotten cocky and thus lackadaisical with his predictions, or perhaps he has enough believers that he is single-handedly changing the odds in Vegas. Most likely he allowing fear to dictate his picks as he recognizes the football genius before him. Either way, he will be lucky if I do not take the lead today.
Mississippi State at Arkansas – Loud fans. Ticked-off players. A fed-up coaching staff. If Arkansas has all three of these, they will win easily. Hogs by 14.
(17) Tennessee at (11) Alabama – GAME OF THE WEEK: “Tennessee is not as good as they were last year.” “Boy, the Vols sure are having a let-down season.” “The Vols will beat Alabama.” Commonly heard phrases as of late, but can all three of them be true. We will find out Saturday, but you need not wait that long to know, Alabama has this one late in the 4th. Crimson Tide by 4.
South Carolina at (20) Missouri – USC head coach Shane Beamer may be having a mutiny on his hands. The quick rise of Beamer Ball just a short time ago has fallen by the curse that is being a Gamecocks fan, and the latter are turning on the prior. Beamer may not have a job much longer if this losing trend continues. Eli Drinkwitz, while annoying and, honestly, in my opinion, not that great of a head coach, does have his Missouri Tigers playing well. They will move up in the rankings after this weekend.Tigers by 14.
(13) Ole Miss at Auburn – I have no doubt Hugh Freeze is doing everything he can to say his team is focused solely on the opponent but not the past, all the while he has his own inner turmoil with which to deal. He wants this win badly, and he will have his day against Ole Miss… but it will not be this season. Rebels by 11.
Army at (19) LSU – This looks like a “Retro Bowl College” scheduled match-up as LSU hosts a service academy while enjoying a break from their SEC foes. Tigers by 24.
Soller Opposites
Unfortunately for us, Eric attended the BYU game and apparently two guys talked him into going to what he thought they referred to as the “empty sea”. Regardless, he is now prepping for his mission, but he says he will get back to giving us gambling advice as soon as he returns, which he states will be written in Portuguese. Vejo você embreve, Soller!
Thank you, Rocky McCullers, for reading and for going above and beyond at the hardware store the other day. I have never seen a man search so hard for D-rings, and I am grateful for your help.
Saturday is very winnable, and I will be enjoying the best snacks and perhaps even a bootlegged Mountain Dew.
Find me on ‘X’: @PeterMorganWPS
Go HOGS!!!
Ruscin & Zach do their best to help break Arkansas’ losing streak in Friday’s podcast
The much anticipated return of Patricia to try and break the slump the Razorback football team is currently in. Then DQ tells about the week that was on the show.
BetSaracen’s Neal Atkinson says Cowboys may have been replaced
In Arkansas, maybe there’s a new favorite NFL team, at least by what teams are getting the most betting action.
Scorebook Live’s Nate Olson on big week as season comes to end
Some key matchups across Arkansas with high school football and the games get larger with playoff matchups on line.
Halftime Pod Presented By Eastside Liquor- October 20th, 2023
Guests: Aaron Torres, Nate Olson, Neal Atkinson
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Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: Hogs desperate for a win tomorrow against Miss St
Tye, Tommy and Chuck on must win situation for hogs tomorrow and much more!
#Arkansas #ArkansasRazorbacks #Hogs #Hawgs #WPS #ArkansasRazorbacksPodcast #GoHogs #HitThatLine #WooPigSooie #RazorbackPodcast #ArkansasPodcast #HogPodcast
