The Razorbacks put the Red Wolves to rest after years of asking to play with the big hogs, what’s your confidence for Oxford on Saturday? Plus, Style and Swagger from the weekend!
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 9-8-25
Razorbacks handle Arkansas State 56–14 behind Green, fast start
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas turned a long-anticipated in-state matchup into a comfortable win Saturday, beating Arkansas State 56–14 at War Memorial Stadium behind a five-touchdown day from quarterback Taylen Green and another fast start from a defense that set the tone early.
The Razorbacks led 28–7 after the first quarter and finished with a 630–285 edge in total yardage.
Green accounted for 390 yards, going 17 of 26 for 239 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions while rushing nine times for 151 yards and another score.
His 64-yard keeper in the opening quarter pushed Arkansas ahead 21–7 and underscored the physical advantage the Razorbacks carried at the line of scrimmage.
Receivers O’Mega Blake, Jalen Brown, Raylen Sharpe and Rohan Jones hauled in touchdown passes, while Mike Washington (nine carries, 116 yards) and Braylen Russell added rushing production.
Arkansas (2–0) scored on its first four possessions and seven of 10 overall. Backup quarterback KJ Jackson directed an eight-play, 99-yard march in the fourth quarter, finishing the drive with a rushing score to punctuate a complete performance that included four sacks and 10 tackles for loss defensively.
Red Wolves quarterback Jaylen Raynor finished 21 of 33 for 125 yards with two interceptions and led Arkansas State with 38 rushing yards.
The Red Wolves’ biggest moment came on special teams when Chauncy Cobb returned a kickoff 98 yards for a first-quarter touchdown; he also led A-State with 50 receiving yards.
Arkansas limited explosive plays after halftime and twice turned the Red Wolves away in the red zone, including a final stop inside the last minute.
“Very appreciative of our fans — it felt like a home game,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said. “We knew the significance of this game to the state of Arkansas… our second offense came in there on the 1-yard line and went 99 yards. Then our second defense at the end, they didn’t score at the end.”
Green’s pace, defense’s pressure define the day
Green’s blend of power running and timely downfield throws continued to show in Week 2.
Arkansas averaged 11.1 yards per carry as a team and 10.7 yards per pass attempt, converting five of six third downs while holding the ball for just 22:50. The Razorbacks didn’t need long drives; after three possessions, they had 235 yards on only 10 plays.
Team figures from the ESPN box score mirrored the lopsided final — 29 first downs to A-State’s 23 and a clean 2–2 turnover split.
Up front, edge pressure and interior penetration disrupted Arkansas State’s timing. Arkansas registered four sacks and consistently put Raynor behind the chains. Linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. and defensive back Julian Neal each made interceptions as Arkansas forced hurried reads and limited yards after the catch.
History at War Memorial, and what’s next
The game was the first on-field meeting between the state’s two FBS programs and arrived amid renewed attention on Little Rock dates in the program’s scheduling mix.
Local outlets framed the matchup as a capstone occasion for War Memorial, with a charged atmosphere and quick scoring flurries in the opening quarter.
Field Level Media and Associated Press recaps echoed the statistical picture — Green as the central figure, special-teams spark from A-State, and an Arkansas defense that kept the Red Wolves out of rhythm for most of the day.
Arkansas turns to SEC play next week on the road at Ole Miss.
Key takeaways
• Taylen Green’s dual-threat efficiency carried the offense: four TD passes, 151 rushing yards and a 64-yard score.
• Defense controlled situational downs with four sacks, 10 TFLs and two interceptions to blunt A-State’s rhythm.
• Special teams swing was brief: Chauncy Cobb’s 98-yard return cut the deficit, but Arkansas answered and kept control.
ANDY’S PICKS: Don’t really expect Hogs to have close one against ASU
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It’s understandable a game against Arkansas State is going to be a semi-big deal to about 20,000 Arkansas fans.
About 15,000 will be pulling for the Red Wolves with a third of them buying tickets off the secondary market.
The rest will be showing up to be there for history and half of those will be leaving before dark to get out of that section of Little Rock.
The Razorbacks aren’t really heavy into this game and it may be one that doesn’t please the coaches, players or fans. To put it simply, playing games at War Memorial is an expensive distraction from what’s important these days — making money.
The Hogs looked good for most of a 52-7 blowout win over Alabama A&M in an opener that was decided well before halftime last week.
Playing ASU in Little Rock has basically been a big yawn for most of the Hogs’ fans who will be watching the game on television if they have ESPN’s streaming package. It won’t be on regular cable or broadcast on network stations.
It’s doubtful the Red Wolves have the players to do much with Arkansas’ Taylen Green or the offense. They may just be able to do almost anything they want if they don’t self-destruct somewhere along the way.
Defensively they showed enough after the first drive last week they will be able to figure out ASU’s jitterbug quarterback. Considering Sam Pittman’s “knock hell out of him” remark earlier in the week, this might be interesting.
It will be surprising if the Hogs are really seriously challenged in the second half of this one. If it is close at halftime could raise more questions regardless of the final score.
Fans can listen to the game Saturday at 4:00 P.M. via 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.
Hogs by 27.
SEC Picks for Week 1
Pete Morgan is so concerned about my once-flowing blonde locks, he’s apparently lost his memory that the first week of the season is not the time to be making any sort of projection for the season.
Even Chad Morris won his two season openers, one by a whopping blowout. In other words, he won half of the games over his entire entire tenure with the Razorbacks in the first games of each season.
If nobody got hurt and you had more points, it’s a win and means absolutely nothing for 11 more games.
I agree with his decision about shortening the picks. This is almost a rent-a-week, headlined by Arkansas’ game with ASU in a game in a stadium that should have been imploded decades ago.
San Jose State at (7) Texas (Good Grief 1) – This will basically be a practice after the Longhorns didn’t play badly and Arch Manning won’t see a defense the rest of the season as good as Ohio State. Everybody seems to have forgotten that. Longhorns by 50.
Utah State at (19) Texas A&M (Good Grief 2) – Nothing is worse than Aggies on Aggies crime, and this could be a massacre. A&M by 38.
Kansas at Missouri – Things were looking up for the Jayhawks and apparently they haven’t really gotten serious about football. It’s a mystery nobody has been able to solve, but the Tigers always seem to be better than folks thought. They haven’t really been tested yet. Tigers by 6.
Austin Peay at (4) Georgia (Good Grief 3) – Talk about playing a game for a check, this one probably defines that. Bulldogs by 50.
(20) Ole Miss at Kentucky – Last year’s loss to the Wildcats may have kept the Rebels out of the playoffs and they haven’t forgotten. Lane Kiffin won’t talk about revenge much but you can be sure the fans have reminded the players enough around town this week. Rebels by 13.
ETSU at (22) Tennessee (Good Grief 4) – There really isn’t much to say here. Vols by 50.
USF at (13) Florida – It was tempting to make this a Good Grief game, but there’s still something in my mind reminding me Scott Frost was one of the hot coaches when he was there before. I’m not positive the problems with the Huskers were all his fault. Florida by 11.
SC State at (10) South Carolina (Good Grief 5) – At least the expenses won’t eat a whole lot of the check to even play this game. USC by 50.
(15) Michigan at (18) Oklahoma – This could be a much bigger game than anybody is thinking. Somehow I’m just not convinced Michigan is that good and isn’t just riding the Big Ten wave of love right now. I still want desperately to believe Oklahoma is on the verge of breaking through and this might be the warning sign for everybody. Sooners by 6.
Ball State at Auburn (Good Grief 6) – Not much to say other than the Tigers may just have found a quarterback. Tigers by 50.
Arizona State at Mississippi State – Nobody really expects much from the Bulldogs, even in Starkville. Most of their fans are just waiting on baseball season anyway. The Sun Devils are the team with all the questions surrounding them. Arizona State by 3.
LA Tech at (3) LSU (Good Grief 7) – There is literally nothing to say about this one and we may have a new record for number of Good Grief games. Tigers by 35.
Vanderbilt at Virginia Tech – Going opposite Pete on this one and he may get a little more hope from this one. Hokies by 4.
ULM at (21) Alabama (Good Grief 8) – If this one is remotely close, Kalen DeBoer may not make it to Halloween. Tide by 50.
PETE’S PICKS: How Razorbacks will fare this week against Arkansas State
Allow me to tell you about my big brother for just a few minutes. Mark is older, he was always stronger, faster, more powerful, and more athletic. To sum it up, he was better at anything and everything.
What we have Saturday when the Arkansas State Red Wolves and the Arkansas Razorbacks square off against each other for the first time in football history is a classic case of little brother versus big brother. Those wearing red and black do not want to admit it, but there is a jealousy from the die-hards on the east side of the state against the flagship program.
Oddly enough, like several Red Wolves fans, most Razorback fans do not harbor any ill-will against the other program. In fact, I would state it is a safe bet each respective group of fans cheer for the other, as long as it is not in a game against each other. That’s never happened … until now.
I had a friend tell me the other day Arkansas was scared to schedule State back when the latter was good and winning Sun Belt Conference Championships. I did not have the heart to tell him that scheduling does work that way (due to it generally being years in advance), and I also wanted to mention how Frank Broyles has a “No in-State Games” policy. But I digress.
This game will be in Little Rock, which is just about the halfway point for both teams, and it may be the last time the Razorbacks travel to War Memorial. Arkansas coach Sam Pittman has been vocal in his opposition to playing a home game there each year, and even most proponents of an annual contest there cannot really justify doing so with a solid reason.
Back to my big Brother.
Mark would allow me to win from time-to-time? Why? Because he loved me, and he cared about me like a role model should. He wanted me to be successful. He would showcase mercy when he knew my pride and ego needed it.
Between these two programs, there is no love. There is no desire to see the other do well when lined up across from one another. There is no big brother compassion. There are simply two teams who see each other as a stepping stone in accomplishing their season’s goals.
Unfortunately for one, the other is far more experienced, stronger, faster, more powerful, and more athletic.
Arkansas – 34, Arkansas State – 17
Be certain to listen to the game Saturday at 4:00 P.M. via 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.
Random Thoughts
My brother called me while I was writing this. I told him I was too focused to talk. Is this irony or hypocrisy?
TRIVIA QUESTION: The state of Arkansas lost a dedicated servant this week in the passing of State Senator Gary Stubblefield. He also was a walk-on tackle for the Arkansas Razorbacks. For what high school did he play football?
You know the Arkansas State locker room has posted some bulletin board material. I am interested to hear what all is in there.
TRIVIA ANSWER: Gary Stubblefield did not play high school football. He graduated in 1969 from County Line High School, which does not play football.
KJ Jackson looked pretty solid last week. Having a good QB2 will be imperative at some point this season.
SEC Picks for Week 1
Since he refuses to shave his head as the losing wager for this year’s HTL Cup Chase, Andy Hodges might also not want to look at the leaderboard following Week 1. Doing so might simply cause his hair to fall out. I suppose I would stress out as well if I were the seasoned pro and a hot shot rookie such as myself were beating me in the picks contest.
(Editors Note: Pete apparently has forgotten Chad Morris won both of his season opening games.)
I have decided to shorten my pick’s summaries until we are not playing 14- to 15-games each week with 12 or so being rent-a-wins.
San Jose State at (7) Texas – Arch Manning will look more like the No. 1 pick for the Dallas Cowboys this week if he will stay away from the multiple sidearm throws. Longhorns by 42.
Utah State at (19) Texas A&M – Nothing is worse than Aggies on Aggies crime, and this could be a massacre. A&M by 38.
Kansas at Missouri – This one was a candidate for “Game of the Week” simply because it is somewhat of a rivalry, and it could also be an intriguing match-up. The Tigers are at home, and they should win this game by at least two touchdowns. Tigers by 17.
“Good Grief Game”
Austin Peay at (4) Georgia – Does the staff for the Governors not look at the caller ID before they answer the phone during scheduling season? Bulldogs by 30 + 30.
(20) Ole Miss at Kentucky – This week’s lone SEC match-up pits Lane Kiffin (whose daughter has been getting more media attention than him this past week) against Mark Stoops, who is probably coaching for the sake of beefing up his resume at this point. By default, this should be my GOTW, but I do not feel it will be close enough to earn the honor. Rebels by 17.
ETSU at (22) Tennessee – The game starts at 2:30 PM (Eastern Time). The outcome will be obvious by 3:14. If everyone gets dressed quickly, and if the bus driver will average about two miles over the speed limit, Bucky and the boys can be home in time to watch Michigan at Oklahoma. Vols by 45.
USF at (13) Florida – Do you know how the Gators have a recent history of overlooking opponents they should easily handle? This could be a repeat if they do not give the Bulls their full due. This one will be close until the third quarter. Florida by 24.
SC State at (10) South Carolina – There is not much distance between these two schools, but there is a huge gap in how much better of a football program the Gamecocks have. USC by 48.
PETE’S SEC GAME OF THE WEEK
(15) Michigan at (18) Oklahoma – No disrespect to my Sooners friends, but for countless years now, I am rarely ever sold on where OU is ranked. That’s what makes giving this only ranked contest the GOTW honors a tough decision. I simply am gun-shy on thinking Oklahoma is that much improved over last year. Maybe they are still great and the challenge of the SEC is simply too much for them.
No matter my opinion, the No. 15 Wolverines trapse their way into Norman to face Sooners quarterback John Mateer with his big arm and accuracy. His woe will be OU’s less-than-stellar rushing backfield and offensive line rush blocking which have failed to move the ball more than 3.2 yards average.
Here is the kicker: I am not a believer in Michigan’s ranking right now either. They did not look solid last week versus New Mexico. With this game being In OU Memorial Stadium, the home squad gets the advantage. Sooners by 7.
Ball State at Auburn – The Fighting Football Cardinal make the venture to the plains that will make their 31-0 loss to Purdue last weekend seem like a mild daydream. Tigers by 49.
Arizona State at Mississippi State – With this non-conference being held in Starkville, this may actually end up being one of the closest games on this list. The Bulldogs are hoping to build on their season opening win, but I am not feeling they have what it takes to pull it off over the Sun Devils, even at home. Arizona State by 10.
LA Tech at (3) LSU – Upset Alert??? Not a chance. Tigers blow out their little brother by 18.
Vanderbilt at Virginia Tech – Are the Hokies campaigning to join the SEC? Maybe by proxy? When they scheduled South Carolina and Vanderbilt back-to-back, USC must have been playing a lot worse than they are now. What probably was a good idea at the time has not panned out as they had planned. This is all subjective. Vandy is on the rise, perhaps. At least they seem to be early every season. On the road, the ‘Dores get the victory. Vandy by 3.
ULM at (21) Alabama – Should we laugh or feel conference shame following Bama’s loss to Florida State last week. Saban is gone, but anyone at the helms of an SEC program should beat the Warhawks, especially at home. Tide by 40.
Prayers for the Gary Stubblefield family. No matter upon what side of the political sphere you fall, Senator Stubblefield was dedicated to the state and its people. He was a stand-up man who loved God and cherished his family, friends, and loved ones. He will be missed.
Go HOGS!!!
Hogville’s Dudley Dawson on seeing first Razorbacks-ASU game
What he’s looking to see from Hogs in probably last game at War Memorial Stadium in matchup he never thought he would ever see.
Fox Sports’ Aaron Torres on maybe re-thinking preseason pick on LSU
After Tigers dismantled Clemson, what he thinks of Tigers and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, but can Brian Kelly maintain it?
BetSaracen’s Neal Atkinson on huge day of action as NFL season starts
Not much action on Razorbacks in opener due to big spread but other games and pro football getting started seeing big numbers now.
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 9-5-25
Football Friday! Arkansas heads to Little Rock as we reflect on the good times at WMS. The NFL is back and more!
Guests: Tom Murphy!
